FNSS Shadow Rider

Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) [ 2022 ]

The FNSS Shadow Rider brings about a glimpse into the future of armored warfare - firepower coupled with unmanned autonomy and mission versatility.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 12/06/2022 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

Image from official FNSS Defense marketing materials.

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Shadow Rider is an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) developed by FNSS of Turkey. FNSS has risen to become of the premiere defense companies in the world with its developments in the field of armored combat. The design combines the go-anywhere tracked capabilities of a tank with the versatility of a modern Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) in a relatively compact and lighterweight form - the overall appearance generated from the venerable American M113 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC). Mobility, mission-modularity, and a multi-role battlefield approach are at the heart of the Shadow Rider system.

The vehicle sees five roadwheels to a hull side with the drive sprocket at front and the track idler at rear. No track return rollers are featured. The hull itself is boxy with minimal angles present. An optional 360-degree traversing turret is set over the hull roof line, given unfettered views of the action all around the vehicle. The turret is remotely-controlled and armament can be made to suit customer battlefield requirements. The compact dimensions of this tank allow the Shadow Rider to be air-transported in the belly of a Lockheed C-130 Hercules tactical or Airbus A400M Atlas strategic airlifter.

The system weighs 13,500 kilograms (with a payload capacity of 4,500kg) and has a running length of 5.5 meters with a beam of 3 meters and a height (hull roof line) of 2 meters. It is powered through a diesel-fueled unit mated to a fully-automatic transmission system sporting four-forward and a single-reverse gear. Maximum road speeds reach 50 kmh with road ranges out to 450 kilometers. The design can manage gradients of 60% and slide slopes of 30%. Additionally, it can ford water sources up to 0.6 meters deep and cross trenches of 1.6 meters wide.

When arranged as an autonomous, open-architecture battlefield unit, Shadow Rider can manage its own waypoint navigation, follow track-and-return initiatives, or be arranged to patrol select areas. Due to its advanced obstacle detection and avoidance capabilities, the unit can more or less remain independent as it fights alongside allied forces in contested zones. Communication is through wireless means with multi-tasking possible.

The Shadow Rider represents a family of related unmanned tracked vehicles that currently includes a Command Vehicle (CV), Fire Support Vehicle (FSV), Tactical Decoy Vehicle, Engineering Reconnaissance Vehicle, and Logistics Support Vehicle.©MilitaryFactory.com

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Specifications

Service Year

2022

Origin

Turkey

Status

IN-DEVELOPMENT
Program in Progress.

Crew

0
UNMANNED

Production

5
UNITS

FNSS Defense Systems - Turkey

(View other Vehicle-Related Manufacturers)

Turkey (possible)

(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)

✓ Amphibious Assault
Traverse bodies of open water under own power with / without preparation.

✓ Engineering
Onboard systems provide solutions to accomplish a variety of battlefield engineering tasks.

✓ Infantry Support
Support allied ground forces through weapons, inherent capabilities, and / or onboard systems.

✓ Reconaissance
Can conduct reconnaissance / scout missions to assess threat levels, enemy strength, et al - typically through lightweight design.

✓ Utility
General utility-minded design to accomplish a variety of battlefield tasks, typically in a non-direct-combat fashion.

✓ Special Purpose
Special purpose design developed to accomplish an equally-special battlefield role or roles.

Track-and-Wheel Arrangement

Vehicle utilizes a track-and-wheel arrangement to provide enhanced cross-country travel capability.

Primary Turret

A modern tank quality, this vehicle sports its main armament in a single turret.

Remote Weapon Station (RWS)

Vehicle supports a remote-operated weapons station, reducing crew exposure to outside dangers.

Traversable Main Armament

Armament is situated in a traversing component, allowing for all-around engagement of enemy threats.

Amphibious

System can enter and traverse open water sources - either rivers, lakes, and streams; Amphibious Assault operation support.

Cross-Country Capability

Design includes such features as a track-link system or high ground clearance to better traverse offroad.

Angled Armor

Angled armor at key facings adds inherent ballistics protection to the vehicle.

Nightvision

Crew has access to night-vision equipment, allowing for low-light or night time operations.

Anti-Infantry

Vehicle features an in-built anti-infantry capability for local defense of the vehicle or general troop suppression.

Remote Weapons Station

Vehicle supports an unmanned weapons station controlled remotely from within the safety of the vehicle.

Versatility

Vehicle's proven running gear and overall makeup lends itself well to fulfill other battlefield roles by way of specialized designs.

Psychological Effect

Ability to provide lethal, in-direct firepower at range for area saturation; can include nuclear, biological, and chemical agents.

Length

18.0 ft
5.5 m

Width

9.8 ft
3 m

Height

8.2 ft
2.5 m

Weight

29,762 lb
13,500 kg

Tonnage

14.9 tons
LIGHT

(Showcased structural values pertain to the base FNSS Shadow Rider production variant. Length typically includes main gun in forward position if applicable to the design)

Powerplant: 1 x Diesel-fueled engine driving conventional track-and-wheel arrangement.

Transmission: 1 x Automatic transmission system with 4-forward and 1-reverse gears.

Speed

31.1 mph
(50.0 kph)

Range

279.6 mi
(450.0 km)

(Showcased performance specifications pertain to the base FNSS Shadow Rider production variant. Compare this entry against any other in our database)

Variable if armed. Armament can suit customer battlefield requirements including 7.62mm and 12.7mm machine guns, 40mm Automatic Grenade Launchers (AGL), tank-killing solutions, and automatic cannons.

Supported Types