Largest unmanned squad mission support system

New and novel defence strategies have been evolved to counter the threat of roadside bombs and other Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Afghanistan. One such innovation is the first remotely controlled and unmanned Squad Mission Support System (SMSS). Employing Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, which enables it to navigate automatically, this vehicle is designed to carry supplies, weapons, field packs, or casualties from the battlefield. It can be operated manually, by remote control or via tele-operation. Developed by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Division (USA), it underwent testing in Afghanistan in 2011. The SMSS is around 3.68 m (12 ft) long, 1.8 m (6 ft) wide and 2.15 m (7 ft) tall, weighing 1,720 kg (3,800 lb), it is designed to be carried internally in heavy-lift transport helicopters such as the Boeing CH-47 Chinook and Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion. It may be driven, or used remotely, and has a speed of up to 40 km/h (25 mi/h). The vehicle can carry 540 kg (1,200 lb) of equipment for a squad of up to 13 men and has a range of around 200 km (125 miles).