US Army Exercises Use of AZAK S26 Stoat Unmanned Ground Vehicle
On October 27, 2023, at 1:03 PM, soldiers from the 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment conducted combat training in Grafenwöhr, Germany, utilizing the AZAK S26 Stoat unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). This robotic vehicle played a critical role in evacuating a simulated casualty and transporting heavy equipment, including a 60mm mortar system and a Bangalore torpedo. The initial delivery of three AZAK S26 units is part of a planned fleet of 26, enabling the development of protocols to allocate robotic transport for casualty evacuation, weapons movement, and resupply missions.
Capabilities and Features of the AZAK S26
The exercise showcased remote operation of the vehicle via a handheld controller. Sergeant Egan McDermott remotely piloted the UGV during the evacuation scenario, with the mock casualty secured on the Stoat’s load-bearing platform. The robot traversed roughly 8 kilometers of rugged terrain in just over an hour. Ben Meager, providing technical insight, noted that
“the vehicle can carry approximately 227 kg and travel between 32 and 97 km, depending on terrain and load.”
The AZAK S26 features four electric-driven S26 wheels in a modular design. Each wheel incorporates its own motor, motor controller, brakes, and battery, and can be swapped out quickly without tools for integration with various frames or equipment. During this training, the vehicle was remotely controlled without autonomous operation. Future exercises will assess communication reliability, battery endurance, obstacle negotiation, and patient stability.
As part of its initiative to automate logistics near the front lines, the US Army selected six companies to develop robotic transport solutions. Among them, BLADE (formerly HDT) introduced the Hunter WOLF, a six-wheeled diesel-electric hybrid UGV designed to support light infantry units. This effort falls under the Army’s 'Infantry Last Tactical Mile' (ILTM) program.
These training exercises highlight the growing integration of cutting-edge unmanned technologies in military operations, particularly those that significantly improve casualty evacuation and logistical support. The automation program aims to ease the burden on soldiers in combat zones, reducing risks to personnel health and safety while enhancing mission efficiency.
As the US Army explores advanced robotic solutions for operational efficiency, Stratonex Defence Technologies recently introduced a modular unmanned ground vehicle aimed at enhancing logistics and support in conflict zones like Ukraine. This development reflects a broader trend in military innovation, emphasizing the importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare.