Posted on 11/24/2013 7:22:48 AM PST by Star Traveler
The future doesn't always arrive with a gasp and a boom like Skynet inTerminator. No, sometimes it's more like Office Space.
At least that's the idea I get watching this video of the Marines' testing the Legged Squad Support System. DARPA built the LS3 to act as an autonomous pack horse that "can carry 400 lbs of a squad’s load, follow squad members through rugged terrain and interact with troops in a natural way, similar to a trained animal and its handler."
And yet, in the hands of real Marines, it sounds like they're testing a new network printer out, or maybe putting the office fob system through its paces.
(Excerpt) Read more at defenseone.com ...
Evolution of the “Big Dog” robot. It’s a lot more agile than most here think, probably equivalent to a pack mule at least. Go back and look at the footage of Big Dog dealing with ice and rubble.
Also, although it’s loud (for now), and needs gas (more expensive than fodder), it does have several advantages over mules:
It can be armored, and is less likely to be injured (and can be repaired onsite if it is).
It will not be frightened by gunfire.
It can operate unhindered in an NBC environment.
It can run on ordinary fuel which can be siphoned from other military vehicles in a pinch, and so does not need a separate supply chain.
It will never get tired; as long as it has gas it will keep moving.
In an emergency, it can navigate autonomously, such as evacuating a casualty. To go even further, in that capacity it can be equipped to transmit vitals to the waiting medics so they can treat/triage more effectively.
It can be ordered into a fire zone, either as a distraction or a shield, if need be.
Engine exhaust is methane.
Looks like a single well-placed AK round could disable this REALLY expensive toy.
It will be assigned to carry gear for Marines who weigh less than 125 lbs.
I agree with the posts on this thread that this is a noisy, expensive, logistical headache of a nightmare. Why don’t they mount a red rotating beacon on the thing atop a 20’ mast? That way even the deaf know it’s coming.
Just so stupid, why on God’s earth would a premier fighting force want a noise maker like this? Whatever is pushing this idiocy is not related to common sense.
When the VC wanted to move heavy supplies, I believe they were loaded on bicycles and pushed. No noise, and easier than carrying.
And like others mentions, mules, noiseless, easy to feed, and can be eaten.
Too late. That position is already delegated. Starting from every E-1 through at least E-3, we have been doing that for decades. The truly sad part is, the females just take it as a given, and you are viewed as an arse’ole if you try to make any noise about it.
That depends on how you define work.
W = F * d [work = force times distance]
I’ll let you figure out how to use force and distance with her...
A fighting unit is only as strong as its weakest link. Political correctness is going to kill soldiers.
You HAVE to post this at the original site and any other place the military has an article. The guys will love it and need to be able to laugh out loud. Thanks for that.
Yes. That is an experiment I would not mind conducting. In the interest of science, of course.
Of course.
Probably 95% of the parts will be made in China, so the thing will break down within minutes and will be designed to do so by the Chinese - or they will embed the ability to take control of them.
Time to break out the mini nukes.
-— It can be ordered into a fire zone, either as a distraction or a shield, if need be -—
Yes. It’s a remarkable engineering feat.
And they could be loaded with a pile of ammo crates/boxes!
Plus, if one tire went flat, you could pile more weight on the opposite corner and keep on truckin'....carefully!
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M274 A5
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2 Wheel Steering - 4 Wheel Drive
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:-)
They’re just built that way.
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