Through a $23 million contract sourced through the Dept. of Defense Man Transportable Robotic System Increment II (MTRS Inc II) program, the United States Air Force has ordered more than 180 of FLIR Systems’ Centaur UGVs, plus spares.

A remotely operated, medium-sized UGV system, Centaur provides a standoff capability to detect, confirm, identify, and dispose of hazards. The open-architected robot, which weighs approximately 160 pounds, is equipped with an advanced EO/IR camera suite, a manipulator arm that reaches more than six feet, and the ability to climb stairs. The robot's modular payloads can be used for CBRNE detection and other missions.

Shipments of the UGVs are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2020.

“Centaur gives operators a highly versatile, man-transportable UGV that helps saves lives by keeping humans away from danger,” says David Ray, president of the Government and Defense Business Unit at FLIR.

“We’re pleased the Air Force has chosen Centaur as its mid-sized robot solution and that the MTRS Inc II program can serve as an efficient procurement vehicle.”

In 2017, FLIR Systems’ legacy business, Endeavor Robotics, was chosen as the medium-sized robot provider for MTRS Inc II by the U.S. Army. Endeavor developed a newly designed UGV, Centaur, as its MTRS Inc II platform.

Under that multi-year program of record, which upon award was valued at up to $158 million, including options, FLIR has begun delivering Centaur units to the Army.

The FLIR Centaur will be used by Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams to help disarm improvised explosive devices (IEDs), unexploded ordnance, and similar hazardous tasks. A variety of sensors and payloads can be added to Centaur to support other missions.

Photo below: U.S. Air Force teams will use the FLIR Centaur robot to help disarm improvised explosive devices, unexploded ordnance, and perform similar hazardous tasks. Multiple sensors and payloads can be added to the 160-lb. Centaur to support other missions. (Photo: Business Wire)