UK acquires 50 L3 Harris T4 Bomb Disposal UGVs for British Army.

The UK Ministry of Defence announced on May 10, 2024, a major investment of £21 million in enhancing bomb disposal operations through the acquisition of 50 L3 Harris T4 bomb disposal robots. This initiative aims to provide better protection for both soldiers and the public by integrating advanced robotic technology into the British Army's explosive ordnance disposal procedures.

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L3 Harris T4 Bomb Disposal UGV (Picture source: L3 Harris)

The contract, awarded to L3 Harris Technologies based in Tewkesbury, involves the delivery of 50 T4 bomb disposal UGVs by the end of 2024. These robots are specially designed to operate in challenging environments such as narrow urban spaces, and tough terrains, and can even navigate stairs, making them ideal for use in planes, trains, and buses.

Equipped with advanced controls, high-definition cameras, and rapid data links, the T4 robots enable operators to perform complex tasks such as unzipping bags and opening glove boxes safely from a distance. This capability significantly reduces the risk to personnel involved in neutralizing bomb and chemical threats, with the robots responding to thousands of call-outs across the country each year.

Defence Procurement Minister James Cartlidge highlighted the strategic importance of these robots: "Acquiring this high-tech robot means that we can provide our forces with the tools they need to safely handle a range of explosive threats." He added that rapidly deploying unmanned systems like the T4 is a key element of the UK's Drone Defence Strategy.

Weighing just over 100 kg, the T4s are smaller and more nimble than the larger 300 kg T7 UGVs, but are equally equipped with 'advanced haptic feedback' systems. These systems allow operators to 'feel' their way through the complex process of disarming devices from a safe distance, further reducing the risk to life.

The T4 units will enter service with the 29 EOD & Search Group, the Diving Threat and Exploitation Group, Royal Gibraltar Regiment (RG), and Cyprus Operational Support Unit (COSU). They have undergone rigorous testing and come with an initial three-year service maintenance and repair support contract.

Major General Lizzie Faithfull-Davies, Director of Land Equipment at DE&S, expressed pride in the project team: "I'm incredibly proud of the project team at DE&S, who have worked with their industry partner to harness available cutting-edge technology and have identified a critical capability that can respond to hostile explosive threats and help keep the wider general public safe."

Ed Zoiss, President of Space and Airborne Systems at L3Harris, commented on the capability of the T4 EOD robots, describing them as "the world's most capable robots for operations in crowded and difficult environments like subways, airports, and even hospitals."

From a technical standpoint, the L3 Harris T4 platform has been designed to accommodate a range of challenging environments and tasks, ensuring both durability and functionality. It weighs a total of 154 pounds (70 kg) when equipped with its chassis and batteries. An additional component, the quick-release manipulator arm, adds 72 pounds (33 kg).

In terms of dimensions, the platform measures 36.2 inches in length, 17.5 inches in width, and 46.8 inches in height when the arm is stowed and the PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera is raised. Without the arm, the chassis alone reduces the height to 13.5 inches. This compact design allows for ease of maneuverability in various operational settings.

Powered by six BB-2590 batteries, the platform boasts an impressive runtime of over 7 hours, which may vary depending on the specific tasks it performs. Its mobility is enhanced by a skid steer track system capable of climbing stairs and slopes over 45 degrees, and it can traverse lateral slopes exceeding 30 degrees, showcasing its robustness in uneven terrains.

The platform is equipped with multiple cameras for optimal operational visibility. This includes two driving cameras located at the front and rear, a PTZ mast camera that offers a remarkable 120x zoom, and a zoomable gripper camera that provides detailed visuals at close range.

Its radio capabilities ensure reliable communication with a line-of-sight (LOS) range exceeding 3300 feet (1000 meters) and a non-line-of-sight (NLOS) range of over 660 feet (200 meters). This ensures effective control and maneuverability even at substantial distances.

Environmentally, the platform is built to operate within a temperature range from -4°F to +140°F (-20°C to +60°C). It is also EMI-shielded to prevent interference from active jammers and is capable of fording depths up to 12 inches (30.5 cm). Furthermore, it boasts an IP66 sealing, making it highly resistant to dust and water ingress, which is crucial for operations in diverse and adverse weather conditions.