Bird-Dog Backpackable UGV Reconnaissance

Improved situational awareness is a key factor in increasing SOF mission success. A small semi-autonomous robot that can be used from tactically significant standoff distances and carry operationally capable payloads is proposed in the form of Foster-Miller's Bird Dog robot. The Bird Dog is based on the highly successful amphibious Lemming and Sea Dog system developed for DARPA and the NAVSEA for mine and counter-invasion obstacle neutralization. The proposed Bird-Dog is a symmetrically tracked system with a range of up to 9 miles. It is amphibious to 80 ft. depths, is semi-autonomous with an obstacle avoidance system that will permit transit through natural and man-made obstacles such as concertina wire and can carry payloads consisting of either sensors or explosives. The state-of-the-art of the fundamental vehicle is such that mobility and reliability is proven and the technology can now move on to realistic mission packages. The proposed system will carry a digital imaging and a report-back system which will allow the over-watch team to supervise transit on-demand and to collect ground based imagery. A combined GPS and dead reckoning system will provide map information.