Use
Dragon Runner is designed for areas that are too dangerous for or inaccessible by human soldiers, particularly urban environments. Dragon Runner's front-mounted, tilting camera provides a video feed that is relayed back to its master controller by a wireless modem. It provides soldiers with a view around corners and other obstructions that prevent them from seeing hidden enemies. It can also see using the optical systems of enemy UAVs.
Dragon Runner can be operated in three different modes:
- Drive Mode: The robot drives around, transmitting images back to the operator.
- Sentry Mode: Dragon Runner remains stationary, using a microphone and sensors that can detect motion up to 30 feet (9.1 m) away. If it detects something, it will alert the operator.
- Watch Mode: The robot remains motionless and relays images back to the operator.
Modifications include flippers that enable it to climb stairs and treads that can all be snapped on quickly and easily in the field by a soldier with no tools.
In January 2010, under a contract worth £12m with QinetiQ UK, around 100 Dragon Runners were ordered by the British army to improve the ability of bomb disposal experts to find and deactivate improvised explosive devices on the front line in Afghanistan. The first in use were then already proving its worth against the threat of roadside bombs.
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