IAI unveils Rex MK II unmanned land vehicle

The new system with advanced maneuverability and the ability to carry loads of 1.3 tons can be used for a wide range of missions in support of ground forces, the company says 

IAI unveils Rex MK II unmanned land vehicle

Photo: IAI

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) unveiled Monday the Rex MK II, the company's newest unmanned land platform, which the company said is intended to keep troops out of harm's way in complex circumstances. 

The Rex MK II is adapted to a range of ground missions with advanced maneuverability and ability to carry loads of 1.3 tons. The new hybrid electric platform with all-wheel drive supports forces by gathering intelligence, providing logistical support, and helping to execute attacks by remote control. The vehicle is autonomous with command-and-control capabilities, or controlled by a single operator through wireless communication. The system is being presented at the DSEI exhibition in London this week, IAI said.  

The unmanned vehicle is intended to support infantry forces in various stages of combat. This includes providing logistical assistance by carrying munitions, critical medical equipment, water and food, as well as evacuating injured personnel on stretchers. The system can also gather intelligence through a situational awareness system that incorporates electro-optical sensors and radar, according to the company.  

The Rex MK II can also carry out attacks using remote-controlled weapons systems including a 7.62mm machine gun and a 0.50 caliber heavy machine gun, while serving as a platform to support additional missions based on the needs of troops, according to IAI. 

The vehicle joins other operational unmanned platforms developed by IAI including the Jaguar, an unmanned land platform for defending borders, gathering intelligence and carrying out attacks; the RobARC, an operational unmanned platform for uncovering and destroying ground level and subterranean explosive devices; the Robattle, a robotic operational land platform with high maneuverability for carrying out complex missions in difficult conditions, quickly and safely; and the RobDozer, an unmanned bulldozer intended to carry out complex military engineering in danger zones, IAI said. 

Zvika Yarom, GM of IAI's Land Division, said, "The need to support ground forces in the field to carry out various missions while minimizing threats to soldiers' lives is at the heart of our values here at Israel Aerospace Industries. This system is based on harnessing our decades long experience with UAVs, to implement in the world of land vehicles. IAI's unmanned land platforms are in use operating along Israel’s borders and in different fighting units as well as in other locations around the world. We are experiencing a rise in demand from clients for unmanned land platforms."