Multifunctional Utility/Logistics and Equipment

The Multifunction Utility/Logistics and Equipment (MULE) vehicle is an autonomous Unmanned Ground Combat Vehicle developed by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control for the United States Army's Future Combat Systems program.

Description

The MULE is a 2.5-ton Unmanned Ground Vehicle(UGV) that will support dismounted and air assault operations. It consists of four major components:
*Common Mobility Platform (CMP)
*Three Mission Equipment Packages: Mule-Transport, ARV-A-L & Mule-Countermine
*Centralized Controller (CC) for Dismounted operations
*Autonomous Navigation System (ANS) mission payload package integrated on the MULE platforms and Manned Ground Vehicles (MGVs) to provide semiautonomous and leader-follower capability.

Use

The Multifunctional Utility/Logistics and Equipment Vehicle is sling-loadable under military rotorcraft. The MULE Vehicle has three variants sharing a common chassis: transport, countermine and the XM1219 Armed Robotic Vehicle (ARV)-Assault-Light (ARV-A-L). The XM1217 Transport MULE Vehicle (MULE-T) will carry 1,900-2,400 pounds of equipment and rucksacks for dismounted infantry squads with the mobility needed to follow squads in complex terrain. The XM218 Countermine MULE Vehicle (MULE-CM) will provide the capability to detect, mark and neutralize anti-tank mines by integrating a mine detection mission equipment package from the Ground Standoff Mine Detection System (GSTAMIDS) FCS (BCT) program. The ARV-A-L MULE Vehicle is a mobility platform with an integrated weapons, M240 7.62mm machinegun and four Javelin guided antitank missiles, and reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition (RSTA)package to support the dismounted infantry’s efforts to locate and destroy enemy platforms and positions. The MULE Common Mobility Platform (CMP) is the program’s centerpiece providing superior mobility built around the propulsion and articulated suspension system to negotiate complex terrain, obstacles and gaps that a dismounted squad will encounter.

In Popular Culture

*A fictional rendition of the MULE's Transport variation was featured in the XBOX 360, PS3 and PC video game, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2. In the game, the player can use the MULE to resupply during combat, scout ahead for danger, and provide protection from enemy fire by moving his squad to cover behind the MULE. [http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/graw2/news.html?sid=6164047] , Gamespot Review of [Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2] , referencing the functionality of the game's MULE.]

ee also

*Gladiator Tactical Unmanned Ground Vehicle
*ACER
*Black Knight
*BigDog

References

External links

* [http://www.lockheedmartin.com/wms/findPage.do?dsp=fec&ci=13791&rsbci=13791&fti=0&ti=0&sc=400 Lockheed Martin MULE website]
* [http://www.army.mil/fcs/mule.html The Army's page on MULE]
* [http://blog.wired.com/defense/2007/05/army_tests_figh.html Wired News: Army Tests Fighting Bot]