Upgrade set for EOD robots

CLINTON, Tenn., Aug. 15 (UPI) -- Robots used by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps in disposal of unexploded ordnance are to be upgraded by their manufacturer, Remotec Inc.

The contract for the work was issued by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division in Maryland. It is an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity award with a value of $8.8 million.

Under the award Remotec, a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman, will upgrade 103 MK3 Series Remote Ordnance Neutralization Systems, as well as Mod 0 and Mod 1 versions of the system.

"Remotec is pleased to build upon the relationship we have had with the Navy since 1988 and proud to continue providing unmanned ground vehicle capabilities that keep our military bomb techs safe," said James Heverin, director, Northrop Grumman Remotec.

"As we plan for the next-generation of military EOD robots, we can continue to provide RONS with new capabilities to meet evolving threats well into the future."

RONS is comprised of a chassis with articulators and wheels, an ordnance manipulator and as many as five cameras and an operator control unit. It can be controlled by fiber optic cable or a radio.

Remotec said the contract received contains options which, if exercised, would bring the total value of the award to more than $12 million.