The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded L3Harris Technologies an $18 million contract to provide the British Army with up to 50 medium-sized T4 explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) robots which will be used to neutralize explosive threats present in confined urban spaces.
The contract includes providing robots, in-country support, maintenance, and training. L3Harris delivered Project STARTER, which replaced the legacy fleet of large EOD robots with 122 T7 systems that have been fully operational since 2019.
Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge said: “Procuring this high tech robot means that we can provide our forces with the tools they need to safely handle a range explosive threats.”
“Rapidly delivering uncrewed systems, like the T4, that ensure our armed forces can safely face future threats is a key part of our Drone Defence Strategy.”
Weighing just over 100kg, the T4s are significantly smaller and more agile than their bigger brother, the 300kg T7 UGV. These T4s will be used as the rapid response system for emergency situations, thanks to their compact size which means they can be transported in a standard 4×4 vehicle.
Both models are equipped with ‘advanced haptic feedback’, a technology that allows operators to ‘feel’ their way through the intricate process of disarming devices from a safe distance, reducing the risk to life of the explosive ordnance operators.
The systems underwent rigorous testing and have been contracted by the Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the procurement arm of the UK MOD. The contract includes an initial three years of in-service maintenance and repair support.
The T4 bomb disposal robots will be able to be used in situations of bomb and hazardous material disposal, helping the explosives team who attend thousands of call-outs every year, all over the country. This will greatly reduce the risk to service personnel and the public when neutralising bomb and chemical threats.
Ed Zoiss, President, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris, said: “The T4 EOD robots are the world’s most capable robot for operations in crowded and difficult environments like subways, airports and even hospitals.”
“These highly advanced, durable robots provide best-in-class mobility and uncompromised performance to protect human lives.”
“We’re honoured to continue working with the U.K. Ministry of Defence as they provide this technology to the British Army.”
