The key facts

  • The Razorback platform from Hypercraft: length over 4 m, payload capacity 1.8 t, range of about 800 km, outputs up to 38 kW of electricity
  • The Edda turret weighing about 23 kg detects drones by the sound of their propellers and fires a shotgun at 10–100 m
  • The project combines Hypercraft, Forterra (AutoDrive) and 9 Mothers (Edda)

Unmanned platform for delivery under fire

In the US, an unmanned vehicle has been unveiled that combines autonomous cargo delivery and counter-drone protection. According to Kun.uz, the project combines the Razorback chassis from Hypercraft, a company from Provo, Utah, the AutoDrive autonomous control system from Forterra, and the Edda turret developed by 9 Mothers. The vehicle is intended for delivering cargo along supply routes in conditions where they are under fire; performing such tasks without a driver is aimed at reducing risk to people.

Razorback specifications

The Razorback is the first vehicle fully developed by Hypercraft; previously the company worked on electric powertrains for commercial transport and then moved into the defense sector. The vehicle's length exceeds four meters, and its payload capacity reaches 1.8 tons. According to Hypercraft, the range is almost 800 kilometers, and the vehicle can supply external equipment with up to 38 kilowatts of electrical power. The design allows installing additional sensors, radios, weapons and other equipment depending on the mission. The Razorback's original orientation toward autonomous operation simplified the installation of the AutoDrive system.

Anti-drone turret

The Edda turret mounted on the vehicle weighs about 23 kilograms. It detects small drones by the sound of their propellers, tracks them with cameras and fires a shotgun. The system is designed to hit drones at ranges of 10 to 100 meters. Thus, the new platform combines autonomous military logistics and drone countermeasures in a single vehicle.