Plagton - Combat Support Vehicle

Academic Program: Mechanical Engineering

Purpose/Essence of the Project

Developing a robotic combat support vehicle to improve battlefield lethality and survivability. The vehicle is incorporated into the company’s order of battle as a powerful combat platform operating under shelter, and performing tasks of carrying equipment and charging and deploying drones without exposing personnel to risk. Additionally, the vehicle offers a dynamic, multi-tasking solution at a financial cost that allows for extensive equipping.

Describe the Product/Project

Converting a Bobcat T590 platform into a combat support vehicle through a series of simple engineering adaptations. The changes include replacing the operator’s booth with a designated storage space and a charging cabinet for technological devices, as well as installing a drone landing pad on the vehicle. The core of the conversion lies in replacing the loader bucket with a precision weapons system that provides the vehicle with significant firepower.

How Was the Idea Born?

The project was born of the operational need to carry out combat, logistical, and tactical tasks, and provide necessary services in the field. The current alternatives for providing some of these services are awkward, expensive devices that lack battle deterrence abilities, lack a local maintenance structure, and are unsuitable for broad deployment in frontline units. The Plagton offers an applicable, accessible solution based on existing, integrated technology, and thus allows broad integration in all IDF combat battalions at the company level.

Why Did You Choose This Project?

We chose the project out of our affinity for defense work at an age of war. The three team members have served in active reserve duty in the past three years, in a large variety of domains on the frontlines and the homefront. We wanted the project to have meaning beyond the normal standard, and to have a real effect on the challenges experienced by combat soldiers.

Is the Project Connected with a Personal Story of Yours or of Someone You Know?

No, but dealing with certain challenges we’ve each experienced in reserve service has underscored the need and our understanding that a systemwide change is required, in the form of a complete solution for the gaps mentioned.

What Need Does It Address and for What Population?

Saves lives on the battlefield for fighters, significantly eases and improves fighting conditions, and frees fighters to focus on the battle rather than on operating multiple devices and carrying heavy loads.