L3Harris has enhanced its T7 unmanned ground vehicle with advanced electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, marking a significant development in military technology aimed at disrupting enemy operations on the battlefield. This state-of-the-art upgrade allows the T7 to interfere with enemy communications, radar systems, and various electronic assets, making it a formidable tool for modern warfare.
The upgraded T7 was showcased at the recent Vanguard 2024 event, where it excelled in detecting and neutralizing small drones—a critical function in today’s combat environment. Dr. Paul Bosscher, the Chief Engineer of L3Harris Robotics, highlighted the vehicle’s ability to sense and disrupt signals several kilometers ahead of military units, thereby keeping soldiers safe from direct threats.
One of the most noteworthy features of the new EW system is its remote activation and deactivation capabilities. This allows operators to shut down the robot’s own signals and reposition it swiftly without detection, which is crucial for maintaining operational secrecy and effectiveness during missions.
In addition to its electronic warfare tasks, the enhanced T7 is designed for versatility, equipped with a robotic arm that can recover downed friendly drones or deploy small unmanned aerial systems. This multifaceted functionality further establishes the T7’s role as a valuable asset in the field.
The demonstration of the T7’s capabilities builds upon lessons learned from recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, where the need for enhanced electronic warfare and stand-off capabilities has become increasingly apparent. L3Harris asserts that the upgraded T7 is a “strong choice” for such scenarios, featuring aerospace-grade shielding that minimizes susceptibility to electromagnetic interference. This shielding not only protects the robot but also ensures its functionality in transmitting, locating, and disrupting enemy signals without interference from its own emissions.
L3Harris emphasized the success of the experiment, stating it demonstrated the T7’s potential to perform beyond traditional roles such as explosive ordnance disposal. The integration of CORVUS’ EW capabilities through the T7’s network signifies a significant expansion in the operational roadmap for these robots, indicating a promising future for unmanned ground vehicles in military applications.
