UNIDEF's Modular Weaponized Trailer Commences Tests Abroad, First Destination West Africa
UNIDEF's innovative development Modular Weaponized Trailer (MWT) performed field tests in a West African country between 13-22 February.
UNIDEF's Modular Weaponized Trailer Commences Tests Abroad, First Destination West Africa
UNIDEF's innovative development Modular Weaponized Trailer (MWT) performed field tests in a West African country between 13-22 February. These tests measured MWT's functionalities in field conditions and comprised the first phase of a two-phase testing process. The system successfully completed the first phase and is now preparing for field service.
The testing process for the MWT was started from a request from a West African country and was planned to have two phases. The first phase tested the system's functionality, and the second phase, with live fire tests, will follow it. Testing scenarios were conceptualized in line with the usage concept determined by the end-user for both phases. In addition, these tests are the first overseas tests for the MWT.
The country where these tests take place is hot and humid, with a tropical climate. MWT was developed to function in different environmental conditions. Only Alpha Trailer took part in these tests, and the system showed it could perform in tropical climates with all its functionalities. However, electro-optical suites with specialized cooling systems aimed at tropical conditions will also be tested in the second phase of the tests, to increase the system's reliability.
Live Fire Tests Next
The second phase will focus on live fire tests. MWT will be armed with UNIROBOTICS' TRAKON Lite 12.7 mm turret for these tests, and this turret will use a CANiK M2 QCB heavy machine gun as its main weapon.
The second phase of the tests will also include certain software upgrades that will be made in line with the end-users requests. These tests are planned for Q3 of this year.
MWT Continues Its Journey Abroad
Cem Kurter, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of UNIDEF, shared the following on MWT commencing its first overseas tests: "We conceptualized MWT in line with the needs of a Turkish end-user. We were tasked to produce a concept for the perimeter security of a forward operating base at the Eastern border of Türkiye. General specifications for this project were also provided. We responded to these specifications, and this demand after analyzing the region's threat profiles and geographic challenges, and our solution saw approval. We produced a certain number of systems as per the contract we signed. The field tests for these systems continuing. After the tests are completed, we aim to make the final deliveries as soon as possible.
The demand for MWT overseas has also been significantly increasing as the developments I have mentioned happen. The testing process we commenced in a West African country shows that these demands will lead to actual contracts. These tests will also prove how quickly we can adapt our MWT to end-user needs. We evaluate that our approach for integrating electro-optical suites with specialized cooling systems and software updates will be seen as an example of what we can do for other end-users as well."
MWT Can Be Used for Both Border Security and Critical Infrastructure Security
MWT was designed to respond to two different kinds of security needs: "Securing a border in a given line" and "Providing perimeter security to critical military and civilian infrastructure". The main aim in both these missions is to provide solutions to replace the personnel deployed in risky areas and security points, thus ensuring their safety.
A MWT solution consists of mobile armed trailers equipped with high tech remote sensing system packages. As such, it is possible to build a constant online security barrier that can overcome harsh environmental conditions and reduces or preferably eliminates human error.
MWT's Innovative Concept Is Reflected on Its Design
MWT works as an early warning system thanks to the integrated remote sensing system suites. The product's current configuration also includes a concealed weapon turret, ensuring it can work as an interceptor and deterrent.
MWTs have two classes: "Alpha Trailer" and "Beta Trailer". These trailers are managed by a command-control center. Both types come with a folding automatic mast mounted on the towable military chassis. A pan-tilt system in line with military standards is housed on the mast and is able to turn 360 degrees indefinitely. On one side of the pan-tilt system, an optical sensor suite consisting of a cooled thermal camera and a daytime camera is mounted, while the other one houses a long-distance acoustic warning speaker. On the Alpha Trailers, a surveillance radar is also present. EO sensor suite and acoustic warning speaker system operate in tune with the radar. After the radar informs the control computer about the coordinates where movement is present, the pan-tilt system is automatically directed to these coordinates. If the target is an escalating threat, the turret is directed at the target with a single press of a button. After the required warnings are given, the weapon on the turret is fired remotely, after a command by decision makers. As such, the turret is not an autonomous system; it stays under the commander's and operator's control.
On the other hand, our Beta Trailers are geared towards working with Alpha Trailers rather than a standalone operation.
The radar on the Alpha Trailer can continuously track 200 targets at once, and can control the pan-tilt systems on Beta Trailers by sending the coordinates. 4 Beta Trailers can be slaved to a single Alpha, but this number can change with the geographic realities of the field. As the trailers are equipped with inertial navigation systems, they can precisely detect the other trailers' position. As such, controlling Beta Trailers with the Alpha one becomes all the easier with this feature.
The system reduces or eliminates the human error in the threat detection and identification processes through the radar, EO suite and acoustic warning speaker working in harmony, speeding up the decision-making processes of the commander or the operator, in addition to making it easier.
Two different turrets can be integrated into MWT. First of these can be equipped with 7.62 mm firearms like M240, while the other was designed for heavier weapon systems like 12.7 mm machine guns, 40 mm grenade launchers, or 30x113 mm automatic cannons.
Features Fit for Field Conditions
MWT can operate 24/7 in the field thanks to high-efficiency solar panels and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery modules.
The MWT units are equipped with line-of-sight data link antennas that include automatic positioning units, allowing them to be controlled wirelessly from their command-and-control centre, up to 20 km away. UNIDEF also started working on alternative communication technologies like laser communication.
MWT offers high mobility with all its features. The end-user can move them anywhere anytime, and redeploy them. The systems can become operational very quickly after deployment. A command-and-control centre can manage multiple trailers, or the system can be controlled standalone using the standard command-control suitcase.
UNIDEF's innovative development Modular Weaponized Trailer (MWT) performed field tests in a West African country between 13-22 February. These tests measured MWT's functionalities in field conditions and comprised the first phase of a two-phase testing process. The system successfully completed the first phase and is now preparing for field service.
The testing process for the MWT was started from a request from a West African country and was planned to have two phases. The first phase tested the system's functionality, and the second phase, with live fire tests, will follow it. Testing scenarios were conceptualized in line with the usage concept determined by the end-user for both phases. In addition, these tests are the first overseas tests for the MWT.
The country where these tests take place is hot and humid, with a tropical climate. MWT was developed to function in different environmental conditions. Only Alpha Trailer took part in these tests, and the system showed it could perform in tropical climates with all its functionalities. However, electro-optical suites with specialized cooling systems aimed at tropical conditions will also be tested in the second phase of the tests, to increase the system's reliability.
Live Fire Tests Next
The second phase will focus on live fire tests. MWT will be armed with UNIROBOTICS' TRAKON Lite 12.7 mm turret for these tests, and this turret will use a CANiK M2 QCB heavy machine gun as its main weapon.
The second phase of the tests will also include certain software upgrades that will be made in line with the end-users requests. These tests are planned for Q3 of this year.
MWT Continues Its Journey Abroad
Cem Kurter, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of UNIDEF, shared the following on MWT commencing its first overseas tests: "We conceptualized MWT in line with the needs of a Turkish end-user. We were tasked to produce a concept for the perimeter security of a forward operating base at the Eastern border of Türkiye. General specifications for this project were also provided. We responded to these specifications, and this demand after analyzing the region's threat profiles and geographic challenges, and our solution saw approval. We produced a certain number of systems as per the contract we signed. The field tests for these systems continuing. After the tests are completed, we aim to make the final deliveries as soon as possible.
The demand for MWT overseas has also been significantly increasing as the developments I have mentioned happen. The testing process we commenced in a West African country shows that these demands will lead to actual contracts. These tests will also prove how quickly we can adapt our MWT to end-user needs. We evaluate that our approach for integrating electro-optical suites with specialized cooling systems and software updates will be seen as an example of what we can do for other end-users as well."
MWT Can Be Used for Both Border Security and Critical Infrastructure Security
MWT was designed to respond to two different kinds of security needs: "Securing a border in a given line" and "Providing perimeter security to critical military and civilian infrastructure". The main aim in both these missions is to provide solutions to replace the personnel deployed in risky areas and security points, thus ensuring their safety.
A MWT solution consists of mobile armed trailers equipped with high tech remote sensing system packages. As such, it is possible to build a constant online security barrier that can overcome harsh environmental conditions and reduces or preferably eliminates human error.
MWT's Innovative Concept Is Reflected on Its Design
MWT works as an early warning system thanks to the integrated remote sensing system suites. The product's current configuration also includes a concealed weapon turret, ensuring it can work as an interceptor and deterrent.
MWTs have two classes: "Alpha Trailer" and "Beta Trailer". These trailers are managed by a command-control center. Both types come with a folding automatic mast mounted on the towable military chassis. A pan-tilt system in line with military standards is housed on the mast and is able to turn 360 degrees indefinitely. On one side of the pan-tilt system, an optical sensor suite consisting of a cooled thermal camera and a daytime camera is mounted, while the other one houses a long-distance acoustic warning speaker. On the Alpha Trailers, a surveillance radar is also present. EO sensor suite and acoustic warning speaker system operate in tune with the radar. After the radar informs the control computer about the coordinates where movement is present, the pan-tilt system is automatically directed to these coordinates. If the target is an escalating threat, the turret is directed at the target with a single press of a button. After the required warnings are given, the weapon on the turret is fired remotely, after a command by decision makers. As such, the turret is not an autonomous system; it stays under the commander's and operator's control.
On the other hand, our Beta Trailers are geared towards working with Alpha Trailers rather than a standalone operation.
The radar on the Alpha Trailer can continuously track 200 targets at once, and can control the pan-tilt systems on Beta Trailers by sending the coordinates. 4 Beta Trailers can be slaved to a single Alpha, but this number can change with the geographic realities of the field. As the trailers are equipped with inertial navigation systems, they can precisely detect the other trailers' position. As such, controlling Beta Trailers with the Alpha one becomes all the easier with this feature.
The system reduces or eliminates the human error in the threat detection and identification processes through the radar, EO suite and acoustic warning speaker working in harmony, speeding up the decision-making processes of the commander or the operator, in addition to making it easier.
Two different turrets can be integrated into MWT. First of these can be equipped with 7.62 mm firearms like M240, while the other was designed for heavier weapon systems like 12.7 mm machine guns, 40 mm grenade launchers, or 30x113 mm automatic cannons.
Features Fit for Field Conditions
MWT can operate 24/7 in the field thanks to high-efficiency solar panels and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery modules.
The MWT units are equipped with line-of-sight data link antennas that include automatic positioning units, allowing them to be controlled wirelessly from their command-and-control centre, up to 20 km away. UNIDEF also started working on alternative communication technologies like laser communication.
MWT offers high mobility with all its features. The end-user can move them anywhere anytime, and redeploy them. The systems can become operational very quickly after deployment. A command-and-control centre can manage multiple trailers, or the system can be controlled standalone using the standard command-control suitcase.
