British Army Receives Bomb Disposal UGVs

By Mike Ball / 28 Dec 2018

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

Harris T7 bomb disposal UGV

The UK Ministry of Defence has announced that the British Army have taken delivery of the first four of 56 new bomb disposal robots following rigorous trials. The Harris Corporation’s T7 unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) are equipped with high-definition cameras, high-speed datalinks, an adjustable manipulation arm, and tough all-terrain treads, allowing them to neutralise a wide range of explosive threats.

The bomb disposal platform endured a variety of tests during an eight-week ‘acceptance’ trials period at UK and US sites specifically chosen to put the robots through their paces. The systems were pushed to their limits by trials including multi-terrain driving, a series of battlefield missions, weightlifting and dexterity tasks, climatic and vibration testing, high stress capabilities, live-firings, maximum traversing angles and interoperability assessments.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “These robots will go on to be an essential piece of kit, preventing harm to innocent civilians and the brave operators who make explosives safe. The robots will provide the Army with the latest bomb-disposal technology and will prove to be trusted companions both on UK streets and in deadly conflict zones.”

Col Zac Scott, Head of the Defence EOD & Search Branch said: “Remote Control Vehicles (RCVs) are critical to the safe conduct of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) tasks. The Harris T7 harnesses cutting-edge technology to provide EOD operators with unprecedented levels of mobility and dexterity. It represents a step-change in capability for our service personnel and it will save lives.”

The bomb disposal robots have been procured by Defence Equipment and Support, the MOD’s procurement organisation, under Project Starter. The deal was originally announced at the 2017 Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) Exhibition in London.

Project Starter will procure 56 Harris T7s to support Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams. The programme is designed to replace the Army’s fleet of Wheelbarrow Mk8B remote-controlled EOD robots which have been used across the globe by UK Armed Forces since 1972.

Lt Col Thornton Daryl Hirst, Section Head of Remote Controlled Vehicles within DE&S’ Special Projects Search and Countermeasures team, said: “The first four production standard vehicles have been delivered early to the British Army enabling us to conduct train-the-trainer packages from January onwards. The hard work and dedication of my team has helped ensure that this critical project has run to time and cost and the trials exceeded our performance expectations.”

The Harris T7s robots use advanced haptic feedback to allow operators to ‘feel’ their way through the intricate process of disarming from a safe distance, protecting UK soldiers from threats such as roadside bombs. The haptic feedback function is designed to provide operators with human-like dexterity while they operate the robot’s arm using the remote-control handgrip. The unit gives the operator physical feedback, allowing intuitive detailed control.

All 56 robots are due to be delivered to the UK and in service by December 2020.

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Enhancing Hurricane Data Collection Through Fixed-Wing UAV Technology

Explore Black Swift Technologies’ SØ UAS, which provides cost-effective, autonomous storm data collection, advancing tropical cyclone research and improving forecasting in hazardous environments

May 17, 2025
Most Read Articles on UST This Week

Here’s our round-up of the five most read articles on UnmannedSystemsTechnology.com this week

May 16, 2025
Next Generation Drone Safety and Security at XPONENTIAL 2025

ParaZero Technologies will present the enhanced SafeAir™ M4 parachute recovery system with triple sensor redundancy, and the DefendAir counter-UAS net launcher and DropAir precision delivery system at XPO25 in Houston

May 16, 2025
Improving Consistency in Complex PCB Assemblies with Automated Selective Soldering

San Francisco Circuits addresses the limitations of wave and hand soldering, offering selective soldering and full-service PCB assembly solutions for unmanned systems

May 16, 2025
Autopilot Systems Optimize Rim Driven Thrusters for New Hybrid USV

HydroSurv’s new REAV-47 Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) integrates a tailored autopilot interface from Dynautics with advanced rim-driven thrusters, enabling precise control for marine survey applications

May 16, 2025
Scaling Safe BVLOS Drone Operations with Automated Compliance

PG&E uses AirData’s automated platform to ensure safe, compliant BVLOS drone operations, enhancing efficiency and wildfire risk management across California

May 16, 2025

Featured Content

WarrenUAS Secures FAA 44807 Exemption, Expanding Large UAS Training Capabilities

WarrenUAS has received FAA 44807 approval to train students on unmanned aerial systems weighing over 55 pounds in the NAS, placing it among only five U.S. organizations with this clearance, and expanding its national training leadership

May 15, 2025
Product Spotlight: Durable Lightweight Lithium-Ion Batteries for UAVs

American Lithium Energy (ALE)'s energy-dense lithium-ion battery cells combine high power output with built-in safety features, ideal for UAV and eVTOL applications in challenging environments

May 14, 2025
SAE Media Group Releases Agenda for Counter UAS Middle East & Africa 2025

The inaugural Counter UAS Middle East & Africa 2025 will gather global defense leaders in Amman to explore threats, technologies, and strategies shaping regional drone defense

May 13, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.