The Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport (S-MET) programme is a US Army initiative that aims to provide infantry brigade combat teams (IBCT) with the capability to quickly field new capabilities, while improving the physical and mental workload of Soldiers. Program Executive Office for Combat Support and Combat Service Support (PEOCS&CSS), developed a strategy called "Other Transactional Authority" to speed up the acquisition process. It is a collaborative tool designed to speed the modernization of equipment while maintaining high quality.
S-MET provides IBCTs with the ability transport more equipment and extend radio communications range while carrying essential supplies. S-MET cars will eventually become a standard part of every US Army battalion. 624 platforms will be available by 2024. These platforms will be able to carry specialist equipment and support mission-specific needs such as filling Hesco barriers and digging fighting positions.
PEOCS&CSS and Product Management Office for Applique and Large Unmanned Systems (PMO CS&CSS) developed a strategy for streamlined purchasing to increase efficiency of the program. The SMET program is able to provide greater performance for FLRAA/FARA by utilizing innovative integration approaches.
SMET will train IBCTs how to use the systems in the first year. During this period, the Army will gather operational feedback from Soldiers. This information will be used to select a production system. When selecting a vehicle, the Army will perform a technology demonstration to find the best option for the program. Two Army Infantry units will also receive copies of the competing SMET vehicles.
Two main components of the program are Phase I Assessment (September 2017) and Phase II Technology Demonstration (April 2018). Both assessments involve early soldier testing of the various systems to gather input on functionality, performance, and durability.
The Army was able to get a complete picture about the system candidates and how they can be reduced. Phase I provided an assessment. The program also revealed whether the current industry solutions would be suitable for this program. The program will eventually provide an unmanned, electric-powered mobile charging station for soldiers on patrol.
After the Phase I assessment, the Army narrowed the candidates to four contenders: General Dynamics, Textron, HDT Global, and Neya Systems LLC. Each of the four contenders included a small remote control.
As a result of the Phase II Technology Demonstration, the Army will select a single vehicle that meets its needs. Once the Army has chosen a vehicle, they will begin low-rate initial production. Within five-years, every US Army infantry regiment will be equipped by an SMET. These vehicles will be made in approximately six-hundred units, with the first one receiving them in mid-2021.
Additional capabilities could be added to SMET as the program develops. Other options include unmanned aerial and dismounted engineer mobility. Future modifications will allow the system's integration of a feedback system for tele-operation. Modular mission payloads are also available to address specific mission requirements.