AeroVironment subsidiary Telerob has secured a new uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) order from the Latvian Ministry of Defense (MoD).
The ‘multi-million dollar firm-fixed-price order’ will involve the delivery of telemax EVO HYBRID and tEODor EVO UGVs along with engineering support to the Latvian National Armed Forces.
The tEODor EVO is designed to disarm improvised explosive devices. The UGV is equipped with a six-axis manipulator and a 12in gripper to handle hazardous materials. The gripper also features an integrated laser rangefinder, video input and data interface.
Additionally, the device has a dual-track drive system with independent high-torque motors, enabling it to move through multiple gradients and steep inclines. It is capable of handling a heavy payload of around 100kg.
The other UGV, telemax EVO HYBRID, has a lift capacity of up to 37kg. It features a precision six-axis manipulator along with Tool Center Point Control. The device’s four-track drive system with auto-levelling helps it to traverse through multiple gradients, gaps and terrains.
Telemax EVO HYBRID also has HD pan/tilt/zoom cameras to provide sharp images with four simultaneous video feeds.
The delivery of the UGVs is expected to be completed in late 2021.
AeroVironment vice-president and product line general manager of uncrewed ground vehicles Brian Young said: “Every year, Latvian Explosive Ordnance Disposal forces neutralise ammunitions of various calibre rifles, artillery shells, minesweepers, aviation bombs and other explosive objects by the thousands.
“With the deployment of Telerob’s telemax EVO HYBRID and tEODor EVO UGVs, Latvian explosive ordnance disposal units can continue to detect, identify, disarm and render safe explosive devices found throughout the territory of Latvia, as well as in international peacekeeping operations, and they can do so safely and efficiently from a greater standoff distance.”
Earlier this month, Telerob delivered telemax EVO HYBRID UGV to the US Pentagon Force Protection Agency (PFPA).
