CLINTON, Tenn.: Northrop Grumman Corporation subsidiary Remotec Inc. will upgrade the U.S. Air Force fleet of Andros HD-1 unmanned ground vehicles to help counter evolving threats from improvised explosive devices (IED).
The Air Force Air Combat Command awarded Remotec a sole-source, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to upgrade as many as 173 systems over the next two years. The company received funding of $11.2 million for the first year of its explosive ordnance counter-IED mission support.
The HD-1 was designed to support a wide range of missions in demanding environments. The Andros HD-1 upgrades include a stronger, more dexterous manipulator capable of lifting up to 125 pounds, tracked articulators for greatly improved stair climbing, an integrated Talisman radio system for superior stand-off, and a new operator control unit.
“This contract is the result of a focused, collaborative development effort that provides the Air Force with exciting new capabilities to meet evolving threats in the field,” said Mike Knopp, president of Northrop Grumman’s Remotec subsidiary. “The Air Force’s continued confidence in Remotec’s Andros platforms is testament to the experience and praise of those in the field who use them, the performance and reliability of the equipment, and the people of Remotec who stand behind them.”
For more than 25 years, Remotec has served the military, explosive ordnance disposal units, hazardous materials units, and other first responders as a leading provider of mobile robotic systems for application into a variety of undesirable, hazardous and potentially life-threatening environments.
Andros HD-1 unmanned ground vehicle Features
- 210° Shoulder Joint; 180° Wrist
- Color pan/tilt surveillance camera, 216:1 total zoom
- Color drive camera, B/W rear camera, arm mounted light
- 24-inch camera extender
- Up to 4 hours mission dependent
- 72″ Max. Gripper Height
- 6″ Gripper with 360 degree rotation, weapons with gripper capable
- Dual disrupter mount
- Lifts up to 30 lbs. at full extension
- Multiple-mission tool/sensor mounts with plug-and-play capabilities
- Ability to reach under automobiles
- 4.3+ miles per hour
- Maximum mobility through all types of terrain including sand, mud, and snow
- Easily manuevers through openings up to 26″ and over obstacles 8″ tall
- Dimensions: 30″ tall x 26″ wide x 39″ long (with arm parked)
- Weight: 200 lbs. without Comm. Link; <140 lbs. with Quick Release Arm removed
- Easy access to all components for troubleshooting
- Supports most Remotec standard options
Vehicle Data / Communication Links
The three data links available for operator control of the ANDROS vehicle are:
- Fiber-optic cable – deployed from the vehicle
- Radio control (wireless)
- Hard-tether cable
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.
