Containerized Weapons Systems

[Kirkhill]

SLED - Self Loading Equipment Deck

U.S. Army’s sled air defense idea gets industry backers

Mooresville, North Carolina-based MSI Defense Solutions says its Self-Loading Equipment Deck, a removable mission pallet that can carry weapons and sensors on and off vehicles, appeared on several partner companies’ displays at this week’s Association of the U.S. Army annual

defence-blog.com

"The idea behind a self-loading deck is that a small crew can lift a complete weapon or sensor package off one vehicle and onto another, or onto the ground, without a forklift or crane. Partner company 3SL, which showed an air defense version called the EAGLS SLED at the AUSA Global Force symposium in Huntsville in March, said that design lets three or four soldiers swap mission payloads in the field."

"In a March 2026 request for information for Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense Increment 4, the U.S. Army said it wants an air defense package for light infantry built on a self-loading equipment deck that can ride on vehicles such as the Infantry Squad Vehicle and the uncrewed Robotic Combat Vehicle. The service specified that the deck must keep working independently once removed and that the carrier vehicle must return to full functionality without it, with fielding targeted for 2027 to 2029."

 

[GR66]

SLED - Self Loading Equipment Deck

U.S. Army’s sled air defense idea gets industry backers

Mooresville, North Carolina-based MSI Defense Solutions says its Self-Loading Equipment Deck, a removable mission pallet that can carry weapons and sensors on and off vehicles, appeared on several partner companies’ displays at this week’s Association of the U.S. Army annual

defence-blog.com

"The idea behind a self-loading deck is that a small crew can lift a complete weapon or sensor package off one vehicle and onto another, or onto the ground, without a forklift or crane. Partner company 3SL, which showed an air defense version called the EAGLS SLED at the AUSA Global Force symposium in Huntsville in March, said that design lets three or four soldiers swap mission payloads in the field."

"In a March 2026 request for information for Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense Increment 4, the U.S. Army said it wants an air defense package for light infantry built on a self-loading equipment deck that can ride on vehicles such as the Infantry Squad Vehicle and the uncrewed Robotic Combat Vehicle. The service specified that the deck must keep working independently once removed and that the carrier vehicle must return to full functionality without it, with fielding targeted for 2027 to 2029."

Commonality and Modularity I think are two key concepts the CAF should look at when purchasing equipment and designing force structures. Both will make the for a much more flexible force and responsive defence industry.