Poland is deploying its state-of-the-art PIAP Hunter ground-based drone

In May 2024, the Piap Hunter Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) was spotted during a recent exercise by Poland's 21st Rifle Brigade. This demonstration highlighted the Piap Hunter's advanced surveillance and rapid response capabilities, emphasizing its critical role in modernizing and strengthening the security operations of the Polish Armed Forces. The Piap Hunter, with its high mobility and hybrid systems, is designed to perform a variety of tasks, from land border protection to critical incident management.

HUNTeR — is a highly mobile unmanned hybrid platform designed for quick response tasks in the field of civil security and crisis management. This advanced unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) excels both in conventional surveillance tasks such as land border security and in rapid intervention scenarios including responding to border crossings or critical infrastructure incidents.

The HUNTeR platform, capable of reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h in both remote and semi-autonomous modes, stands out among other offers on the market with its sophisticated autonomy algorithms. This ensures fast response time and efficient navigation in different terrains.

As a series hybrid UGV, HUNTeR combines the advantages of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. This hybrid system facilitates advanced field operations and silent, low-noise movement critical to covert surveillance missions. The vehicle can operate effectively in a variety of conditions, providing long-term field operation and the ability to conduct silent operations when necessary.

To further enhance its operational capabilities, the HUNTeR can be equipped with a mobile surveillance aerial platform (UAV). This UAV acts as an additional source of surveillance and communications relay, significantly expanding the range and effectiveness of surveillance and communications.

The HUNTeR platform weighs 3500 kg and measures 470×220 cm with a 270 cm wheelbase. It can reach a maximum speed of 50 km/h supported by a reliable suspension system. Dependent 3-link suspension with Panara bar, coil springs, and shock absorbers with adjustable damping provide 25 cm of suspension travel.

The 4×4 drive system includes a differential lock, two steered axles and 1m diameter wheels. Drive power is 90kW continuous and 220kW peak, provided by a series hybrid system with traction electric motors integrated with the drive axles.

< p>The car is equipped with disc brakes on the wheels and a parking brake on the electric motor. Power is managed by a 40 kWh NMC lithium-ion battery and BTMS system, as well as a 110 kW generator. It supports additional devices with power options including 600V DC, 3×400V AC and 24V DC.

HUNTeR is equipped with HD driving cameras located at the front and rear, as well as additional cameras on the handrails for an overhead view. It has four side cameras (two on each side) and a PTZ camera for panoramic viewing. The digital communication system offers a choice of operating frequencies such as 1.3 GHz and 2.4 GHz with a maximum communication range of 800 meters.

Control options include a portable control panel with additional screen connectivity, steering wheel and pedals for precise control. HUNTeR can also be equipped with a tethered UAV with a landing field and a rotating head, a radio transmitter to extend the control range, and various power sources for accessories. It includes a set of sensors with an autonomy module for a remote and autonomous driving assistant, a hydraulically actuated manipulator, cargo boxes among other modular equipment. Hunter, equipped with a large-caliber 12.7-mm machine gun and smoke grenade launchers. It also offers the option of equipping a small drone. Developed by Arex, a subsidiary of WB Group, the turret features advanced stabilization for both the weapon and its surveillance equipment. It is equipped with daytime and thermal imaging cameras, as well as a laser rangefinder. The turret can be controlled both from an on-board station and remotely using a portable console, which provides versatility in various combat scenarios.