AFRL Uses ARTS Technology to Clear Massachusetts Military Reserve

  • Published
  • By Heyward Burnette
  • Materials & Manufacturing Directorate
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  AFRL researchers used the All-Purpose Remote Transport System, known as ARTS, to perform range clearance functions at the Massachusetts Military Reserve (MMR). ARTS is a robotic operating platform that uses various attachments to perform clearing tasks in areas deemed hazardous due to the presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO). Demonstrating the effectiveness of the ARTS brush cutter attachment, AFRL personnel used the technology to clear 8 acres of brush and trees from one of MMR's grenade ranges in just 11 days.

For 90 years, MMR (located in Cape Cod, Massachusetts) has served as a military training ground for the armed forces. Decades of constant use have left behind waste ammunition, some of which is still live. The dangerous accumulation of potentially live ammunition not only poses a threat to humans but exacts a toll on the surrounding environment, a confluence of factors highlighting the urgent need to clear the ordnance. To minimize downtime and maximize cleanup, representatives from MMR called upon AFRL to identify a method for clearing vegetation from the grenade range that would ensure safer and more thorough ordnance removal. The lab recommended ARTS for the chore, a decision which--compared to manual cleanup options--cut costs by 30% and required 75% less time to complete.

ARTS is a remotely operated vehicle consisting of a Posi-Track tractor manufactured and distributed by All-Season Vehicle, Inc. The tractor's lightweight construction and low center of gravity make it compatible with several different attachments that can be used for multiple tasks--which, in turn, heightens the vehicle's suitability for range clearance tasks. A robotic command and control package installed aboard ARTS enables remote operation of all tractor functions, including engine start-up and stop, vehicle propulsion and lights, and all attachment operations. The onboard control system is equipped to accommodate up to four cameras, two of which can have pan/tilt mounts. A pair of digital radios transmits command signals from the operator control station (OCS) to the platform, and an independent transmitter/receiver pair communicates audio and video from the platform to the OCS. ARTS is remotely operable across line-of-sight distances of 3 miles or less. A camera attached to a retractable pole that can be raised up to 50 feet enables the operator to see above the tree line. The OCS consists of a laptop computer and monitor; the network communication gear, radio frequency transceivers, and antenna network; and a joystick controller box. The computer is a standard personal computer with sufficient processing power, memory, and features for performing the operator functions.

Impressed with ARTS' performance, MMR officials have elected to use the technology again. They have requested that AFRL perform a 3-month geophysical survey of the entire range in order to determine the amount of UXO present throughout the landscape. This activity will enable further demonstration and test of the vehicle's vegetation clearance and ammunition removal capabilities.