FLIR Systems has been awarded a $23 million contract by the U.S. Air Force, sourced through the Department of Defense Man Transportable Robotic System Increment II (MTRS Inc II) program, the company announced on Monday.
“Centaur gives operators a highly versatile, man-transportable UGV that helps saves lives by keeping humans away from danger,” said David Ray, president of the Government and Defense Business Unit at FLIR.
FLIR’s Centaur was chosen by the U.S. Army as the service branch’s medium-sized robot provider for MTRS Inc. II in 2017. Since then, FLIR has begun delivering Centaur units to the Army under that multi-year program of record, which upon award was valued at up to $158 million, including options.
Under the current Air Force contract, Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams will use the FLIR Centaur to assist in disarming improvised explosive devices (IEDs), unexploded ordnance and similar hazardous tasks. FLIR has integrated multiple sensors and payloads can be to Centaur, enabling cross other missions to access the UGV.
Centaur is a remotely operated, medium-sized UGV system that will provide the Air Force with a standoff capability to detect, confirm, identify and dispose of hazards. The device weighs approximately 160 pounds, Centaur is an open-architected robot, featuring an advanced EO/IR camera suite, a manipulator arm that reaches more than six feet and the ability to climb stairs.
FLIR’s UGV payloads can be used for CBRNE detection and other missions. The Air Force has ordered more than 180 of the company’s Centaur unmanned ground vehicles (UGV), plus spares.
“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,” added Ray.
About FLIR Systems, Inc.
Founded in 1978, FLIR Systems is a world-leading industrial technology company focused on intelligent sensing solutions for defense, industrial, and commercial applications. FLIR Systems’ vision is to be “The World’s Sixth Sense,” creating technologies to help professionals make more informed decisions that save lives and livelihoods.
