Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT) introducing at AUSA Winter the Versatile, Intelligent, Portable Robot (VIPeR), the newest member of its unmanned systems family. The new robot is displayed at the company’s booth at the USA Winter Symposium and Exhibition. VIPeR was developed for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) within the framework of its Portable Unmanned Ground Vehicle (PUGV) program, and in close cooperation with The Israeli Ministry of Defence’s Directorate of Defense R&D (DDR&D). Following operational evaluation, the IDF plans on fielding VIPeR in its infantry platoons.
This portable, lightweight robot is operated by a single operator, and is designed to negotiate obstacles typical of an urban environment, such as climbing stairs and rubbles, when performing surveillance, reconnaissance and support troops in urban warfare missions. The vehicle uses the “Galileo Wheel”, a patented system developed by Galileo Mobility Instruments ltd. that allows automatic back and forth conversion among a wheel configuration, a track configuration and a special stair climbing configuration. (View a video showing the performance of the Galileo robot prototype).
VIPeR is designed to reduce the danger to the dismounted force during different phases of combat, employing various payloads including weapons, add-on sensors, modules and task oriented payloads. The robotic vehicle weighs 25 lbs (11.4 kg). It measures compact system measures 18″L x 18″W x 9″H (46 x 46 x 23 cm).
The intelligent, small-signature VIPeR can also be configured with weapons capability comprising a 9 mm mini-Uzi with scope and pointer, or grenade launcher. The system is remotely controlled via a control harness and helmet mounted display. Optional payloads include: P&T, FLIR, observation day/night zoom camera, explosives sniffer, disrupter, 4-foot robotic arm, gripper, in-building mapping and more.
