The U.S. Army has recently taken a significant step forward in modernizing its Equipment Transport capabilities with the announcement of two key contracts. Awarded on September 24, 2024, to American Rheinmetall Vehicles, LLC, and HDT Expeditionary Systems, Inc., these Other Transaction Authority Engineering and Manufacturing Design contracts represent a combined investment of $22 million. The goal is to develop and deliver a new generation of Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport (S-MET) Increment II prototypes, with each company tasked to produce eight units. This initiative underscores the Army’s commitment to improving logistical support and reducing physical strain on soldiers through advanced equipment transport solutions.
American Rheinmetall Vehicles prototype S-MET Inc II for enhanced military equipment transport
S-MET Increment II: Revolutionizing Military Equipment Transport
The S-MET program was initially conceived to rapidly identify and deploy existing technologies that could enhance the Army’s operational effectiveness. The first iteration, S-MET Increment I, introduced a radio-controlled, eight-wheeled platform capable of carrying payloads, generating power for electronic systems, and navigating diverse terrains. This initial version provided a substantial capability boost, particularly for Infantry Brigade Combat Teams, Explosive Ordnance Disposal units, and Security Force Assistance Brigades, by transporting up to 1,000 lbs of essential equipment.
Building on this foundation, S-MET Increment II aims to significantly enhance military equipment transport by addressing limitations identified during field evaluations of the first increment. Soldier feedback has been crucial in shaping the improvements incorporated into the Increment II design. Key upgrades focus on:
- Doubled Payload Capacity: Increment II seeks to double the payload capacity of its predecessor, allowing for the transport of even heavier and more mission-critical equipment. This enhanced capacity is vital for supporting modern combat operations that require a greater volume of supplies and specialized gear.
- Increased Exportable Power: Recognizing the growing reliance on advanced electronic systems, S-MET Increment II will offer higher exportable power. This is essential for operating modern mission payloads such as Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) and sophisticated communication equipment directly from the transport platform.
- Enhanced Stealth Capabilities: Reducing the audio signature is a priority for Increment II, improving its operational stealth and reducing detectability in contested environments. This enhancement contributes to the platform’s survivability and mission effectiveness.
- Advanced Communication Network: The integration of a dismounted wireless mesh communication network will provide robust and reliable communication capabilities, ensuring seamless coordination and control of the S-MET in the field.
- Improved Reliability and Maintainability: Increased reliability is a core objective, ensuring the S-MET can operate effectively in demanding conditions with minimal downtime. Modular and open architecture designs are incorporated to facilitate easier and more cost-effective upgrades and maintenance.
- Worldwide Grid Charging: S-MET Increment II will feature worldwide grid charging compatibility, simplifying power logistics and ensuring operational readiness across diverse deployment locations.
HDT Expeditionary Systems S-MET Inc II prototype designed for advanced equipment transport capabilities Strategic Advantages of Upgraded Equipment Transport
Kyle Bruner, the Army’s project manager for Force Projection, emphasizes the strategic importance of S-MET Increment II. He states, “S-MET Increment II addresses capability gaps associated with excessive physical burdens, recharging batteries during continuous operations, and reducing sustainment burden for semi-independent operations.” By offloading equipment transport tasks to robotic platforms, the S-MET significantly reduces the physical load on soldiers. This reduction in physical strain translates to decreased fatigue and injuries, ultimately enhancing small unit combat effectiveness and soldier well-being.
Furthermore, Bruner highlights the broader implications of this technology, noting, “S-MET supports the Army’s mission to implement robotic and autonomous system capabilities with urgency to lessen risk to Soldiers in multi-domain operations.” The S-MET program is a key component of the Army’s strategy to integrate robotic and autonomous systems to mitigate risks to personnel in increasingly complex operational environments.
Path to Production and Future Deployment
Successful developmental testing of the S-MET Increment II prototypes will pave the way for a production contract, anticipated in late Fiscal Year 2027. The Army Acquisition Objective is to procure up to 2,195 of these advanced systems. This large-scale acquisition plan underscores the Army’s commitment to widely deploying enhanced equipment transport capabilities across its forces, ensuring soldiers are better supported and equipped for future missions. The development and deployment of S-MET Increment II represent a critical advancement in military logistics and soldier support, promising to transform how equipment is transported and utilized in modern military operations.
