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US Army Turns to BLADE's Hybrid Dire WOLF Robot for High-Risk Resupply Missions
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US Army Turns to BLADE's Hybrid Dire WOLF Robot for High-Risk Resupply Missions

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US Army Turns to BLADE's Hybrid Dire WOLF Robot for High-Risk Resupply Missions
US Army Turns to BLADE's Hybrid Dire WOLF Robot for High-Risk Resupply Missions

US Army Turns to BLADE's Hybrid Dire WOLF Robot for High-Risk Resupply Missions

The US Army has selected BLADE — the robotics arm of HDT Global — to supply a new hybrid unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) for the toughest battlefield resupply missions. The Dire WOLF is a six-wheeled diesel-electric hybrid platform designed to haul thousands of pounds of ammunition, fuel, and equipment through contested terrain without putting soldiers in the line of fire.

The contract falls under the Army's Project Sustainment initiative, managed by the National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC). BLADE is one of five industry partners chosen to develop prototype autonomous logistics vehicles under the program, which aims to automate supply distribution in high-risk forward areas.

"The Dire WOLF joins the Hunter WOLF and WOLF-X pack to directly reduce risk to the warfighter," said Tom Van Doren, President of Robotics at BLADE. "By leveraging advanced autonomy and proven UGV performance, we are ensuring that essential supplies reach soldiers at the tactical edge — safely and reliably."

Diesel-Electric Hybrid with Airless Tires

Based on the company's existing WOLF-X robotic combat vehicle, the Dire WOLF combines a high-output diesel-electric hybrid powertrain with pivot steering, giving it the maneuverability to turn sharply in confined urban spaces and the torque to climb vertical obstacles up to 2 feet (0.6 meters).

The platform rides on Michelin non-pneumatic Tweels — airless tires that eliminate the risk of flats from small-arms fire or battlefield debris, a critical advantage for sustained operations in contested zones. An onboard battery pack provides exportable power for forward-deployed communications equipment, electronic warfare suites, and counter-drone systems.

BLADE brings more than 20 years of UGV engineering and production experience to the program. The Dire WOLF is the latest addition to the company's growing family of robotic ground vehicles, which already includes the Hunter WOLF and the WOLF-X.

The Project Sustainment prototypes are expected to undergo field testing in the coming months, with the Army evaluating which systems will move toward production. Analysts see the program as part of a broader Pentagon push to reduce logistics convoy vulnerability — long identified as one of the military's most dangerous mission sets.

Sources

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