Explosive Ordnance Disposal Equipment. Robots.
Jane’s police and Security Equipment.- 1996 .- P. 285-291
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Equipment
R O B O T S
The Echidna EOD robot by Evans Deahin Industries (Australia) was specifically designed for the disposal of ordnance and explosive devices and fully meets the stringent requirements for such equipment. The robot is highly robust and is capable of returning to its normal position in the event of a rollover.
The robot's turret section enables it to rotate an artillery shell or other ammunition within 225°. It can lift a load weighing up to 20 kg, located at a distance of 2 m from the front part of its self-propelled trolley, and carry it in any direction within a sector of up to 180°. This is achieved thanks to a specially designed arm — the robot's manipulator — and its installation on the rotating part of the gun turret. The cable drum located inside the robot contains a power cable that unwinds as the robot moves to a length of up to 100 m. This eliminates the possibility of bending or damaging the cable during operations. The control system provides control proportional to the speed within two ranges of the robot's movement, which makes it highly maneuverable. The Echidna robot can climb up and down stairs or move up and down an inclined plane with a maximum angle of 38°. It can operate effectively in confined spaces and navigate right angles in corridors or on 900 mm wide staircases. Echidna Robot Controlis carried out remotely from the Monitor Control Station, which contains a video monitor and displays. A hand-held unit can be used for local control. The displays of the control station continuously reproduce information from the tower camera, the driving and orientation camera, as well as information about the upper and lower positions of the manipulator arm. These features allow the operator to constantly know the exact position and orientation of the robot.
The driving camera is also located in the turret, but operates independently of the surveillance camera. It is mounted on a platform that allows pan and tilt control, giving the operator good all-round visibility. The second camera (the surveillance and targeting camera) is usually mounted on the top of the robot arm, but can also be placed on the robot's trolley chassis.
The robot is powered by two sealed 12 V batteries that do not require maintenance. The batteries provide continuous autonomous operation of the robot for 6-8 hours. The batteries, which belong to the class of batteries with non-spillable electrolyte, meet all the requirements of the International Air Transport Association.
Design of the Echidna robotis designed to work with various attachments. These include a dual EOD device, a specially designed semi-automatic shotgun, interchangeable wrist joints and special fittings for mounting the weapon. A parallel gripper (grab) with an opening of 170 mm and the ability to continuously rotate within 360 ° can be supplied together with a powerful Heavy Duty Grab gripper. The telescopic (extendable) telearm can replace the standard arm of the Echidna robot; when extended, its length reaches 1500 mm.
Other optional extras and attachments include a charge lowering device, a towing hook for vehicles and a frame for mounting X-ray equipment.
The Echidna EOD robots are mass-produced and used by various services.
The Neutrex Mk II hydraulic ordnance disposal device from Proparms(Australia) contains a 20mm stainless steel barrel mounted on an adjustable steel tripod base and capable of briefly emitting an intense stream of water. The device is designed to neutralize unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices. A laser aiming device is mounted on the barrel. Thanks to this, the Neutrex Mk IIcan operate at a distance of up to 3 m from the object being neutralized. It is completely autonomous, requiring no wires to operate it. Power is supplied by a 24 V DC source, high enough to prevent premature activation. A removable safety pin is provided to reduce the risk of premature activation. The barrel has a cylindrical bore, which makes it possible to fire steel bullets to neutralize explosive devices embedded in pipes. The device weighs about 2 kg; it takes less than 3 minutes to deploy.
Hydraulic Ordnance Disposal Device Neutrax Mk II29 mm caliber from the same company was developed in accordance with a large-scale research and development program funded by the Government of Canada in cooperation with the Security Directorate of the Province of Quebec. This device can neutralize improvised explosive devices weighing more than 9 kg. Thanks to good shock absorption, it is insensitive to shocks and vibrations and has reduced recoil. This development has shown that the 29 mm caliber is the maximum permissible in terms of reducing the recoil force and weight for devices of this type intended for installation on robots.
Portable generators of the P series with permanent magnet excitation are manufactured by Proparmsin versions for one, two or four lines. The generator output voltage is at least 100 V, the energy in the discharge pulse is 2 J per line. It can be used at temperatures from -45 to +75 ° C. The generator is placed in a compact shockproof and waterproof rectangular case. To check the condition of the generator and the line, there are built-in control circuits and a galvanometer, for the power supply of which two silver oxide elements are required. An instantaneous discharge occurs when the generator rotation handle is removed. The P 1 generator is used in the Every Disruptor Mark II (b) ammunition detonation device.
Cybernetix Explosive Ordnance Disposal Robot(France) — this is a conventional type robot with remote control and an articulated arm. The robot is controlled by radio, but wire control is also provided in situations where radio control is impossible due to intense radio interference. The robot has two color closed-circuit television cameras and a halogen intense light source. Additionally, the robot can be equipped with a laser, an automatic gun and various grips for the arm. The control unit and video monitor contain all the necessary controls for controlling the movement and operation of the robot.
Technical specifications
| Power, W | 800 |
| Continuous battery life, h | 4 |
| Movement speed, m/min | 65 |
| Dimensions (length x width x height), m | 1.2×0.67 x 1.0 |
The CM2 remote-controlled robot with a diesel engine was developed by GIAT Industries(France) specially designed for operations in harsh environmental conditions. Four independent hydrostatic tracks ensure smooth and precise movement of the robot on terrain with varying conditions under very significant ground pressure. The robot can overcome slopes with a 100% climb. The robot chassis is designed for the use of various tools and devices, such as drilling equipment, telescopic extendable arm, hydraulic drill, compressor, etc.
Technical specifications
| Total weight, kg | 1950 |
| Overall dimensions (length x width x height), m | 3.43х(1.41-1.76)х1.68 |
| Payload, kg | 1000 |
| Ground pressure, g/cm3 | 290 |
| Travel speed, m/min | 50 |
| Autonomous operation time, h | 12 |
| Engine | Water-cooled turbodiesel |
| Control | Via radio or cable line |
The MP 1 Mini Mobile Assistance Robot from GIAT Industries is a remotely controlled robot designed to perform security operations in hostile or extreme environments. Compact and lightweight with a small footprint, the robot can maneuver in tight spaces. With conventional equipment, including television cameras, special weapons for the disposal of explosive ordnance, X-ray systems, and various grippers, the robot MP-1 can be quickly and accurately delivered to the place of future use.
Technical specifications
| Dimensions (length x width x height), mm | 500 x 400 x 350 |
| Weight, kg | 25 |
| Driving mechanism | Four wheels |
| Clearance, mm | 110 |
| Travel speed, m/min | 30 |
| Battery life, min | 30 |
Hadrian robot manufactured by Monitor Engineers(UK) is a second-generation EOD robot that comes with a full set of devices and accessories needed to perform basic operations, as well as training simulators. In addition to EOD, the robots can be used for mobile surveillance, hazardous materials disposal, and detection and neutralization of harmful gases. The robot has six running wheels driven by separate motors with gearboxes, providing high mobility, maneuverability, and reliability of the robot. Thanks to individual wheel control and cardan front and rear axles, the robot can overcome obstacles that are higher than its wheels. Obstacles such as railroad tracks, sleepers, sidewalk curbs, and tall, dense grass are easily overcome by the robot. A rotating turret with various grippers for lifting objects to a height of up to 2.7 m is installed on the retractable upper bumper. Hadrian robotcan be released to a depth of 70 cm. This means that it can penetrate into and under a car and inspect it from above. The robot folds up for easy transportation in a car. The robot arm with the ordnance disposal device continuously rotates left and right, making rotational movements similar to those of a human hand. The wrist can be tilted within 180°, which allows the operator to grasp and move various objects, as well as perform complex manipulations with objects weighing no more than 10 kg. In another version, a heavy gripper can quickly grasp and lift loads weighing up to 75 kg. A scoop or shovel mounted in the front of the robot can pick up objects weighing up to 45 kg.
On the robot HadrianA tray can be installed to secure the means of defusing ammunition with remote control for reloading. Among them is a five-shot semi-automatic rifle aimed with a special television camera. There are two additional control loops for firing the means of defusing ammunition from the front axle. To achieve optimal efficiency of the robot's actions, up to four color television cameras can be installed on it. The operator controls their focusing, diaphragm, varifocal lens, panning and tilt. At the customer's request, fully automatic cameras can be installed instead of these cameras. A monitor with a common or split screen and videographic overlay of data on the discharge of batteries and the orientation of the robot makes the operator's work easier.
The robot is controlled via a radio channel or a 225 m long cable line (in cases where continuous operation is required). A two-way audio channel is available upon request.
Technical specifications
| Length, m | 1.34 |
| Width, m | 0.7 |
| Maximum arm lift height, m | 2.7 |
| Turning circle diameter, m | 1.5 |
| Weight, kg | 170 |
Compact remote-controlled mobile device SON for monitoring and neutralization of ammunition of the company Kappa Messtechnik (Germany) is designed for monitoring and neutralizing suspicious and presumably suspicious objects and objects. It is ideal for use in situations dangerous to people and in conditions where the use of larger neutralization equipment is impossible.
The small size of this device allows it to be used on trains and planes, on ships, in administrative buildings, etc. Despite its small size, SONcan pass under most vehicles. This explosive ordnance disposal device can destroy many unusual explosive and incendiary devices. SON is equipped with advanced sensors, radio communication devices and audio-video equipment, which guarantee its high-precision targeting.
SON can also be used for covert surveillance, as well as for detonating flash grenades or smoke bombs.
Chassis of SONhas six wheels and separate motors for the right and left sides. Each group of three wheels on either side is controlled independently, giving SON exceptional mobility. The wheel sizes allow for step adjustment at medium lifting heights and maintaining the required ground clearance. On top of the steel body of SON, covered with polymer plastic, is a platform on which television cameras and weapons are installed. The platform can be tilted at an angle of 25° for better visibility or precise targeting. Standard equipment installed on the platform includes three highly sensitive monochrome television cameras, directed forward, upward and downward. This provides the operator with full control, and the upward-facing camera allows for inspection of vehicles from below.
A fourth camera can also be installed to improve visibility in certain directions. This can be a Carr 3D stereoscopic camera, which creates three-dimensional images on a special monitor.
Next to the forward-looking camera is a unidirectional microphone that provides the operator with additional acoustic information about the location of the SON. For operations in low-light conditions, the three standard TV cameras are equipped with infrared LED backlighting devices. The radiation from these devices is invisible to the naked eye, so the SON can operate covertly at night.
SONhas two standard remote-controlled trigger mechanisms for detonating ammunition, operating independently of each other. Each of these mechanisms is connected to a laser target designator-gel for precise aiming. Both trigger mechanisms with their target designators are mounted on a platform that allows tilting. A multi-level safety system eliminates accidental activation of the mechanisms.
Technical specifications
| Dimensions (length x width x height), mm | 400 x 330 x 170 |
| Weight (with batteries), kg | 8.4 |
| Power source | Nixd. battery. |
| Autonomous movement duration, min | 50 (max.) depending on terrain profile |
| Duration of continuous use of camera or radio transmitter, h | 2 (max.) |
| Radio transmitter | |
| Frequency | 2.5 GHz (max) |
| range | 500 m |
| Remote control | Computer controlled; frequency band 35-80 MHz |
Kentree's Hobo L3AI Explosive Ordnance Disposal Robot(Ireland) is used to defuse improvised explosive devices and ammunition. In addition to its main purpose, it can be used in firefighting, in the nuclear industry, to eliminate accidents at airports, free hostages taken by terrorists, clear rubble during disasters, remove toxic chemicals and in other situations that pose a danger to human life.
The Hobo robot, designed and manufactured in strict accordance with military specifications and standards,is currently used in 22 countries by 34 agencies. Over the years of practical use, it has proven itself as a reliable and versatile combat vehicle capable of operating in extreme climatic conditions and complex terrain profiles. These qualities of the robot are mainly due to the design of its chassis. Six independently controlled wheels give the robot the freedom to maneuver on rough terrain, move on dirty and sandy soil, snow cover and water. It can be controlled by radio or a dragging cable. The standard cable length of 150 m can be increased by 150 m. Each control option has its own operator console. The minimum direct visibility range of the robot is 1 km.
Other features of the robot include a video surveillance system with three cameras, a six-axis robotic arm, 440° turret rotation, 180° wrist rotation, and 360° bidirectional gripper rotation. The video surveillance system includes three charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras, dual-light illumination, front and rear arms with accessory grips, batteries, and a charger. The control panel (NSN 1385-22-115-2084) comes complete with a TV monitor, robot controls, AC and DC power supply terminals, and an additional video output.
A wide range of accessories is available. In addition, Kentree is always ready to fulfill specific customer orders.
Technical specifications
| Power supply | 24V, 55Ah, automotive-type lead-acid battery with non-spillable electrolyte or 110V and 220V AC power supplied via control panel for continuous operation of the robot |
| Control | By radio or by trailing cable |
| Drive mechanism | Six wheels with independent electric drives |
| Suspension | Ball joint with front and rear axles, controlled by a lever |
| Travel speed, km/h | 0-4.8, smoothly adjustable |
| Turning circle | Within its own length |
| Maximum angle of ascent, deg. | 45 |
| Weight, kg | 228 |
| Radio control channel frequency, MHz — | 458 (standard); other frequencies available |
| Video signal transmission frequency, GHz | 1.2 (standard); other frequencies available |
| Line of sight range, km | More than 1 |
| Normal remote control range, m | More than 250 |
The miniature Imp robot for defusing ordnance by the specified company was developed specifically for operation in restricted areas where the use of larger robots is impossible (in airplanes, trains, on ships, in administrative buildings, etc.).
In addition to surveillance functions, this mini robot can be used to detonate improvised explosive devices and ordnance. A trained operator can use this robot in conjunction with other explosive ordnance disposal devices such as explosive detection devices, X-ray machines, and surveillance equipment.
The robot has two sets of tracks, which allows it to overcome small slopes, go around obstacles and climb stairs. It can remain stationary on a slope with an inclination angle of 30°.
The modular design of the robot facilitates the performance of various tasks: from simple observation to complex manipulations. In the standard version, the robot is supplied complete with a replaceable plate installed on top for mounting manipulator arms of various configurations with working devices (luggage grabs, cameras, ammunition detonation devices), as well as with other devices (towing hook, cable or rope ejection device, motorized bucket, etc.).
The power supply batteries are placed in quickly replaceable cassettes, which increases the duration of autonomous operation. Discharged batteries are recharged in the charger. Normally, the robot is controlled via a radio line for 90 minutes without replacing the battery. Control via a cable line can be used if it is necessary to ensure strict secrecy of operation.
In the standard version, the robot ImpThe robot has a four-track chassis, a quick-change battery pack, radio and cable control units, a motorized search arm, a monochrome CCD camera, a camera pan/tilt control unit, lighting equipment, a sound system, and antennas. The control panel contains a 230 mm color monitor, controls, a detachable hand control section, 100 m of antenna cable, a short charger cable, the charger itself, and a casing for carrying the robot. The working accessories include a shotgun with a butt, an ordnance disposal device, arms for handling luggage items, a three-section motorized manipulator arm, a motorized claw gripper, a color camera, a vario-object, a rope or cable ejection device, and various data and video transmission channels.
Technical specifications
| Dimensions, mm
width |
420 |
| length with front inclined plate retracted | 800 |
| length with plate extended | 940 |
| Achievable distance to object, m | 1.2 (by verticals) |
| 1,2 (horizontal) | |
| Weight, kg | 75 |
| Lifting force, kg at a distance of 1.2 m | 5 |
| Cargo moved, kg | 75 |
| Driving mechanism | Two or four tracks driven by electric motors with worm gears |
| Travel speed, mm/s | 200 |
| Turning circle | Within its own length |
| Slope angle, deg. | 45 |
| Power supply | 12V battery pack; 110/220V AC via trailing cable (for continuous operation) or via charger cable |
Taas Industries TSR 650 Wasp Explosive Ordnance Disposal Robot(Israel) is currently widely used for ordnance disposal by the Israeli Armed Forces, the US Army and Air Force, the German police and other countries around the world. In addition to its primary purpose of ordnance disposal, the robot can be used for analysis of weapons of mass destruction, remote surveillance, riot control, perimeter protection, and firefighting.
The robot is mounted on a chassis with four drive wheels with high-pressure spikes and wear-resistant at high rotation speeds. This gives the robot high mobility and maneuverability when overcoming rough terrain. Each wheel has a separate motor, and the robot can rotate around its axis. The multifunctional manipulator arm has seven degrees of mobility, can rise to a height of up to 3.2 m above the floor and lift a load of up to 140 kg. The second arm of the robot is usually used to install a TV camera on it. There is a hydrostatic drive control system for all wheels with independent motors. The speed of the robot is smoothly adjusted to a maximum of 10 km/h. The robot is usually controlled by radio with coded command transmission. The range of radio control is up to 3.5 km. Upon additional request, the robot can be supplied with control via a cable line.
The main arm of the robot can extend up to 3.05 m. The total weight of the robot is 295 kg. Additional accessories include a gun and other means of ordnance disposal, samplers, test devices, tear gas cylinders, grippers, towbars and towing devices. The color TV camera with a remotely controlled varifocal lens and focus can pan within 356 ° and tilt within 110 °. The TV camera mounted on the second arm is monochrome. Two video channels are provided, remotely switched on depending on the level of illumination in the evening and at night. The total weight of the robot, equal to 650 kg, is standard for robots of this type. The robot is powered by a gasoline-electric unit consisting of an internal combustion engine with a capacity of 18 hp. and a 12 V DC generator.
TSR-80 Hornet Mark IV Robotfor the disposal of ammunition of the above-mentioned company, this is a compact robot weighing 85 kg. It can be delivered to the scene of action in a car or other medium-sized vehicle. In addition to its main purpose, it can be used for reconnaissance and remote surveillance, detection of hazardous gases and chemicals, and perimeter security. This robot is widely used by the police of Israel, Germany, and other countries.
TSR-80 Robotwith a caterpillar motor mechanism is powered by batteries, providing its autonomous operation for 2 hours. In the standard version, it has a manipulator arm with five degrees of freedom, capable of lifting a load of up to 25 kg. A TV camera is installed on the wrist joint of the arm, covering the field of view within the rotation of this joint. It is also used to guide the robot to the target. The height of the manipulator arm in the vertical position reaches 1.7 m. It can neutralize or capture objects located under cars of any size. The second camera is installed on the board with remote control of panning and tilting the camera, varifocal lens and focusing. The robot is controlled via a radio channel with coding of digital commands at ranges of up to 1.5 km. Various accessories are supplied by additional orders.
Blaster Robotfor the disposal of explosive ordnance by Remote Systems AS (Norway) was developed in accordance with the technical requirements of the Norwegian army. The self-propelled, remote-controlled robot Blaster performs all types of work on the disposal of explosive ordnance, and can also be used for firefighting, rescue operations and for surveillance. Its creation was based on the company's many years of experience in the development and production of remotely controlled robot submarines.
Robot Blasteris characterized by high structural strength. The built-in battery power supply ensures autonomous operation of the robot for 4-5 hours. If long-term continuous operation is required, power can be supplied from the AC network via a special cable. The robot is controlled from a remote control via a cable line or by radio. The robot's manipulator arm has seven degrees of mobility and can lift a load weighing up to 100 kg. The robot is highly stable on any terrain profile.
The robot kit includes the usual accessories and devices for robots of this purpose. Special elements can be supplied by the company upon special order.
Radio-controlled robot Wbeelbarrow Super M from Morfax for the disposal of explosive ordnance, developed on the basis of the MK7 series of robots used for many years by the British armed forces. Design of the robot Super Mwas developed and improved based on practical experience and new technical achievements. The robot has undergone comprehensive tests, which have shown its high reliability in various environmental conditions. Various devices can be installed on the end of its arm, including a Browning gun, devices for defusing ammunition, manipulators, and towing devices.
The robot can also be equipped with an X-ray system that provides real-time images to the EOD operator. The robots can be equipped with different cameras to suit customer requirements.
The Multi M self-propelled multi-role manipulator from Morfax is based on the Wheelbarrow Mark 8 series of manipulators currently in use by the British Army. This new manipulator differs from the Mark 8a number of design improvements that make it more convenient to use and reliable in all conditions. It can be equipped with all the means of defusing ammunition and other devices installed on the Super M robot. At the same time, the geometry of the chassis of this robot, which facilitates effective climbing of stairs, is preserved.
The Andros Mk5 and Mk6 robots were developed by Morfaxfor use by security forces and in the nuclear industry, where the use of remotely controlled robots is important. The chassis on multi-link tracks gives them the ability to move both in urban and rural areas. For the disposal of ammunition, all the means and devices used on the robot Super M can be installed on them.
The multi-purpose robot MPR-800 was developed by OAO Corporation(USA). It has a modular design and is created in accordance with various military and commercial requirements. The robot is a self-propelled platform with a hydraulic drive, on which various technical means (manipulators, video surveillance systems, sensors, etc.) can be quickly installed or replaced.
The platform is equipped with an 18SAE diesel engine, which drives the hydraulic motors of the wheels and manipulator arms. It has six independently controlled wheels, which ensures its stable movement on steep slopes. The speed of movement is smoothly regulated from zero to 5 km/h. An internal combustion engine can be installed instead of a diesel engine. The platform has two sets of batteries. One of them is used to power the sensors located on the platform for up to 2 hours when the platform is stationary. The second set of batteries controls the engine start. The robot is normally controlled by a radio channel, but at the request of the customer, a coaxial cable or fiber optic line can be used for control. The standard robotic arm for disposal of explosive ordnance consists of three sections and a disposal device. It has seven degrees of freedom, which allows for easy grasping of objects from various directions. The arm can lift 220 kg when folded and 110 kg when extended to full length. There are various attachments available for mounting on the robot arm, including laser sight guns, GPS receivers, X-ray cameras, and various sensors.
Technical Specifications
| Weight, kg | 1800 |
| Payload, kg | 300 |
| Distance to the object to be captured, m in the horizontal plane in the vertical plane |
2.2 |
| Towing capacity, kg | 1800 |
| Maximum angle of ascent | 30° |
| Side tilt angle | 27° |
| Radio control range in urban conditions in open areas |
80 m 2 km |