The Ziesel UGV by Diehl Defence

Beside the THeMIS tracked platform by Milrem Robotic, which was selected as the main platform for iMUGS, at the Lehnin training area another UGV was used, the Ziesel proposed by Diehl Defence. This is based on the platform developed by Mattro, a fully-electric tracked vehicle with a kerb weight of 350 kg that can carry a 500 kg payload, and was finalised by Diehl in cooperation with Hentschel System GmbH. Compact, it is 1.31 meters long, 1.23 meters wide and 0.6 meters high, it features a container at the top where many type of payloads can be carried, ammunition, weapon systems, food, water, etc. At the static exhibition in Lehnin, Diehl had installed a SkyWolf high power electro-magnetic counter-UAS system on its UGV, while those employed during the demonstration were used to carry ammunition and other infantry loads.

The autonomy kit, known as Platon, has five operation modes, tele-operation, where it is remotely driven by an operator thanks to a control station with numerous assistance functions, follow me and push, both based on inputs provided by a stereo camera that allows totally passive operations as no emitting elements such as LiDARs are involved, waypoint navigation, based on GPS grids recorded on the map, and finally MULE, where the system follows a recorded route avoiding obstacles thanks to the LiDAR sensor. Electric motors provide a torque of 1,000 Nm, the Ziesel being able to climb a 60% slope, while maximum speed is 20 km/h, fully enough for a UGV designed to operate with infantry formations on foot, and capable to operate in compartmented terrains such as woods and villages. Its exchangeable 10 kWh lithium-ion battery pack ensures an endurance of 40 km or 24 hours.

Photos by P. Valpolini