Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The Submersible Matting System (SUBMAT) is a force projection technology being developed by researchers at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). Its purpose is to solve an issue faced during amphibious military operations: vehicles getting stuck in the soft, wet sand of the tidal zone.
SUBMAT stabilizes the beach, providing a reliable surface for vehicles to traverse during Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) operations. The innovative concept was launched during a brainstorming session but needed an industry partner to accelerate prototype development.
ERDC’s partnership intermediary, ERDCWERX, helped locate Shavers Whittle, a Louisiana construction company that previously worked on levee matting systems for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. They rapidly produced the next SUBMAT prototype. Only 15 months after the initial brainstorming session, ERDC began testing prototypes with the Navy.
SUBMAT’s successful field tests have led to interest from the U.S. Army and U.S. Coast Guard, as well as other potential uses in austere environments. ERDC researchers are addressing those unique challenges and are working to deliver optimal and agile solutions for the Warfighter.
(Footage provided by Jeff Chao, Jared Eastman, Marisa Gaona, Desiree Kapler and Timothy Reeves)
#usa #military #technology
The Submersible Matting System (SUBMAT) is a force projection technology being developed by researchers at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). Its purpose is to solve an issue faced during amphibious military operations: vehicles getting stuck in the soft, wet sand of the tidal zone.
SUBMAT stabilizes the beach, providing a reliable surface for vehicles to traverse during Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) operations. The innovative concept was launched during a brainstorming session but needed an industry partner to accelerate prototype development.
ERDC’s partnership intermediary, ERDCWERX, helped locate Shavers Whittle, a Louisiana construction company that previously worked on levee matting systems for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. They rapidly produced the next SUBMAT prototype. Only 15 months after the initial brainstorming session, ERDC began testing prototypes with the Navy.
SUBMAT’s successful field tests have led to interest from the U.S. Army and U.S. Coast Guard, as well as other potential uses in austere environments. ERDC researchers are addressing those unique challenges and are working to deliver optimal and agile solutions for the Warfighter.
(Footage provided by Jeff Chao, Jared Eastman, Marisa Gaona, Desiree Kapler and Timothy Reeves)
#usa #military #technology
