Havelsan Kapgan

KAPGAN is a multi-purpose ground platform developed by HAVELSAN and classified within Türkiye’s defense industry as a heavy-class unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). Notable for its fully electric propulsion system, high useful payload capacity, and advanced autonomous driving capabilities, KAPGAN is capable of performing a variety of military and civilian missions including reconnaissance and surveillance, armed patrol, cargo transport, and bomb disposal. Equipped with systems such as a tactical data link, GPS-independent mission execution, and dynamic route planning, the vehicle is designed to operate effectively under diverse geographical and operational conditions.

Havelsan Kapgan (Havelsan)

General Information

• Weight: 1,400 kg (unloaded)
• Maximum Speed: 25 km/h
• Operational Duration: 6 hours
• Dimensions: 175 cm (width) x 320 cm (length) x 100 cm (height)
• Useful Payload Capacity: 600 kg
• Communication: 5 km tactical data link, GSM and satellite communication infrastructure
• Surveillance System: 4-meter extendable 360-degree surveillance mast
• Propulsion System: Fully electric

Mission Capabilities

KAPGAN is capable of performing a range of missions:

• Weapon Systems: Can integrate a 12.7 mm machine gun and a 30 mm cannon.
• Reconnaissance and Surveillance: Equipped with sensor systems offering day and night vision capabilities.
• Cargo Transport: Suitable for equipment transport and logistical support missions.
• Rescue Operations: Provides support in casualty evacuation and similar tasks.
• Bomb Disposal: Can be used for detection and neutralization of hazardous objects.
• Battle Damage Assessment: Ideal for identifying and evaluating damage on the battlefield.

An image of the Havelsan KAPGAN in the field (Havelsan)

Autonomous Systems

Thanks to the HAVELSAN Autonomy Package, KAPGAN possesses multiple autonomous capabilities:

• Autonomous Patrol: Can conduct patrols along predefined routes without human intervention.
• GPS-Independent Operation: Can execute missions even in environments without GPS signal.
• Dynamic Route Planning: Can detect obstacles and determine the optimal route accordingly.
• Return-to-Base on Link Loss: Automatically returns to its starting point if communication is lost.
• Obstacle Avoidance: Detects environmental obstacles to prevent collisions.
• Leader Following: Coordinates movement by following a designated unit.

Testing Processes

During its development, KAPGAN underwent various testing phases. In 2023, firing tests were successfully completed using the Unirobotics weapon turret and the Samsun Yurt Savunma Canik M2 QCB 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, with both daytime and nighttime firing trials conducted.

Application Areas

KAPGAN is designed for use in a variety of operational scenarios:

• Military Operations: Supports reconnaissance, surveillance, patrol, and assault missions.
• Border Security: Can be deployed for patrol and monitoring along border lines.
• Disaster Response: Can participate in search and rescue operations during earthquakes and similar disasters.
• Public Order Operations: Provides support to security forces when required.

KAPGAN is a platform developed by HAVELSAN and classified within Türkiye’s defense industry as a heavy-class unmanned ground vehicle. Designed with its technical specifications, autonomous systems, and diverse mission capabilities, it is capable of addressing a wide range of operational requirements.