FNSS: Shadow Rider unmanned ground vehicle ready for duty

Shadow Rider was first showcased in 2019 at the IDEF exhibition in Istanbul. Two years later, the vehicle was presented with an increased number of sensors, enabling it to operate in various conditions and enhancing situational awareness. During IDEF 2021, a software development simulator was also demonstrated.

According to FNSS, the Shadow Rider vehicle has recently undergone various tests and was deployed in international exercises, where it played the role of a wingman in a realistic operational scenario. The insights gained from these tests have led to numerous enhancements, including the integration of different task modules. This way, Shadow Rider can evolve into a whole family of autonomous, unmanned vehicles capable of performing various tasks, including fire support. Each variant of the unmanned vehicle has been designed according to specific requirements, including an armored ambulance, logistics vehicle, fire support vehicle, command vehicle, and engineering reconnaissance vehicle.

According to the manufacturer, the latest version of Shadow Rider boasts improved performance and increased capabilities. FNSS claims that the vehicle has reached a technological readiness level of TRL-6/7, one of the highest among heavy unmanned ground vehicles worldwide. The vehicle’s mobility, directional stability, route tracking, autonomous patrolling, convoy tracking, terrain detection, and obstacle avoidance capabilities have all been enhanced.

The latest variant of Shadow Rider is currently being showcased at the ongoing IDEF 2023 exhibition. It has been equipped with the Sancak remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS), capable of housing a 7.62mm machine gun, a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, or a 40mm automatic grenade launcher.