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This map demonstrates a subset of Op Plunder – known as Op Torchlight. On that map, we highlight where RAS technologies could have been deployed, and for what purpose, as an illustration of their potential as part of human-machine teams. Below is a detailed explanation of how they would operate in this scenario:

1. Close Operations – Fight

MEDEVAC UGV
A small wheeled UGV able to carry 1-2 casualties at a time conducts rapid evacuation. Once stabilised, casualties are packaged for transit and brought from point of injury to the nearest aid station.

Fire Support UGV
A light tracked UGV with high mobility and a payload of approx. 3 tonnes carries a variety of direct fire systems and integrated sensors. it can engage targets independently, or as a member of a human-machine team.

2. Close Operations – Advance

Over-watch and Heavy Fire Support UGV
Teamed with other AFVS, this large tracked UGV (up to 20 tonnes) provides heavy direct fire support to its manned vehicle team-mates. Its targeting software allows it to receive situational awareness and targets from other sensors in the battlespace.

Mobility Support
A medium tracked UGV fitted with a combat engineering payload provides mobility support. As manned assets advance, they are likely to face counter-mobility obstacles. This system moves in to deal with those obstacles, but without exposing human operators to high threat areas.

3. Close Operations – Light Forces

Resupply/Mule
A small tracked UGV (under 2 tonnes) minimises load carriage burden. It can function in two modes – either following a patrol as a “mule”, or conducting resupply operations autonomously. It knows where to go to collect supplies, and how to distribute them in priority order.

Fire Support/Anti-Armour
A small tracked UGV carries a range of fire support and anti-armour effects. This brings a range of capability to Light forces that would otherwise have to be carried by dismounted troops or on poorly protected vehicles.

4. Deep Operations – Shaping

ISTAR
The FIND function in the Deep battlespace is conducted by a range of UAS platforms, both rotary and fixed wing. This family of systems works collaboratively to perform multi-spectral ISTAR. Advanced analytics minimise operator burden, providing intelligence-driven alerts that allow the cross cueing of kinetic and non-kinetic effects.

Fires
A large wheeled UGV (payload of up to 8 tonnes) carries a GLMRS payload. Operating dispersed, it can deliver effects into the deep battlespace at range – providing a stand-off capability. Upon firing, it immediately performs a “shoot and scoot” manoeuvre so that it can rapidly vacate the launch site and avoid counter battery fire.

Deception
A wheeled UGV carries payloads that mimic the RF/electronic emissions of a larger formation. Further EW/EA modes are also available, functioning within a wider CEMA plan. The autonomy stack is configurable to replicate the movement of other types of vehicle – eg. to imitate a convoy of logistics trucks, or IFVs on the march.