Northrop Grumman’s heritage in unmanned ground systems began with the challenges encountered by UK MoD Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel in addressing the terrorist threat in the early 1970s.
From very simple beginnings, the first Wheelbarrow bomb disposal vehicles were developed and have evolved with advances in technology offering increased capability to the EOD operator. The Wheelbarrow has now developed to Mk9, and is regarded by EOD specialists’ world-wide as the most capable and reliable unmanned vehicle available.
Today multi layered solutions from detection and planning to response and destruction,  are designed to offer all EOD team users a modern, fast, reliable and effective solution to combat the latest threats associated with today’s modern IEDs.

CUTLASS

• Improved range and video quality up to 1km with fully secured digital wireless communication
• Arm Speed, Terrain Mobility over x4 faster than other UGVs up to 12 (kph) Kerb climb 0.3 (m)
• Stair Climb 37°, Gap Cross 0.5 (m), Self-righting capability, Pitch and roll sensors along with Load cells provide auto stability system
• Tool rack with Automatic tool change for 8 tools/weapons no need to return to control point for new tools.
• 9 degrees of freedom modular arm – the most versatile capability in the world, can be exchanged for a heavy duty arm capable of lifting 100(kg) or handling large weapon shocks.
• All cameras are colour and come with lighting this combined with onboard microphone give superb situational awareness.
• Dedicated data channel for additional sensors (Ethernet speed), tested with multiple CBRN equipment deployment.
• Environmentally suitable for all climates. -15°C to +60°C dust/rain, vibration, shock certificated, fording depth 0.3(m)

Wheelbarrow Heritage

Today, at our facility in Coventry, we have created a centre of expertise for the systems design, integration and assembly of some of the most trusted unmanned ground vehicles. Our heritage has been built on providing the most capable and recognisable remote controlled bomb disposal platform the ‘Wheelbarrow’ to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).

• Wireless hand controller; joystick vehicle control
• Improved range and video quality
• Dedicated data channel for additional sensors
• Low profile 3 fingered gripper with integral ceramic cutter
• Tested with multiple CBRN equipment deployment
• 7 weapon firing releases – offers a large variety of tool installation without the need to change mid-operation

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)

The capability of the Wheelbarrow platform and its unmatched performance has directly led to its international success and it is still in active service world-wide as the platform of dependable choice by the most demanding and dedicated EOD/Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) teams.

Recently, we launched the Wheelbarrow Mk9 as the latest platform with its combined strengths of speed, climbing, lift and payload capacity. This has been enhanced to improve the ease of operator use with digital command links, intuitive touch-screen controls and sensors for improved situational awareness.

F6 Series

• Dual mobility capability
• Manipulator arm with 7 degrees of freedom
• JAUS ( Joint Architecture for Unmanned System) software operating system
• Multi-mission tool/sensor mounts with plug and play capabilities
• Rotation: grip rotation – continuous 360°
• On screen graphics showing vehicle orientation, feedback from on-board sensors and errors and failures of joints

HD Series

• Grip rotation 360°
• Common, modular electronics with JAUS (Joint Architecture for Unmanned System) compliant software
• Moulded front-drive range integrates microphone, speaker, drive camera, firing circuits and LED lighting
• Quick release lithium polymer battery
• New manipulator options with 6 degrees of freedom and quick release gripper/tool system

Titus

• New manipulator design with all internal components provides superior capability, in a quick release, versatile package
• State of the art diagnostics and troubleshooting including on-board diagnostics LCD screen
• Quick-release articulators provide unmatched stair climbing & mobility, or can be removed for narrow spaces.
• Quick release pan and tilt can be removed with a twist of the wrist for low clearance areas.
• Optional tazer and thermal imager
• Integrated 1W or 5W radio for clear audio and video
• Picatinny rails for sensor & payload attachment

ANDROS™ Unmanned Ground Vehicles

As part of Northrop Grumman, Remotec US Inc. manufacture the ANDROSTM range of EOD unmanned ground vehicles. Outside of the Americas, Remotec UK Ltd markets the latest developed ANDROSTM F6 Series Model no. CX ( also known as the F6B) and HD Model no. SEL.

The larger ANDROSTM F6B platform offers a dual mobility capability: quick release pneumatic wheels for rapid width reduction and patented articulating track to traverse rough terrain.

It has a manipulator arm with 7 degrees of freedom ensuring optimum dexterity and offers screen graphics showing vehicle orientation, feedback from on-board sensors and errors and failures of joints.

The medium sized ANDROSTM HD SEL model is a more compact and robust vehicle that can travel up to speeds of 8.4km/hr and has an extremely durable moulded front-drive range integrating a microphone, speaker, drive camera, firing circuits and LED  lighting.

Moving into CBRN and Integrated Solutions

It is has been our privilege to work and partner with the EOD/IED teams and to understand their complex mission objectives in a turbulent and evolving threat environment.  We can provide technical solutions from our increasing range of vehicles that can be configured according to the operational requirements of the user including EOD, ground surveillance, hazardous material (HazMat) and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) missions.  Furthermore we are now providing bespoke system solutions, integrating our unmanned ground vehicles with command and control systems, the TouchTable® collaborative environment and service support vehicles to produce a standalone mobile capability for locating, identifying and disarming explosive and other hazardous devices, collecting forensic evidence and carrying out criminological analyses.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.

AB Precision (Poole) Ltd, (ABP) an integral part of the highly successful HWH Investments Group.  The current portfolio of bespoke engineering companies encompass operations in the United Kingdom, United States of America, Germany, Brazil, China, India and Australia, with a turnover in excess of £90 million (US$ 140 million).
Established in 1966, ABP designs and manufactures a wide range of homeland security products for Military,  Police and security end users worldwide including disruptors, robotic vehicles (ROV’s) and a range of EOD tools.

Many of ABP’s products are ‘in service’ with the UK MOD, including its long standing family of disruptors comprising Needle, Pigstick & Hotrod. In addition to our robotic vehicles, also in operation ‘in theatre’.

In recent years the disruptor products have been developed and expanded to include both recoilless and most recently lightweight versions.  These compliment the nature of today’s requirements to keep kit weight to a minimum whilst not compromising performance.

Military Disruptors:
Needle Plus Disruptor

A new development of the highly successful Needle.  Needle Plus has the advantage of a redesigned breach allowing simpler operation, in line with the Pigstick and Hotrod, also reducing training time.  The Needle Plus can also be deployed from a robot, mounted in a purpose designed stand or placed on a sandbag.  Also available in a lightweight version.  Needle can fire the Flying Scalpel to allow a non conductive ceramic blade to remotely cut a command wire or cable.

Needle Disruptor

A conventional disruptor designed to disrupt small envelopes, packages and items.  Can be deployed from a robot, mounted in a purpose designed stand or simply placed on a sandbag.  Also available in a lightweight version.  Needle can fire the Flying Scalpel to allow a non conductive ceramic blade to remotely cut command wire or cable.

Pigstick Disruptor

The disruptor of choice for many operators, used in the main training schools and deployed with forces worldwide the Pigstick is both simple to set up and easy to deploy.  Typically used against briefcases and small parcels etc.  A conventional disruptor which can be stand mounted or carried on an ROV.  A new lightweight version weighs only .93kg (stainless steel version 2.95kg) allows a team greater flexibility and the ability to carry less payload. Due to the recoil a new restraint parachute system has been introduced.

Hotrod Disruptor

The largest standard (1) disruptor in the conventional range.  Hotrod compliments both its smaller ‘family’ members (Needle and Pigstick) in providing the greatest capability for use against thicker walled packages, suitcases etc. Stand or ROV mounted to provide the ultimate power in a conventional disruptor.  A new lightweight version weighs only 1.6 kg (stainless steel version 3.5kg). Due to the recoil a new restraint parachute system has been introduced.

(1)    Other more powerful disruptors are available.

Please contact ABP for more information.

ABL2000 Disruptor

Introduced in 2009 (I think about 2004) the ABL2000 offers all the benefits of a Pigstick in terms of ease of use and operational characteristics but has the additional advantage of being 100% recoilless.  The ABL2000 can be simply fired off a sandbag, stand mounted or carried on a wide selection of ROV’s including Cyclops and Guardian.  A trained operator can set up the ABL2000 ready for firing in less than 2 minutes. A new lightweight version weighs only 1.6 kg (stainless steel version 3.2kg).

ABL3000 Disruptor

Proving a significant increase in performance over the ABL2000 this larger disruptor is suitable for dealing with Hotrod type targets but offering the advantages of a fully recoilless disruptor. The ABL3000 can be simply fired off a sandbag, stand mounted or carried on a wide selection of ROV’s including Cyclops and Guardian. A new lightweight version weighs only 3.2 kg (stainless steel version 4.2kg).

De-Armer/Stand Back Attack

By simply varying the front barrel the ABL2000 & ABL3000 can be used in two additional configurations.  A de-armer barrel allows the firing of slugs, fork and a blade whilst the SBA barrel permits up to a 5m stand off from a target.  Aiming is by a day visible laser fitted to the disruptor barrel.

Long Range Stand Back Attack

A development of the ABL3000 offering Stand back attack distances of up to 30 metres using a “Rifle Sight” aiming system which can be operated in manual mode (with local video display) or interface with the video system on an ROV providing a remote aiming capability. An infra-red light system is also available for covert night time use. Utilises standard ABL3000 de-armer barrel and standard ammunition.

Largest Recoil Reduced Disruptor ABL4000

ABP’s largest recoil reduced disruptor, only manufactured in titanium to keep the weight to a minimum.  The ABL 4000 is specifically designed to deal with the highest level targets where penetration of a thick walled device is required.

Mantis Ultra Lightweight Disposable Disruptor - ULDD

Mantis is an ultra lightweight disposable disruptor that defeats Improvised Explosive Devices (IED’s) with consistent reliability. Mantis performance is broadly comparable to Pigstick Performance. Mantis is designed for applications where weight and ease of deployment are critical such as Special Forces operations.

Scorpion Ultra Lightweight Disposable Disruptor - ULDD

Scorpion is an ultra lightweight disposable disruptor that defeats Improvised Explosive Devices (IED’s) with consistent reliability. Scorpion performance is broadly comparable to Hotrod Performance. Scorpion is designed for applications where weight and ease of deployment are critical such as Special Forces operations.

Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV)

Our Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) fleet includes the Cyclops - recent versions of which serve with the UK MoD as 'Chevette' - and the more recent addition the Guardian. Designed to work in confined spaces such as aircraft and trains, the Cyclops /Guardian have been developed enabling the mounting of up to four weapons, a manipulator or a combination of both, as well as real-time x-ray equipment and a variety of detectors including chemical and explosives vapour and radiation detectors.

Portable and compact, the addition of a big wheel kit to the standard Mk4D Cyclops and Guardian increases versatility and makes it suitable for use by rapid response teams in areas not accessible to the carrier vehicle. Both offer excellent stair climbing abilities and are controlled via either an RF link or fibre optic command cable.  Now available as fully digital platforms with COFDM radios.

Military De Armers

Dragon (ABL900) De-armer

The Dragon (ABL900) de-armer render a variety of air dropped munitions, land service ammunition and IED’s safe. This is achieved by projecting appropriately shaped steel slugs at high velocity into the fuzes or pistols of conventional munitions or into the bodies of IED’s.

Limpet Mine Disposal Equipment - LMDE

Limpet Mine Disposal Equipment has been specifically developed to disrupt thin cased mines typically attached to the hull or structure of a target vessel or installation. Based on the proven foundations of our Pigstick disruptor, the LMDE is supplied with a magnetic mounting stand and floats to allow deployment and attachment by a diver.

EOD Tools

Miniature Exploder (Minex)

Minex is a handheld exploder designed to initiate detonators such as the L2A1. Currently in use with the UK MoD and other Special Forces worldwide, the exploder is engineered to provide ease-of-use in challenging environments. Minex can be supplied with a Shock Tube Adaptor, enabling initiation of Non-Electric (Nonel) shock tube products for maximum operator flexibility.

Abrasive Water-Jet Cutting System (AWCS)

ABP’s AWCS is a high integrity, flexible cutting system currently in use by the UK MoD. Developed for use in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) or other hazardous applications, the AWCS enables EOD operators to remotely carry out decommissioning operations on uncleared and unexploded munitions in a safe and controlled environment.  Specifically designed to work in harsh environments, including operation in hot and cold climates and up to three metres of seawater.

 Crimp Tool

In service with the UK MoD and security agencies around the world, the ABP Crimp Tool is designed to crimp detonators and igniters to safety fuses. Crimps Igniferous detonators to safety fuse with consistent reliability.  Design incorporates features to allow additional functionality as a wire stripper, wire cutter, screwdriver or rectifier.

Mine Prodder ABL700

The ABL700 is designed for locating Anti-Personnel Mines in situations where a magnetic device could detonate a mine. Currently in use with the UK MoD and security agencies around the world, the ABL700 is a popular military tool designed to withstand the rigors of today’s most challenging environments and can locates mines buried at depths of up to 250mm.

Non-Magnetic Toolkit

Designed for use with Unexploded Ordnances (UXO’s) where magnetic fields may increase the threat of detonation, the Non-Magnetic Toolkit delivers a comprehensive set of tooling for high-risk environments.  Non-Magnetic to eliminate risk of detonation in magnetic-sensitive environments.  Available as 36, 85 or 100 piece kit, can be requested in imperial, metric or both size standards, guaranteed against STANAG 2897 Annex C.

AB Precision (Poole) Ltd (ABP) is pleased to announce the recent acquisition by its parent company (HWH Investments) of 100% ownership of Advanced Detection Technology LLC ('ADT'). Located in Maiden, North Carolina, ADT is a world-renowned security and access control solutions manufacturer providing under-vehicle inspection systems, license plate recognition products, perimeter/facility access control systems and video surveillance solutions to a wide range of US and international customers.

Under Vehicle Inspection Systems

LowCam™ VI54

• Portable Under Vehicle Inspection
• Under 1 minute set-up!
• Full PC, database capabilities
• Remote, stand-off inspections
• Portable and lightweight
• Live viewing, playback controls

LowCam™ VI110

• Single Image Under Vehicle Inspection
• Communicate with Grasp
• Under 3 minute set-up!
• Single Image UVIS
• Comparative Capabilities
• Inspect vehicles up to 10mph

LowCam™ VI108

• Portable Under Vehicle Inspection
• Portable or fixed UVIS
• Installed in 3 minutes!
• License Plate Recognition Option
• Remote, stand-off inspections
• Inspect moving vehicles up to 10mph
• Live viewing, quad or linear formats

LowCam™ VI104

• Fixed, In-Ground Under Vehicle Inspection
• Remote, Stand-off Inspections
• Inspect Vehicles up to 10mph
• Optional Air-Debris Removal
• Day/Night Operation
• Fast, Reliable Inspections

Other complimentary products available:

• FastGate™ Access Control System
• FastPlate™ License Plate Recognition Systems
• ForeSight™ and SunVeillance™ Video Surveillance