Lockheed Martin’s SMSS Gains Satellite Control Capability

Lockheed's Squad Mission Support System. Photo courtesy Lockheed Martin.

By Danielle Lucey



Satellite communications aren’t just for UAVs anymore. Lockheed Martin recently completed a demonstration at Camp Grayling in Michigan of its Squad Mission Support System unmanned ground vehicle that was controlled from a satellite from more than 200 miles’ distance. 



The unmanned mule vehicle performed battlefield surveillance operations while being controlled using a beyond-line-of-sight satellite operated from the U.S. Army’s Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center in Warren, Mich. SMSS was outfitted with General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies’ SATCOM-on-the-Move system.



"These demonstrations allow the Army development communities to better understand capabilities available to them with SMSS right now," says Joe Zinecker, director of combat maneuver systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "We are showing our customers innovative ways to employ SMSS vehicles in missions while demonstrating that we are ready to move from technology development to fielding these valuable and mature new capabilities."



SMSS also had on board a Gyrocam 9M electro-optical and thermal vision sensor, which was also controlled remotely via satellite. 



"The concept of an affordable common mobility platform coupled with specialized mission equipment packages is the right answer for UGVs to reduce development, production and sustainment costs, while providing maximum flexibility for commanders," Zinecker says. "SMSS continues to demonstrate its readiness to move into the next phase of the Army's unmanned ground vehicle roadmap."