Epirus Unveils Anti-Unmanned Aerial System Autonomous Ground Vehicle
AI Analysis
Epirus has unveiled an autonomous ground vehicle equipped with the Leonidas high power microwave anti-drone system, integrated with Kodiak AI's autonomous driving technology and General Dynamics Land Systems' expertise. This vehicle is designed for autonomous and teleoperated use, capable of countering drone swarms and protecting critical infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- Epirus launches autonomous ground vehicle with Leonidas anti-drone system.
- Kodiak AI provides autonomous driving technology for the vehicle.
- General Dynamics Land Systems is the lead system integrator.
- The vehicle targets drone swarms using high power microwave technology.
- Suitable for securing military installations and critical infrastructure.
Why It Matters
The introduction of an autonomous counter-UAS vehicle represents a significant advancement in drone defense, offering scalable and adaptable solutions for military and homeland security applications. By reducing the need for human intervention, this technology enhances operational efficiency and safety, addressing the growing threat of drone swarms and complex aerial threats.
Epirus Unveils Anti-Unmanned Aerial System Autonomous Ground Vehicle
Tweet
Share
Pin
0 Shares
Counter-unmanned aerial vehicle technology company Epirus has unveiled a fully autonomous vehicle equipped with its Leonidas high power microwave anti-drone system.
The autonomous ground vehicle is a commercial grade truck equipped with Kodiak AI’s Kodiak Driver AI-powered autonomous driving system, with General Dynamics Land Systems serving as lead system integrator for the vehicle.
“We partner with other companies so we can provide best-in-class capabilities to the Army — and the Leonidas AGV is a timely example,” said Keith Barclay, Vice President and General Manager for U.S. Operations at General Dynamics Land Systems. “Integrating leading-edge technology from Epirus and Kodiak into a commercial-based vehicle is one way to ensure American soldiers have the power to win on the battlefield. At GDLS, we’re moving faster than ever before and we think there’s a great future for commercially inspired innovations such as Leonidas AGV.”
According to Epirus, the vehicle can be operated without human intervention in addition to teleoperation by a human operator. The company says this capability makes the vehicle suitable for a large range of uses, “including JIATF-401 homeland defense applications to secure bases, airports, ports, critical infrastructure and major public events as well as defense of U.S. Air Force assets and military installations.”
Epirus says Leonidas’ use of high power microwaves to destroy drones keeps it equally effective against individual or swarming drone attacks, with the system also effective against fiber optic controlled drones.
Epirus computer-generated promotional video of the autonomous ground vehicle
“Saturation drone attacks demand a fundamentally different approach to defense,” said Andy Lowery, CEO of Epirus. “Leonidas AGV combines autonomous mobility with high-power microwave effects to deliver a counter-UAS capability that rapidly maneuvers to defeat drone swarms without more boots on the ground. Together with GDLS and Kodiak, we’re enabling a new layer of autonomous drone defense for critical assets and infrastructure.”
“Autonomous mobility fundamentally changes how advanced defensive systems can be deployed and operated,” said Don Burnette, Founder and CEO, Kodiak AI.“By integrating the Kodiak Driver with Epirus’ Leonidas platform and GDLS’ integration expertise, we are demonstrating how commercially developed autonomy enables mobile counter-UAS capabilities that protect critical assets and keep warfighters out of harm’s way. This collaboration directly meets the U.S. military’s need for scalable, adaptable and cost-effective autonomous ground vehicles.”
Tweet
Share
Pin
0 Shares
Tags: anti-drone, Anti-Drone System, Epirus, Epirus Leonidas, General Dynamics Land Systems