US NEW Unmanned Mini TANK Shocked The World!

What we’re looking at today was born on a TV show but is now being introduced onto the battlefield for real. The Ripsaw M5 is a new robot tank that’s been designed to support the US Army as an autonomous wingman. It’s a glimpse into the future but also very much the present when it comes to the development of lethal technology. Let’s take a closer look.
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Video and image credit: textronsystems, Howe & Howe, Teledyne FLIR.

[@goodbodha]

I think the AA version will be the primary version that will be useful. Relatively cheap effective AA that can sit just behind the front lines will be a necessity in the drone wars coming. What I would like to see is one setup as a dedicated drone launcher. If it could pull up a mile or two back and launch a full salvo of drones before falling back that could be really useful. Those could be anti personnel drones, anti vehicle drones, anti drone drones. Imagine your on the line and a few of these drive up and launch in rapid succession 40-50 drones from the group of tankettes that immediately rush across and attack the enemy position that has been harassing you. Some of the drone dive on infantry. Some drones run down enemy vehicles. Some drones home in radios as they are used. During this chaos friendly forces can push up, or pull out with a bit more freedom of movement. To be clear Im not talking about just the little quad copters. Those should be in the mix, but also something like switchblades but cheaper. Maybe a few observer drones that loiter. The key thing is you go from few drones to many drones within a minute or two and the mix can take down most viable targets short of perhaps buttoned up tanks. The other thing I would like to see is an auto mortar or remotely operated grenade launcher that fires larger grenades than the man operated versions. This could used for rapid fire support like a traditional mortar but much more mobile and thus less likely to get hit by artillery or drones. I imagine mortars have been struggling in the drone rich environment. The drones have the range to reach them and the man portable mortars aren't exactly the fastest thing to relocate. The need for that firepower is still there.

[@rolyantrauts2304]

The unmanned drones main purpose is to go into danger where manned missions will not. Why would you use that platform in a safe behind front line role when there is a plethora of designs already designed for that role...

[@robertklimczak5630]

Po co? Wystarczy salwa z pociskami termobarycznymi. Zlikwiduje pola minowe i osłonę tego pola w postaci wojsk przeciwnika..

[@johnconner8218]

One or two of these with a Bradly full of troops! Yikes!!! That would be a force to reckon with.

[@Husky_Passion]

then all it needs is 3 drones, yikes

[@eviljohnnybravo7575]

What would be the point of a Bradley? That's just an easy to find target. Might as well have a dedicated tank crew hidden away somewhere out of sight and danger controlling more drones

[@scothayes9220]

This thing is bad azz. H&H are a couple of forward thinking fellas that have created a master piece. I sure hope the U.S. defense department can field a version of the MK5 soon. If I had the money to spend, I would definitely buy a civilian version of the light weight version. Great production and keep up the good.

[@philiplewis8213]

Bring up the air defense version ASAP to accompany Bradley's or other armored vehicles into combat. Even have them accompany mobile artillery.

[@MS-wz9jm]

Would last about 30 seconds on the front line. Armoured vehicles dont last long on the front let alone extremely fragile vehicles like this

[@philiplewis8213]

@@MS-wz9jm Where ever an APC goes, one of these can too. With a smaller profile, might survive longer.

[@eviljohnnybravo7575]

​@@MS-wz9jmyeah but you have to assume part of the reason for that is because of the lack of top facing armor, which this thing can probablt have a lot more of since it shed the extra weight of a crew compartment. Also you can send in more of these since you aren't replacing the crew when they get destroyed. Much lower risk. There's also the fact that when it's not moving for a while it isn't producing a thermal signature for heat guided munitions. It has a lot going for it potentially

[@MarkFarrington-hb2ne]

It didn't shock the world, you're making that up

[@VeXu666]

One of these things have more electronics inside it than the whole russian army. Which shocked the pants off russians at least.

[@BraainzO2]

​@@VeXu666 Its look like unmanned BMD tho, BMD but more expensive to spend in asymmetrical warfare.

[@wolfgangpollersnr5259]

By now you should know everything ' shocks ' the world.

[@hypercomms2001]

They should ship this thing too Ukraine and see how long it survives... That's way, if it does then it can have the Monicker "battle tested"...

[@raydeemed]

It cant survive a day 😂😂 the $250 alibaba drone takes it out without a struggle

[@kubbykush420]

Yeah , like that war isn't a drain on America as it is. It's funny how we don't have any money to fix the collapsed bridges , broken school system , paying teachers , fixing roads , and such as well as the increasing homelessness population but Billions to Ukraine and Israel. Shows who's really in control of this country. This isn't making America safer , just in greater debt.

[@T1Oracle]

@@raydeemed Just making it to the front lines makes it "battle tested" so it's still a marketing win! 💸

[@richard7071]

@@raydeemeda bit scared comrade?

[@bruhbruh3847]

​@@richard7071surely from a modern L3 protorype😂😂😂😂

[@patrickvanderwal6324]

Since it is unmanned, the turret could be way flatter or at least shaped differently so it can deflect better.

[@danj-g6p]

Pretty sure it houses all the ammo/autoloader. Also it houses everything needed for the turrent. If you recall it has a flat top, means most everything is bolt on and modular. The base is the powerplant and transmission.

[@eviljohnnybravo7575]

​@@danj-g6pat that point you'd think it might as well be able to extend and retract vertically on a robotic arm or something. That way it can stay fully behind cover, spot the enemy with a periscope and then extend only the turret above cover when it's ready to start firing. Even if it gets hit with AT rounds, worst case scenario only the turret gets damaged and the vehicle below can retreat unscathed and have its turret swapped

[@michaelshore2300]

Looks like the reinvented the Caraden LLoyd of the 30s

[@craigkdillon]

Carden Lloyd --- yes, it does look like it.

[@T1Oracle]

It's unmanned though.

[@reckless20]

I always told a modern version of an m22 or t95 will revolutionize tank combat and production. Now imagine this, but with an electric motor to make it completely silent while moving. Covered in suitable camo and covered in bushes to be an invisible scout vehicle, ready to deploy an airborne scout drone, and a ground bug-drone with a mine attached to it - to ride under a tank and blow it up from underneath. Now imagine a battlefield with hundreds of these things, always watching, ready to release hundreds of drones at once if needed, equipped with antiair measures, and smokes to retreat if needed or to provide cover for infantry assault, once the ground drones are done clearing minefields and cutting wires.

[@StabbinJoeScarborough]

I didnt hear a medical application but i imagine thats not far behind , good stuff !

[@teemut1692]

First question is that how it can manage EW environment and actually operate heavy Electronic countermeasure situation? Second question that is there any capability to operate independently or is it always human controlled? What is operational range? How cost efective it is, can it actually be mass produced cheaply to be mass part of regirement or division?

[@avgjoe5969]

Awesome! Might also tap Musk for autonomous driving improvements when comms fail.

[@Boom-eo8ht]

I see these things drawing enemy fire, clearing out mine fields, providing short range air defense , and jamming signals.

[@mss3834]

And getting blown up with mines and drones. It’s not ready for what we see in Ukraine. That will change but right now it’s a big target

[@T1Oracle]

The most important parts are autonomous operation, autonomous problem diagnosis and resolution, and reliable secure communications. This thing will experience losses of communications in operation, and will need to be able to handle those situations safely and usefully. Additionally, it be needs to be very effective at maintaining communications even in the most challenging environments. Furthermore, it needs to be cheap and unimportant enough, that no one will have to risk their safety recovering them when they fail.

[@xXxtoodeeepxXx]

The ability to transfer data through quantum entangled quarks would be awesome for drones..I'm sure it's not outside of the realm of possibility

[@Joe-sm9qj]

I don't know how anyone sees this kind of thing as good.

[@raftguy1376]

Well. If you were just handed a gun and ordered to the front line of an industrial warfare battlefield, maybe you could develop some appreciation. Because we’re all gonna be looking down that particular choice sooner rather than later.

[@danj-g6p]

Speak to someone that has served, should put your mind at ease. These things are not built for what you are worried about bud. I thought the same thing. They would get smoked in an urban setting.

[@Joe-sm9qj]

@@danj-g6p respectfully, I'm not so sure these drones are friendly

[@martingrof1685]

Cus its on our side. For now. Still pretty cool tho

[@Joe-sm9qj]

@@martingrof1685 it will be used against you

[@frederickdelacruz6818]

nice toy👍🏻

[@BiasedOpinon]

Can't wait to have this in War Thunder, good luck taking out my crew

[@Walkercolt1]

DUH!!! The GERMANS built tens of thousands of un-manned robotanks and used them in North Africa and in Russia sort-of successfully. The Germans also pummeled London with jet powered "drones" called "V-1's". Then with hypersonic V-2 (A-4) ROCKETS (yes, they fell at about 5000 MPH or Mach 7). The sonic booms were so loud, most people on the ground mistook the sonic boom for the warhead explosion.

[@leoperez2566]

I'm SHOCKED!

[@MrJturner74]

Good to see the HK Mk1 is coming along.

[@geofflasater7356]

I want one.

[@craigkdillon]

Could it be used for medical evacuation?? Seems to me that helicopter medical evac could be risky, or impractical at times. An RCV that can take wounded soldiers back to base camp could be useful. Has that been thought of?

[@sirn3cr045]

So it's an unmanned IFV essentially. Good use for the Ripsaw platform.

[@kendom33]

Seems fantastic. Can't wait for it to be deployed

[@EddyKorgo]

Like if you remember Ripsaw first it came out. Its finally getting into an action.

[@danfreitas7905]

A great commuter car. Can it handle small arms and RPG fire?

[@BGY777]

Upgrade the Ripsaw M5 with a batch of modified JAGM missiles used as a multi-mission anti-vehicle projectile (anti-tank and short range anti-air) and you got yourself a very powerful weapon system that can cause all kinds of mayhem on the battlefield.

[@JCG0001]

Needs some sort of anit-drone 12 gauge shotgun gatlin system.

[@knowahnosenothing4862]

I thought of this too, maybe an anti material round like on a GAU19B or Dillon Aero 503D as a backup to a laser system. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYqqhWyjqddlsLc

[@rockweiler777]

Optimized for university campus operations!

[@dominic6634]

its going to need some kind of infantry support

[@azizmkhalje9023]

Just one word great

[@Piraneous]

Yeah but how does it fare vs FPV drones?

[@pedrohpires6608]

The Lancet and shaeb 136/38 shock the world but this , a fpv drone can knock out .🤠

[@asther113]

Just add a automatic 90mm canon, or a 105mm auto canon with laser range finder make it POWERFUL-reconnaissance in force.

[@raycom777]

Includes AI that detects humans. Not legal, but a little hidden switch activates the Terminator Mode. We are quickly headed to robot wars fought from thousands of miles away.

[@joejoe6611]

What should I do with towing if it breaks down during combat? Should I just gift it to my enemies? Like a Trojan horse? I think I should sacrifice my human combat power to save this tank, just as my comrades will have to take responsibility until the end if they get hurt.

[@rickjames18]

I think both of them are great innovations and will certainly play a critical role. I especially like the idea of automated Skyranger on a Ripsaw that can provide short point defense. That is a much talked about and debated issue at the moment. They should be testing those in Ukraine now that they have a chance.

[@JPJ740]

does everything but the dishes (Buy It !).

[@rontribbey9038]

This tank to me ,would be really great a a support tank for the Marines, small fast .and hard hitting when they hit the ground running. Just saying , SEMPER FIDELIS.

[@gabiballetje]

I love those Ripsaws and iuts variants, they're so awesome. I bet Howe & Howe Technologies got payed ransomly or are getting a share of every model sold or something. They're relatively small, fast, can still pack a punch, anmd that can be upgraded no doubt. Just think, unmanned, autoloader, can probably carry a heavier turret/gun, especially if you adapt it a bit further, a swarm of these remote controlled roll up on you, you're gonna have a bad day. Man, would i love to see a bunch of these rolling up in Ukraine. Ukraine seems like a great testbed for these.

[@evilfingers4302]

To actually see the M5's Combat Capabilities, the manufacturer should send the Prototypes to Ukraine, and let the Ukrainians carry out the tests against the Russians.

[@danj-g6p]

This is an unwise idea. Why risk new tech to an enemy. Also dont you think we have sent them enough already?!

[@evilfingers4302]

@@danj-g6p do you actually understand how the World's Arms Race work?

[@MrDCrosswell]

No! No, the world is not shocked, again!

[@tankrabbit534]

Expensive robot tank vs cheap mines. Very cost effective.

[@mss3834]

And cheaper drones…agreed

[@VeXu666]

If they could make it a bit more flat (by removing the turret) and add a 125mm rheinmetall gun with an autoloader to it, they could make the ultimate tank destroyer.

[@darrencorrigan8505]

Thanks, Military World. Ripsaw has been under develoment for almost thrty years, get it out there.

[@valriis9745]

It's a great target vehicle for practicing atgms and cas on. But bringing it to a modern battle is like bringing a knife to a gunfight.

[@davidbeattie4294]

The H&H team reminds me of the work of Walter Christie. Its a shame Walters genius found a home in the Soviet Union where the sloped armor and suspension of the Christie medium tank were adopted to the famour T-34. Here's hoping the US military doesn't let this innovation slip away. The M5, combined with airborne drones, looks like an unfair advantage on the battlefield.

[@nigeljohnson9820]

These are only as good as they telemetry. Adding a laser might be a better option for dealing with drones, which are the new threat on the battlefield. Adding automatic radar targeting for the laser would provide mobile cover protection against the drone threat. The next logical step is to add AI control, but that is a move many fear.

[@jamesjl334]

How exactly does it shock the world? Most people could care less, while also not evening know that it exists.

[@joat_dad4090]

They should make one that have stretchers to evac wounded troops.

[@mihimiho2515]

That DRT (Drone Tank) looks a bit like Sherman.

[@gianpaolovillani6321]

We humans should not rely too much on robots or even on artificial intelligence. We must be the ones to win every war with our own hands: otherwise we will never learn from history!

[@DavidRobertson-pk4ld]

Love it and I hope to see it in action sooner than later!

[@shadowcat3163]

Weak points I see are the rubber treads and the thin lower hull drone door. While it may tool around it has very a very limited life span due the thin armor and weak suspension'. At the least I would put an outer shrouding on the tracks, metal tread links, and a hull mounted Mg where the drone bay is. Maybe some hull mounted self defense grenade launchers or smoke generators also.

[@PxThucydides]

I recall watching a TV news report about a remotely operated tank, equipped with cameras and radio control, being tested by the US Army in actual combat. I saw that news report in... 1972. So this is not really a new idea.

[@shawncarter5619]

Another Ripsaw variant that will never see further development

[@timberrr1126]

Without FPV protection, it won’t last long. Its’ tracks and sensors are exposed to FPV attack.

[@AveryChristy]

Still seems vulnerable to a $500 drone with an explosive duck taped to it.

[@1ntwndrboy198]

It needs a drone detector linked to a mini gun 👍

[@thomasoleary1922]

Just the beginning of a long list of new weapons and technologies. The future looks bright.

[@StabbinJoeScarborough]

I agree this has massive potential

[@mss3834]

How is something that kills faster a bright future? What if your son is sent to some war we have no business being in and the enemy has a weapon that makes the “future bright”

[@StabbinJoeScarborough]

@@mss3834 This tech has other applications , medical , signal , search and reacue Its not only for war

[@badcallsign4204]

Thinking back to Star Trek TOS, Why did it have to be called “M-5”?

[@wilomica]

So the U.S. is going ahead with this! Some generals really need to watch Terminator and War Games! Apparently killing ourselves with climate change is too slow?

[@FunnyQuailMan]

These could compliment Gepards in Ukraine in an anti-drone role, and would be great attached to M2 & M3 Bradley mechanized & cavalry units for anti-drone, scout, picket & fire support roles. Infantry squads I'm sure wouldn't mind having them for those reasons, especially Ukrainian infantry who would no doubt appreciate the 30mm fire power, the sensors & aerial drones on-board to protect them from other drones, other aerial threats, enemy armor & fortifications if it were also fitted with Stingers, Javelin and/or APKWS. It'd also be an fan favorite among infantry soldiers as an armed mule carrying extra ammunition & equipment for troops.

[@lorenkargard8303]

Get it to Ukraine for testing

[@wolfgangpollersnr5259]

The only shocking thing about this video is that the USA only is in the prototype stage of development. Russia has used them for some time on the battlefield already and is upgrading them as they see shortcomings.

[@blazejnycz1]

I remember How&Howe Ripsaw from Discovery channel long time ago. Much better solution than heavy tanks....

[@worldsokayestcatdad6798]

JEEEEEEEZ, that gun isn't stabilised IN THE LEAST! Is it a prop?

[@mss3834]

It’s a broom stick

[@marksolarz3756]

Also....Batman called the Pentagon. It seems... apparently. A P.N. Guin. Has purchased a surplus submarine. It has been fitted with experimental flipper propulsion. And a cool penguin periscope camouflage. Keep an eye out for that! 1966. Batman Movie tell you all about it.

[@scarlettuwu9582]

Wow, this is really good for a first generation. I think you’re actually at a point where the software needs to catch up depending on how developed the Ai is, once the Ai is solid I think these will be mission capable in themselves. I think anti-aerial drone capability will be extremely important (honestly localized jamming with an Ai system capable of rapidly going through jamming frequencies would also be a valid endeavor, even if it’s not as rapid as would be ideal, even if 1 vehicle were lost if the entire swarm was then jammed, pretty good results I think. You could also go in a more extreme option with broad spectrum jamming (with friendly units momentarily losing communications or into a safe mode power down type state for an emp deployment countermeasure. )

[@brianhenry9669]

Looks like a 2024 AMX ELC

[@AlexanderHardin-j4s]

Its a sport car tank just as the same idea the german tank mini tank during the second world war

[@raftguy1376]

They should really weld the seams instead of bolt them.

[@randybrown140]

WAY COOL 👍

[@MCSonixx]

🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

[@rickmarkgraf2617]

Yes, it is sexy, and may be great for urban battles, but it is highly vulnerable to the same weapons that take out tanks. Its only advantage is speed and low risk to crew. With all the attachments, it is going to be really expensive, and a manpad on a quad will beat it at much less expense. As we have seen in Ukraine, cost is a limiting factor to success.

[@Sirsethtaggart3505]

Skynet is a reality

[@vaughnedwards1724]

Any vehicles on the battlefield have to be able to defend against drones or else 😯

[@spencerthu2956]

I was just thinking about that Ripsaw and Wondering why the hell wouldn't the US military want that thing and add weapons. If they dont use the ripsaw the tank version thats the reason we are being passed up by China! When i was growing up i never heard the military or NASA say its to hard to do or its to expensive or excuse after excuse! I did start to notice them retiring things that should still be active!! Cmon guys i really dont want to bea Chinese colony!

[@Adamwgnr]

Для фпв дрона это всего лишь железка

[@mss3834]

Like Russian soldiers

[@claudewebb2797]

It is a baby Sherman. 🤓👍

[@clintonvincent2801]

It's a awesome machine

[@3xblahblah]

1500hp is a bit ott for such a lightweight vehicle isn't it?

[@mss3834]

A maintenance nightmare.

[@paulgee1952]

Don't get tied up over complicating it ,it is the effective decoy to draw the fire away from troops ,keep it robust and cheap , give the gadgets to the troops. Mine clearance and a good support weapon, with smoke and some EW drone defence ( mini radar and auto shotgun sufficent) IMO?

[@MrSCOTTtheSCOT]

Que terminator 2 music

[@bruhbruh3847]

Wtf a L3 with VBC turret😂😂

[@alan4401]

Send some to Ukraine - now!!!

[@StabbinJoeScarborough]

The UA needs more than this

[@windsorSJ]

The perfect test.

[@JC130676]

@@StabbinJoeScarborough Imagine you're a Russian soldier sitting in a trench. It's a cold, gloomy morning and off in the distance you see something moving in the fog. Suddenly a Ripsaw M5 comes racing towards you. Not driving, racing. And another. And another. And another. They're unleashing a barrage of 30mm HEI shells, and from high above Baba Yaga drones suddenly start dropping grenades. Far behind the M5's, Leopards and Challenger tanks can be seen, firing their cannon and demolishing Russian fortifications at will. They can confidently show themselves because the M5's are suppressing the Russian defenses. What could Russia do against such an assault? Yes, Ukraine needs more , but giving them M5's would certainly help.

[@StabbinJoeScarborough]

@@JC130676 I dont have to imagine I've been to combat , are you good with the RA having this tech ? Cause thats what's going to happen Did you know the UA has a foreign legion ?

[@dreamtutorials1015]

I think it's about time we have walking tanks, isn't that concerning, that we dont?

[@T1Oracle]

So it can move even slower and get shot up by enemy infantry even faster? Nothing moves faster on the ground than wheels and tracks. We invented those things for a reason.

[@legatobluesummers1994]

All we need is skynet and we are good for spelling out our own extinction

[@MultiSerge1980]

I think that the Howe brothers have come up with a brilliant idea in a near future ground combat system. I think that the Army should start buying this system as soon as possible in order to help our people if a shooting war should happen. Unfortunately, knowing the procurement system of the United States Army, I am afraid that they will end up rejecting it because it will be changed, added to, and just made impossible to use by our fighting troops. All you have to do is look back to see how many great weapons systems were developed and then cancelled by the Army because it could not meet the many new items that the Army wanted to add to the original idea. I hope that this does succeed as our fighting men and women need this system if they end up in a shooting fight with any of our future enemies.

[@itsuptome1962]

What if it is captured by the enemy? What if the enemy jams it or if they reprogram it while in the battle field. Have the nerds thought about all that?

[@mss3834]

Obviously not. Great point

[@thomaslinton5765]

Who is "shocked"?

[@Robert-mls]

It’s a RV! They need to send a couple to Ukraine tmrw and see if it works in battle. Make upgrades on the go. Bloody politics and bureaucrats. Looks like a couple guys that have serious hobbies would build something similar in their backyard. 🇨🇦☀️😎

[@YanyTori]

@6:15 Section about tracks in inaccurate to the point of being funny. "TWO sprocket wheels" you mean rear sprocket wheel and idler wheel in front. And do you know how to count to six? @6:17 "FIVE road wheels."

[@heberje]

Interesting

[@ZappyOh]

A can of spray paint will disable it. Just cover the sensors.

[@T1Oracle]

I'd like to volunteer *you* as tribute! Please demonstrate for us as I sit here in safety!

[@fussytom3093]

CYBERNET HAS BEGUN . . . AGAIN!!!

[@a0000a1234]

Could you EMP it and then steal it?

[@Iowa599]

Why is it called a wingman if it can't fly? ...or can it?

[@dariusweisz7440]

l3/33 drone xD

[@temijinkahn511]

Sky net iss coming!