DESCRIPTION
Route Clearance Interrogation System (RCIS) Type 1 enables the detection, interrogation and neutralization of Explosive Hazards (EH) while on the move and takes the Soldier out of the EH Kill Zone during Route Clearance Operations. RCIS will tele-operate the High-Mobility Engineer Excavator (HMEE) from a Buffalo control vehicle.
The RCIS Type I will allow for the semi-autonomous control of a Mobile Base Unit equipped HMEE and its capabilities from an Operator Control Unit (OCU) inside a Mine Protected Clearance Vehicle (MPCV). This capability will enable Soldiers to interrogate, classify and excavate deep-buried explosive hazards, improvised explosive devices and caches in a wide range of road surfaces and soil conditions. This capability is designed to remove Soldiers, other route clearance vehicles and equipment from the blast effects of EH.
BENEFIT TO THE SOLDIER
RCIS Type I removes Soldiers from the blast effects of EH.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Modified HMEE base platform will:
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- Provide by-wire control of the vehicle’s automotive and interrogation functions
- Add boom arm attachments (air spade, rake and spork, and clamshell bucket) to expand RCIS Type 1 interrogation capabilities
- Integrate a semi-autonomous control system consisting of wireless communications equipment, cameras and processing capability that will allow vehicle control from an MPCV in a standoff position
MPCV platform will be upgraded with wireless communications equipment, OCU controls, video display, head-aimed control viewer and other necessary equipment to control the HMEE from a standoff position
PROGRAM STATUS
4QFY18: Pre-Milestone B – Engineering and Manufacturing Development Contract Award scheduled
PROJECTED ACTIVITIES
3QFY21: Limited User Test
4QFY21: Milestone C
