At the 2024 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) event in Huntsville, Alabama, military leaders and industry experts gathered to address the multifaceted challenges of developing robotic military combat vehicles. With a keen focus on sustainable technologies in contested environments, precise sustainment strategies, and enhancing combat power, the necessity of collaborative efforts between the military and industry was a central theme throughout the event.
Key Technologies and Challenges
During the event’s presentations, several key focus areas involved control systems, human-machine interfaces (HMI), and communication systems. Military leaders highlighted the added complexities of achieving low latency and efficient data transmission in dynamic environments. However, ensuring the reliability and sustainability of these technologies in contested environments remains a significant challenge. Advanced technologies must maintain reliability and functionality in challenging and contested environments. For this reason, seamless coordination and integration across several domains is necessary to achieve operational objectives.
Throughout the event, transitioning from single-operator control to multi-vehicle operations emerged as a primary objective, with many presentations emphasizing the critical need for seamless coordination and integration across several domains. As Brigadier General Geoffrey A. Norman (Director of the Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross Functional Team, United States Army Futures Command) mentioned a few times, "[i]t takes a village."
Advancing Technology with Industry Collaboration
This collaborative village includes industry leaders like Benchmark, recognized for our comprehensive services spanning lifecycle management, aftermarket support, new product introduction (NPI), and supply chain management. Benchmark’s extensive experience in low- to medium-volume production, depot repair, and return merchandise authorization (RMA) for defense products is critical to support the development and sustainment of advanced military technologies.
As demand grows for faster computing to fuel artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced simulations, technology is advancing to handle higher data speeds. This, in turn, drives the need for new systems with optics and high-speed circuits. Benchmark’s proven dedication to innovation and adaptability positions us as a critical partner in driving advancements in high-performance computing for national security applications.
Ensuring Reliability and Sustainment
Benchmark’s reliability, durability, and precision—honed over 40 years of experience designing, engineering, and building defense systems—ensure optimal performance in the ever-changing battlefield environment. Our ongoing commitment to innovation is evidenced by our rich history of supporting the development of high-performance ruggedized air and ground vehicles, as well as soldier-worn and naval systems coupled with investments in emerging technologies.
Whether supporting our partners with the development of Electronic Warfare (EW), radar, unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs), or artificial intelligence (AI) systems, Benchmark delivers defense systems support that excels when it matters most. And, after the program launch, Benchmark’s aftermarket services (including parts obsolescence management and repair depot service) provide continuous quality assurance throughout product lifecycles.
Contributing to Modern Military Operations—Turn to Benchmark
Achieving data interoperability for modern military forces is critical to operational success. Benchmark delivers engineering and technology solutions encompassing radio frequency (RF) system design and test development up to 110 Gigahertz (GHz), high-density interconnect circuit design, ruggedized design, and ruggedization of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) parts, data integration/data interoperability solutions, and custom RF filter development.
The development of advanced robotic military combat vehicles is a collaborative endeavor requiring the collective efforts of industry leaders, innovators, and experts. From engineering and manufacturing to cybersecurity and aftermarket support, Benchmark is committed to achieving the highest standards of excellence and innovation required to address the challenges of modern warfare. It takes a village to achieve success in the aerospace and defense industry. Benchmark is honored to be an integral part of that village.
Visit our aerospace and defense pages to learn more about how Benchmark can support your next advanced robotic military combat vehicle project.
