Tel Aviv. Demand for energy sources for tactical robots is on the rise. Israeli company Epsilor was selected to equip the Israeli developed “Jaguar” autonomous ground vehicle (AGV) with its Combatt Lithium – Ion 6T NATO standard batteries.
The Jaguar military robot, which was developed by IAI’s Elta Systems division, will be deployed by the IDF around the Gaza border, and subsequently also near other borders and in IDF’s infantry and special units. Each such military autonomous vehicle is equipped with several 6T batteries providing it with over 16kWh of energy.
The Jaguar is a heavy duty highly maneuverable combat and combat support AGV. As such, it requires an extremely high energy capacity on board, to support traction in complex terrain, as well as a weapon station, communications and sensors which it carries on board.
Epsilor COMBATT 6T batteries, which provides the highest energy density in the 6T category, are an ideal power source for AGVs, which have tight weight and volume constraints, and are required to manoeuvre quickly in rough terrain.
“The potential of tactical unmanned robotic systems is immense,” said Felix Frisch, Epsilor’s VP Marketing and Sales. “Ground tactical robots have passed the early development stages and are currently being evaluated in the field by many leading forces, such as the US, France, UK, South Korea, and Israel.”
According to Frisch, Epsilor has received additional orders for its vehicle batteries from other providers of autonomous vehicles and tactical robots, operating in the civil and the defence sectors.
“In Israel alone, where there are more than 1,000 km of borders and security fences, there is a real need for the deployment of such systems, and Epsilor’s batteries offer high technical capabilities, performance in all weather conditions and robust design”, Frisch added.
Epsilor’s 6T batteries have been developed to meet the IDF’s special requirements and are already in use in the IDF’s tanks and armoured vehicles. The IDF held a year-long field test during which the battery performed in different climate and field conditions (desert, mountains, rocky areas, etc.).
Since their introduction COMBATT 6T batteries have been also selected by more than 10 international customers in four continents, to power MBTs, AFVs, towed and self-propelled Howitzers, and tactical energy banks.
-The writer is an International Roving Correspondent of the publication,
