VERSAILLES, France — Defense contractor KNDS France (formerly Nexter Systems) is showcasing its ULTRO-600 tactical Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), engineered as a multi-mission robotic teammate (“équipier robotisé”) to augment dismounted infantry forces on the battlefield. Designed to reduce cognitive and physical burdens on front-line soldiers, the electric-powered 4×4 platform carries up to 600 kg of payload to perform tactical re-supply, casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), armed reconnaissance, and direct fire support in contested environments.
The ULTRO system features a compact, low-profile 4×4 chassis equipped with airless non-pneumatic tires and an all-electric drive system that ensures low acoustic and thermal signatures during stealth operations. With an open-architecture payload deck, ULTRO can be rapidly reconfigured from a logistical “mule” into an armed combat platform mounted with Remote Weapon Stations (RWS) handling infantry weapons ranging from 5.56 mm assault rifles to 12.7 mm heavy machine guns.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: KNDS FRANCE ULTRO-600 MULTI-MISSION UGV
* System Classification: Tactical Mule / Multi-Mission Electric Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV)
* Prime Developer & Manufacturer: KNDS France / Nexter Systems (Versailles, France)
* Operational Concept: Robotic companion (“équipier robotisé”) for dismounted infantry units
* Mass & Weight Parameters:
* Curb Weight (Unladen): 800 kg
* Maximum Payload Capacity: 600 kg (75% payload-to-weight ratio)
* Propulsion & Energy Architecture:
* Drivetrain: 4×4 all-electric independent motor drive
* Running Gear: Airless / non-pneumatic puncture-proof tactical tires
* Signature Suppression: Ultra-low acoustic drive and suppressed thermal signature for silent watch / silent approach missions
* Mobility & Performance Envelope:
* Maximum Road/Cross-Country Speed: 18 km/h
* Operational Endurance: 8 to 12 hours (depending on operational profile and payload draw)
* Terrain Capability: High obstacle-clearance geometric profile for all-terrain deployment
* Payload Options & Tactical Reconfiguration:
* Logistics & Supply: High-capacity cargo deck for ammunition, batteries, water, and infantry gear transport
* Fire Support / Kinetic Armament: Mounts light to heavy Remote Weapon Stations (RWS) supporting 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm, or 12.7 mm caliber machine guns
* Medical / Evacuation: Specialized stretcher mounts for rapid frontline CASEVAC
* C4ISR & Sensors: Modular mast integration for day/night EO/IR surveillance, laser designators, and radio relay nodes
* Control & Autonomy Architecture: Teleoperated via line-of-sight/NLOS tactical datalinks with semi-autonomous route-following, waypoint navigation, and leader-follower convoy modes
