XL-UGV Bladehaul: Thales Australia and 3ME Technology make the Bushmaster driverless

The XL-UGV Bladehaul – an extra-large uncrewed ground vehicle – combines up to ten tonnes of payload, autonomous operation and ample on-board energy. The new unmanned heavy-haul vehicle was unveiled by Thales Australia and 3ME Technology; technically it is based on the proven Bushmaster and is intended to take on tasks from ammunition transport to counter-UAS.

With Bladehaul, the two companies are responding to a challenge of modern battlefields: heavy loads and large quantities of supplies have to be moved without exposing soldiers to unnecessary danger. The vehicle is manufactured in Bendigo and Newcastle, partly on the existing Bushmaster production line.

Bladehaul is designed as a self-driving, all-terrain, hybrid-electric vehicle. The platform brings together components and experience from the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle with drive, energy and control technologies from 3ME Technology.

XL-UGV Bladehaul with ten tonnes of payload

Up to ten tonnes or a 20-foot container fit on the vehicle; it is controlled remotely or operates autonomously. This makes the platform a candidate above all for logistics tasks in high-risk areas.

It is not meant to stop at logistics, however. Mobile command posts, reconnaissance and surveillance missions, counter-UAS (C-UAS) and maritime effectors are also on the list of intended uses.

Depending on the mission, sensors and effectors can be integrated on the platform, which transports or operates them autonomously.

Power for the area of operations

The hybrid drive is a further feature: Bladehaul can export electrical power and thus supply field hospitals, communications systems or other systems in the area of operations with energy. Operation as a mobile generator is also planned.

Power supply, drive and control come from 3ME Technology, which contributes its Bladevolt, Bladedrive and Bladenet technologies. On a single platform, Bladehaul thus combines heavy transport capacity, autonomous functions and mobile power supply.

Thales and 3ME see demand for such systems above all in contested logistics and in operations in coastal and island regions. Bladehaul is meant to relieve crewed forces and step in where deploying personnel would involve high risks.