The Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport program (S-MET), a US Army initiative, aims to equip infantry brigade battle teams (IBCT) to rapidly field new capabilities while reducing the physical and mental workload of soldiers. To speed the acquisition process, the Program Executive Office for Combat Support and Combat Service Support (PEO CS&CSS) developed a strategy called the "Other Transactional Authority." This collaborative tool is designed to accelerate the modernization and maintain high quality equipment.
S-MET will enable IBCTs to transport additional equipment, extend radio communications range and carry critical supplies. Eventually, every squad in the US Army will be equipped with S-MET vehicles. 624 platforms have been ordered by 2024. These platforms will serve a multitude of missions, such as digging fighting positions or filling Hesco walls, and carrying special mission-centric gear.
PEOCS&CSS and Product Management Office for Applique and Large Unmanned Systems worked together to improve the program's efficiency. Innovative integration methods allow the SMET program to deliver better performance for FLRAA/FARA.
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 feedback will then be used to identify a system to produce. The Army will conduct a technology demonstration before deciding on a vehicle. In addition, two Army Infantry units will receive copies of competing SMET vehicles.
It consists of two major parts. The Phase I Assessment took place in September 2017 and the Phase II Technology Demonstration will take place over the next year. Both assessments involve soldier testing the various systems early in order to get input on their functionality, performance and durability.
A phase I assessment provided the Army with a comprehensive picture of the candidate systems and the potential to reduce the burden on the Soldier. It also determined if existing industry solutions could be used to support the program. The program will eventually provide an unmanned, electric-powered mobile charging station for soldiers on patrol.
After the Phase 1 assessment, the Army reduced the number of contenders to four: General Dynamics. Textron. HDT Global. Neya Systems LLC. Each of the four candidates included a small remote controller.
The Army will pick a single vehicle to meet its needs as a result the Phase II Technology Demonstration. Once selected, the Army will begin low-rate initial production. Within five years, every infantry squad in the US Army will be equipped with an S-MET. Approximately six-hundred of these vehicles will be produced, with the first unit receiving them in mid-2021.
Additional capabilities could be added to SMET as the program develops. Dismounted engineer mobility systems, and unmanned aerial system are two possible options. Future modifications might allow for the integration of a teleoperation feedback mechanism. A modular mission payload will also be available to suit specific mission needs.