Additional Centaur UGVs to Provide EOD to US Military

By Mike Ball / 18 May 2021

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

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

FLIR Centaur UGV

FLIR Systems has received more than $70 million from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps in new orders for its Centaur UGV (unmanned ground vehicle). The new orders encompass nearly 600 of the UGVs, as well as additional spares, antennas, and payload mounting kits. The U.S. Army has also awarded FLIR a contract increase for its Man Transportable Robot System Increment II (MTRS Inc. II) program.

The FLIR Centaur UGV is used by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams to assist in disarming landmines, unexploded ordnance, improvised explosive devices, and similar dangerous tasks. Operators can quickly attach different sensors and payloads to the robot to address other missions, including chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats.

The medium-sized UGV provides a standoff capability to detect, confirm, identify, and dispose of hazards. Weighing roughly 160 pounds, the IOP-compliant robot features an advanced EO/IR camera suite, a manipulator arm that reaches over six feet, and the ability to climb stairs.

The U.S. Army previously chose Centaur as its MTRS Inc. II solution for a multi-year program of record, and other U.S. military branches have opted to deploy Centaur to their EOD units as a new or replacement ground robot system. Since early last year, FLIR has announced orders totaling more than $170 million for over 1,300 Centaurs from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corp.

Tom Frost, FLIR’s VP of Unmanned and Integrated Solutions, commented: “The strong demand for this multi-purpose robot shows how well unmanned technology can support EOD teams across our military, enabling them to do their job more safely and effectively. We take enormous pride knowing Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines rely on the Centaur UGV to perform hazardous missions around the world every day.”

“Given the platform’s versatility and commonality across U.S. defense forces, we see a future where our close allies can leverage this same technology to enable combined operations.”

Find manufacturers of Unmanned Ground Vehicles & Robotics  >>

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

Orbital UAV Unveils Advanced Power Management System for Heavy Fuel Engines

Orbital UAV has launched its new Power Management System (PMS), delivering advanced electrical control, protection, and remote start capabilities for heavy fuel drone engines

May 14, 2025
Submersible ROVs Enhancing Underwater Security for Customs & Border Protection

Deep Trekker explores the expanding role of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) in enhancing the capabilities of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agencies around the world

May 14, 2025
Persistent Systems Enhances Army Sensor Networks with MANET Technology

Persistent Systems’ Wave Relay® MANET has been selected to enhance U.S. Army CBRNE operations by enabling real-time sensor data sharing and threat response

May 14, 2025
IoT Tech Expo North America to Spotlight AI, 5G & Automation

The IoT Tech Expo North America is returning to Santa Clara in June 2025, bringing together global experts to address trends in AI, 5G, and automation

May 14, 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
eVTOL Aircraft Enhanced by Embention Autopilot System

Embention will deliver flight control systems to eVTOL developer Erium Aerospace, advancing safe, autonomous, and sustainable urban air mobility

May 14, 2025

Featured Content

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
New Tactical Grade IMU from Inertial Labs for UAVs & Guided Munitions

Inertial Labs has launched the IMU-H100, a compact, tactical-grade MEMS IMU designed to enhance precision navigation for UAVs and guided systems

May 08, 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.