General Dynamics Robotic Systems’ Autonomous Navigation System (ANS) program has successfully completed its Critical Design Review (CDR), the company said yesterday.
General Dynamics Robotic Systems is part of General Dynamics Land Systems of Sterling Heights, Mich., a business unit of General Dynamics [GD].
Successful completion of the CDR enables the General Dynamics Robotic Systems team to continue maturing, fabricating, and testing the ANS design. These activities will lead to delivery of prototypes to the Army and the start of Integrated Qualification Testing in 2012, according to the service.
The ANS system is an onboard, integrated suite of sensors and technology that enable autonomous navigation and vehicle-following capabilities for unmanned ground vehicles. Designated by the Army for integration on the Armed Robotic Vehicle-Assault (Light) (ARV-A(L)), the ANS is capable of controlling several other classes of manned and unmanned vehicles.
The ANS CDR is among the first in a series of critical Increment 2 reviews underway for the Army’s Brigade Combat Team (BCT) Modernization program. General Dynamics Robotic Systems is the lead contractor for the ANS program.