REMOTEC ANDROS F6A Remote Ordnance Neutralization System (RONS)

History of the REMOTEC ANDROS F6A Remote Ordnance Neutralization System (RONS)

"ANDROS" (collectively part of "RONS" - "Remote Ordnance Neutralization System") is a class of remotely controlled bomb disposal robots used by the US military, SWAT and law enforcement. The basic kit includes the LCD display, the RONS robot itself, communication cables, and the tools needed to run the RONS at optimum performance. Operators are trained on the EOD robot training simulator.

The use of robots on today's battlefield eliminates the immediate risks that EOD personnel often face in their day-to-day operations. Most of us rarely face the threat of being blown up on the job a threat that EOD personnel often faced until the proliferation of robots on the battlefield allowed them to handle explosives remotely. In Iraq, where improvised explosive devices are the number one killer of U.S. and coalition forces, systems like RONS have become a godsend for military personnel and their families. The ANDROS line of robots was developed by REMOTEC, a subsidiary of defense giant Northrop Grumman. Northrop claims there are around 1,000 ANDROS robots in circulation worldwide.

There are five main ANDROS variants currently in circulation, with the base model "F6A".

ANDROS F6A

The F6A weighs 485 pounds, has a retractable robotic arm (limited to 25 pounds), and four cameras. Called a "heavy" robot, it has the speed and agility to handle almost any task. There is a color camera with panoptic, zoom, pan and tilt functions. Another camera provides the operator with 216:1 zoom and image stabilization.

There is an adjustable 80 watt halogen lamp and an optional IR lens. The extension arm accommodates a third camera with 40:1 zoom capability. There's also a 24-inch camera extender. The weatherproof two-way communication system provides the ANDROS operator with full hearing capability via microphone and speaker.

The gripper arm is fully positionable, has seven degrees of freedom, and can be equipped with optional sensors or weapon systems as required. Pneumatic wheels can be converted without the use of tools to replace the base track system. The integrated track system allows traversing a variety of uneven surfaces, including ditches (up to 21 inches), obstacles (up to 18 inches) and stairs (up to 45.75 degrees incline). Three data connections make up the communication/control system of the ANDROS F6A.

Fiber optic cables are fed from spools mounted at the rear of the main compartment. Thanks to its track system, the top speed is about 3.5 miles per hour, and the turning radius is roughly the same length as the robot. The switch box can be removed to allow direct connection to the robot itself.

ANDROS accessories include helm stations, audio/video accessories, various robotic arm tools, optional sensors, spare battery kits and maintenance kits.

Operators view ANDROS in action via a glare-free 15" LCD monitor with picture-in-picture display for simultaneous access to all camera mounts. The screen displays the console's current battery life, camera settings, and sensor information.

Camera images are recorded and the operator can access an optional headset viewing system. Controlled by joystick.

Other ANDROS models

The Mark VA1 is similar to the F6A model but is larger and weighs 790 pounds. The "Mini ANDROS-II" is a small cousin to the basic ANDROS, weighing just 225 pounds. "Wolverine" is the largest of the ANDROS family, weighing in at over 810 pounds.

The "Wolverine V2" is a 1,200-pound custom solution for traversing underground mines for the Mine Safety and Health Administration. It comes with a wheel or track design depending on the operator's needs.

The HD1 is another wheel or track design, but at only 200 pounds, it is the smallest in the ANDROS line.

ANDROS F6A TOUR

The body of the RNS houses the batteries and motors that control the advanced RNS functions. One of the four cameras available is mounted on a retractable "neck" to help provide visual cues and reference for the operator by displaying what the RNS "sees" on its LCD monitor. There are four usable, responsive rubber tire wheels, two on each side. These can be replaced in the field with an integrated track wheel system to allow traversing of uneven terrain including stairs. The rear of the housing compartment holds the cable feed along the spool.

The main boom attachment is a large two-finger gripping system with a wide range of motion that plays a prominent role in explosives handling. The RNS provides adequate maneuverability and close-range maneuverability at relatively acceptable acquisition and operating costs.

Each system is routed over long distances via a remote HMI. Communication from the operator to the robot is transmitted/received through a secure communication channel.

Current usage and deployment

According to a report by U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command, all four U.S. services have deployed RNS versions, with more than 270 purchased in total. Continuous improvements have extended the life of each system, and battlefield experience has led to changes in theory. In the five-year period alone, approximately 35 RNS improvement programs have been implemented, and the EOD team has identified significant activities across the Iraqi system. The RONS program has also benefited from EOD personnel returning from the Iraq theater, who put their experience to use in the development of future RONS systems.

Iraqi forces are also being trained by U.S. personnel to use RNS and similar systems to counter the threat of improvised explosive devices.

Specification

Basic

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Performance

for everyone else in our database)

Armor

Not available.

Changes