Non-Subscriber Extract
Australia's DSTO unveils weaponised robot
By Julian Kerr
26 October 2007
Australia's Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) has unveiled a testbed known as the Ground-based Weaponised Light Experimental Robot (Growler) to investigate the utility of remotely operated weapon systems in a range of operational scenarios.
The Growler vehicle design is based on the commercially developed Polaris Ranger all-terrain vehicle.
Powered by a 683 cc two-cylinder engine that drives all six wheels, it is capable of speeds of up to 70 km/h and can carry 794 kg. The weapon system mounted on the Growler is the Kongsberg remote weapon station fitted with a 0.50-calibre machine gun.