Saha Expo 2026 – FNSS exhibits its Alka – Kaplan Hybrid – Autonomous fitted with a laser effector and optionally manned and autonomous capabilities

Looking to new technologies to anticipate future requirements is a must for all companies, and in recent years FNSS showcased two technology demonstrators, the Kaplan Hybrid, the 17.5 tonnes tracked vehicle being powered by two PMSM electric motors capable to provide 300 kW each and a 400 hp diesel engine ensuring battery reload, and the Shadow Rider, a 13.5 tonnes tracked vehicle equipped with the autonomy kit developed by FNSS which has autonomous driving modes such as patrol, track and return to military base, as well as various layers of protection for a safe ride. At the Istanbul exhibition FNSS showcased the Alka – Kaplan Hybrid – Autonomous, putting together the technology bricks developed with the two aforementioned vehicles, adding a laser effector, which typically fits well with hybrid vehicles, capable to provide sufficient electric power

The Kaplan Hybrid is just the first step made by FNSS on the path towards hybridisation, company representatives confirming to EDR On-Line that the next step will be a hybrid powerpack for a 40 tonnes vehicle, also tracked. FNSS also has plans about hybridising wheeled vehicles, but before doing this a user case must be defined, the company waiting for customers to express their requirements.

Integrating the autonomy kit into a hybrid vehicle fitted with an electrified powertrain is a relatively straightforward operation, hence the decision to add it to the Kaplan Hybrid, adding therefore “Autonomous” to its definition. In fact, the vehicle remains an optionally piloted vehicle, as it retains the capability to be managed by a driver. The most obvious presence of the autonomous kit is given by the two LIDARs, located at the front of the vehicles, one on each side, and the day/night cameras located forward, at the centre of the glacis, on top of the driver’s camera. The vehicle can operate in several modes, on a pre-planned mission by waypoints, with the follow-me option behind a manned vehicle, using the return home function, and exploiting its obstacle avoidance capability. It can also be controlled remotely by a control station, linked by radio link to the vehicle, at a range up to 5 km.

To give it a credible operational usefulness FNSS installed the Alka laser effector designed by Roketsan; the 200-kW exportable power is sufficient to power the laser which is able to neutralise a drone at 750 metres distance when used at 2.5 kW and at 1.5 km at 5 kW, the system being also effective to neutralise improvised explosive devices.

With the Kaplan Hybrid now an autonomous vehicle, FNSS has two platforms to develop its autonomy technology, which will accelerate the process, which results will be seen in the coming exhibitions.

Photos and graphics courtesy FNSS