Thales Australia and 3ME Technology have teamed up to develop what they call Australia’s “most powerful” uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV).
Named BladeHAUL, the self-propelled, heavy-duty off-road platform is designed to outperform other systems in its class.
It builds on proven capabilities from the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle, combining them with 3ME’s power, hybrid-drive, and control technologies.
BladeHAUL is built primarily for logistics missions and can be remotely controlled or operate autonomously. It can carry a 20-foot (6-meter) container or a payload of up to 10 metric tons (22,046 pounds).
Those figures would make the platform capable of carrying more than any existing Australian UGV, according to the companies.
The vehicle can also function as a mobile power generator, supplying energy remotely to locations such as field hospitals and communications sites.
“BladeHAUL is a clear example of Australian innovation delivering Australian capability,” said Thales Australia CEO Jeff Connolly.
“We are delivering a highly capable uncrewed ground vehicle to meet the diverse and evolving needs of our Defence Force.”
Sovereign Australian Capability
Beyond logistics, BladeHAUL can support a range of sensors and effectors, allowing it to perform reconnaissance and surveillance missions.
It also integrates advanced battery systems developed by 3ME, which Thales said represents “a significant step forward in sovereign Australian defense capability.”
“Together we can deliver sovereign power, traction, and control systems that turn proven mobility platforms into adaptable, mission-ready autonomous capability,” said 3ME Technology CEO Justin Bain.
