Tools

PackBot is a series of military robots by iRobot. More than 2000 PackBots are currently on station in Iraq and Afghanistan, with hundreds more on the way.

The Packbot is another small robot that operates on treads. It's even smaller and lighter than the TALON, weighing in at about 40 lbs (18 kg) in the basic Scout configuration. Packbot is man-portable and is designed to fit into the U.S. Army's new standard pack, the Modular Lightweight Load Carrying Equipment (MOLLE).

Controlled by a Pentium processor that has been designed specially to withstand rough treatment, Packbot's chassis has a GPS system, an electronic compass and temperature sensors built in. Packbot manufacturer iRobot says Packbot can move more than 8 mph (13 kph), can be deployed in minutes and can withstand a 6-foot (1.8-meter) drop onto concrete -- the equivalent of 400 g's of force.

The Foster-Miller TALON robot is a small, tracked military robot designed for missions ranging from reconnaissance to combat. Over 3000 TALON robots have been deployed to combat theaters.

Foster-Miller claims the TALON is one of the fastest robots in production, one that can travel through sand, water, and snow (up to 100 feet deep) as well as climb stairs. The TALON transmits in color, black and white, infrared, and/or night vision to its operator, who may be up to 1,000 m away. It can run off lithium-ion batteries for a maximum of 7 days on standby independently before needing recharging. It has an 8.5 hour battery life at normal operating speeds, 2 standard lead batteries providing 2 hours each and 1 optional Lithium Ion providing an additional 4.5 hours. It can also withstand repeated decontamination allowing it to work for long periods of time in contaminated areas. It was used in Ground Zero after the September 11th attacks working for 45 days with many decontaminations without electronic failure.[1] This led to the further development of the HAZMAT TALON.

It weighs less than 100 lb (45 kg) or 60 lb (27 kg) for the Reconnaissance version. Its cargo bay accommodates a variety of sensor payloads. The robot is controlled through a two-way radio or a Fiber-optic link from a portable or wearable Operator Control Unit (OCU) that provides continuous data and video feedback for precise vehicle positioning.

Regular (IED/EOD) TALON: Carries sensors and a robotic manipulator, which is used by the U.S. Military for explosive ordnance disposal and disarming improvised explosive devices.

HAZMAT TALON: Uses chemical, gas, temperature, and radiation sensors that are displayed in real time to the user on a hand-held display unit. It is now being tested by the US Armament Research Development and Engineering Center ARDEC.

The robot costs approximately $60,000 in its standard form. Foster-Miller was subsequently bought out by QinetiQ, a United Kingdom military developer.

Joint EOD Rapid Response Vehicles or Joint Engineering Rapid Response Vehicles (JERRVs) are vehicles that United States Joint Service Engineers and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units use in war zones, such as Iraq.
Contents

* 1 EOD application
* 2 Production

EOD application

The vehicles are used to safely transport EOD operators, supplies, and equipment, including remotely controlled robots (TALON and Packbot), bomb suits, and explosives. JERRVs are more resistant to the effects of landmines, IEDs, and small arms than soft armored vehicles like the Humvees. The JERRV is designed to deflect blasts. They are in some ways like heavier versions of armored cars.
Production

Force Protection Inc. has received a contract to provide such vehicles for the US military. The vehicles are also known as a Cougar.

Advanced Bomb Suit
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An EOD team leader wearing an Advanced Bomb Suit.

The Advanced Bomb Suit (ABS) is a full body ensemble that protects the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) soldier from threats associated with IEDs, including those related to fragmentation, blast overpressure, impact, heat, and flame. The ABS uses new material technology and design to improve protection, comfort, and ergonomics. The suit is constructed from Kevlar with an outer anti-static cover of 50/50 Nomex/Kevlar and comprises a jacket, crotchless trousers, groin cup and rigid ballistic panels. To minimize weight and maximize flexibility, protection is provided at various levels, specific to body regions, based on susceptibility to wounds.
Contents

* 1 Helmet
* 2 Communication Systems
* 3 Protection
* 4 See also
* 5 References

Helmet

The helmet, which offers protection against fragments with velocities of over 683 m/s, is made of a lightweight, high strength, fibre and weighs only 3.6 kg with visor (2.7 kg without visor). The ergonomic design allows ease of movement and good visibility without neck strain. The visors' fully laminated acrylic and polycarbonate construction enhances its margin of safety against multiple fragment hits. The visor provides clear undistorted vision and is also removable. The helmet incorporates MIL-SPEC microphone and speakers and a forced air ventilation system. The battery pack provides up to 5 hours of continuous operation of the ventilation system and uses standard 9V batteries. All wiring in both the suit and the helmet, controlling the ventilation system, is incorporated within the suit itself to eliminate the danger of snagging.

Communication Systems

Two systems are available which are compatible with the speakers and microphone fitted to the helmet, as standard.

* The hardwire system is a compact unit and can be used with most standard reels of two wire firing cable without causing distortion. It is supplied with a headset and microphone for use by a second party and avoids the need for a 'push to talk' type system.
* A full duplex, wireless system is also available that features a very low level of RF radiation in transmission, to minimise the risk of activating IEDs at the device, and a very sensitive receiver ensuring that the second party can always be heard.

The user has the option of switching off the transmitter when he reaches a device while still being able to receive incoming signals. The user can also hear his own voice at a reduced level so that he is conscious of the signal being received by the second party. Both systems operate from standard 9v rechargeable batteries.
Protection

Cooling system

* For use in hot environments an optional cooling system is available. This is worn under the suit and consists of a Nomex body suit with a capillary tube network stitched into it. This is connected to a 2 litre water reservoir and pump that circulates ice water around the body. The cooling rate is adjustable so that a comfortable working temperature can be maintained.

Fragmentation

* The greatest threat to the IED technician arises from fragments emitted from the bomb and other objects in the surrounding area which can enter the body at supersonic speeds. The lightweight, removable, composite ballistic panels fitted to the suit protect the upper torso, shoulders, neck, arms and legs while maintaining lightness and maneuverability. In addition, the suit is supplied with rigid ballistic panels to provide added protection to the chest, lower abdomen and groin areas. These have been tested at speeds of up to 1337 m/s.

Heat

* The outer material is constructed from flame retardant Nomex/Kevlar mix which protects the user against burns.

Overpressure

* The pressure wave from a blast can cause severe damage to the lungs, eardrums and cause trauma in other body areas. The design of the suit is such that both sets of ballistic panels limit the effects of the overpressure on the body while the collar completely encloses the neck area and overlaps the helmet.

Impact

* The impact of the blast on the body can cause differential acceleration between the head and torso which can break the neck and cause damage to the spine. The suit is fitted with an articulated spine protector while the raised suit collar overlapping the helmet limits the differential acceleration between body and head.