FLIR UGVs Selected by U.S. Army and Navy

By Mike Ball / 09 Jun 2020
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FLIR Centaur UGV

The United States Army and Navy have ordered a total of more than 160 of FLIR Systems’ Centaur unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), meaning that following other recent orders from the United States Air Force and Marine Corps, all four branches of the U.S. military will now be using the system. The new contracts, which include provision of related spares and accessories, have been agreed under the Army’s Man Transportable Robotic System Increment II (MTRS Inc II) program.

The total number of units ordered by the four branches totals nearly 500, at a cost of over $65 million. The Centaur UGVs will be used by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams for disarming improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnance, as well as other similar hazardous tasks. The versatile robotic platform can be equipped with a variety of sensors and payloads to support other missions, such as chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN).

Centaur is a medium-sized UGV that provides a standoff capability for hazard detection, identification and disposal. The platform was designed by FLIR-acquired Endeavor Robotics as its solution for MTRS Inc II. It weighs approximately 160 pounds and features an open architecture, an advanced EO/IR camera suite, a manipulator arm that reaches over six feet, and the ability to climb stairs.

Roger Wells, VP and general manager of the Unmanned Systems & Integrated Solutions business at FLIR, commented: “With the Navy joining the MTRS Inc II program, it means that all U.S. military forces will now use a common, medium-sized robotic platform for EOD and CBRN operations. In an era of increased joint service operations in combat zones worldwide, having common equipment across EOD units can support more standardized tactics and techniques, plus add new efficiencies in sustainment and training for years to come.”

“Our team is incredibly proud to know all four branches of America’s armed services have chosen Centaur as their mid-sized EOD robot. And, more importantly, that our technology is helping so many warfighters keep out of harm’s way.”

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