US armed forces buy more Centaurs
Orders worth almost $100 million have been placed for more than 750 UGVs in last 12 months
The US Army, USAF and USN have collectively ordered more than 250 extra Centaur UGVs from FLIR Systems, in a series of full-rate production orders worth a total of $32 million.
This means that the company has received $97 million in orders for more than 750 Centaurs from the aforementioned three services plus the USMC.
FLIR Systems expects to begin deliveries in Q1 2021.
The award is being sourced from the US Army via the Man Transportable Robotic System Increment II (MTRS Inc II) programme.
Centaur was selected as the MTRS Inc II solution in 2017. It is a medium-sized UGV that provides a standoff capability to detect, confirm, identify, and dispose of hazards.
Weighing about 160lb (72.6kg), the open-architecture robot features an advanced EO/IR camera suite, a manipulator arm that extends beyond 6ft (1.83m) and the ability to climb stairs.
Modular payloads can be used for CBRNE detection and other missions.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, Centaur can use a Robotic Deployment System (RDS to self-deploy from vehicles, thereby ensuring that the operator does not have to leave the protection of their vehicle.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system]()
Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system
Launched at AUSA in October, the company’s multi-stream video codec is attempting to bring a new lease of life to drone technology through its AI accelerator.
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
