ReconRobotics recently declared that it has achieved a contract worth $1.7 million from the Robotic Systems Joint Project Office (RS JPO) to deliver 126 Recon Scout XT micro-robot kits for the U.S. Marine Corps. The Recon Scout XT is expected to be delivered by April 30, 2012.
The throwable Recon Scout XT protects warfighters by providing immediate situational awareness and greater standoff distance during dismounted patrols and compound-clearing operations. (Photo: ReconRobotics)
The series of orders include replacement of Small Unmanned Ground Vehicles (SUGVs) weighing 30- to 60-lb with compact, simple throwable micro-robot systems. In contrast to the SUGV, the Recon Scout XT micro-robot weighing 1.2-lb is installed at the fire-team level, where every four to five soldiers can have a robot. It provides standoff distances and situational awareness while the team is searching attics and culverts, crawling spaces, clearing the compounds, and investigating suspected IEDs. The XT is capable of seeing in pitch dark environments, and can be thrown up to 120 ft. Following installation, the robot can navigate across a specific location, transmitting video reconnaissance to a small handheld operator control unit, through walls and doors.
According to the Director of Military Programs for ReconRobotics, Ernest Langdon, the XT is simple, compact, and durable. It has been demonstrated to offer lifesaving capability and serves as a remarkable assistance tool for soldiers. With this new offering from Recon, the Marines will be able to effectively carry out their operations in active combat theatres.
The commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) product, Recon Scout XT is implemented during high-risk tactical performances including narcotics raids, hostage rescues, and barricaded subject situations by nearly 400 law enforcement agencies.