First responders gearMicro Unmanned Ground Vehicle helps soldiers, first responders
Weighing just over ten pounds, Dragon Runner 10 (DR10) is small enough to carry in an assault pack and rugged enough to throw into buildings and hostile environments; the DR10 has multiple sensor and payload options, and thus is suitable for reconnaissance and surveillance missions to support small military units, patrols, and first responder teams
QinetiQ's Dragon Runner 10, muti-option, MUGV // Source: defense-update.com
QinetiQ North America announced the availability of a new Micro Unmanned Ground Vehicle (MUGV) for military and first responder robotic missions. Weighing just over ten pounds, Dragon Runner 10 (DR10) is small enough to carry in an assault pack and rugged enough to throw into buildings and hostile environments. The DR10 has multiple sensor and payload options, and thus is suitable for reconnaissance and surveillance missions to support small military units, patrols, and first responder teams.
Soldiers use a wearable controller to send DR10 in first, to assess the situation in advance. Whether it is being driven or thrown into a potentially hostile area, DR10 can gain situational awareness and report information back to the operator. Equally capable in daytime or night missions, the DR10 can serve as the team’s forward eyes and ears, while also carrying out missions such as explosive ordnance disposal, setting counter-IED charges, delivering remote sensors, gathering intelligence, and conducting surveillance.
“Military robotic missions save lives, and if possible, it’s better to send the robot in first,” said QinetiQ North America Technology Solutions Group president J. D. Crouch. “Dragon Runner 10 is a practical solution that makes it easier to carry and operate sophisticated robots in theater.”
DR10 is 15” long, 13.5” wide, and 5.8” tall. When thrown, DR10 has the ability automatically to flip video images, antennae, and controls upon landing. Multiple payloads are available, including a variety of sensors, radios, cameras, and robotic arms. DR10 can be equipped with either tracked or wheeled mobility options to negotiate different types of terrain.
