Overland AI has officially unveiled ULTRA, a cutting-edge fully autonomous tactical vehicle designed to revolutionize ground operations in complex and high-risk environments.
ULTRA marks a major milestone in the development of autonomous ground systems, combining Overland AI’s proprietary OverDrive software stack, the SPARK hardware infrastructure, and versatile modular payloads, including uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and counter-UAS technologies.
“ULTRA can navigate environments ranging from dense forests to volcanic ridges,” said Byron Boots, co-founder and chief executive officer of Overland AI. “This empowers the warfighter to win in crucial contested theaters like the Indo-Pacific while keeping them out of harm’s way.”
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Innovative Features for Tactical Operations
ULTRA is engineered for high-performance with a 1,000-pound payload capacity, a top speed of 35 miles per hour, and a cruising range of 100 miles. Its off-road autonomy software, developed through extensive testing in the DARPA RACER program, ensures the vehicle can navigate even the most challenging terrains, including GPS-denied environments. This advanced capability makes ULTRA a vital tool in operational scenarios where precision and reliability are critical.
ULTRA’s autonomous technology allows it to move through rugged terrain at high speeds without relying on GPS or pre-programmed maps, setting it apart as a truly versatile autonomous ground system ready for deployment today.
Versatility Across Critical Operations
What makes ULTRA stand out is its ability to support a wide range of crucial military and humanitarian operations. These include integrated reconnaissance, direct support of maneuver forces, counter-UAS protection, humanitarian aid resupply (such as food and water), and contested logistics missions. Its networked capabilities facilitate seamless communication between warfighters and command nodes using local mesh networks, 5G, and satellite uplinks, ensuring real-time coordination and decision-making in complex environments.
“ULTRA gives commanders an immediately deployable solution for reconnaissance, counter-UAS, and logistics operations,” said Greg Okopal, co-founder and chief operating officer of Overland AI. “The vehicle is backed by resilient, networked communications that extend reach and reduce risk.”
A Game-Changer for the U.S. Armed Forces
ULTRA is designed to support a wide variety of U.S. Armed Forces missions, from all-domain intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to logistics, counter-UAS operations, and UAS deployment. Its adaptability and robust performance make it a game-changer in tactical operations, ensuring enhanced operational effectiveness while minimizing risk to personnel.