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MarkV-A1 or Mark5-A1 is a bomb disposal robot designed by Northrop Grumman for the purpose of handling potential explosives without risking any lives. It is part of the Remotec ANDROS line, which includes other robotic EODs (Explosive Ordnance Disposal.) First responders around the world depend on the MarkV to handle potential hazards and explosives from outside the danger zone. Typically, police forces and departments in large cities have a designated bomb squad or unit for the purpose of handling potential explosives as well as hazardous materials or threats; and the MarkV is a technological feat that several of these units have in their arsenal for exactly that reason.
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This particular model was utilized by the Dallas Police Department to kill a gunman that murdered five police officers on July 7, 2016. Officers used the robot to deliver a charge of C4 which was then detonated next to the gunman.
History
The MarkV-A1 was designed and released by Northrop Grumman Corporation in 2004. Remotec has worked in conjunction with the United States military for over 25 years in order to safely protect civilians from potential hazards, and the MarkV-A1 has been one of the primary resources to do so in the past decade. While there are other competitors in the remote-controlled bomb disposal, such as the DRDO Daksh and the Wheelbarrow (robot), the MarkV is a modern goliath that is capable of handling and defusing explosives, as well as hazardous waste and other materials. New technologies and techniques have led to the extremely useful Remotec ANDROS line along with the several customizations for specific purposes. Today, the MarkV-A1 is used by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Law Enforcement/SWAT, HazMat and other first responders. The MarkV-A1 costs about $180,000.
Design
The robot is equipped with the following key features:
In addition, the MarkV-A1 also comes standard with several mission mounts and sensor mounts for additional accessories that serve specific purposes when needed.
In order to operate the Remotec Andros MarkV-A1 has a control unit that contains a 15-inch LCD screen. In time dependent, the robot can be operated solely off of visual feedback provided by its cameras. In total, the MarkV-A1 has four color video cameras, including a camera mounted on one of the poles protruding from the top of the robot. It also features several microphones, lights, and an array of other sensors. The MarkV-A1 can be operated via one of the three following methods:
The MarkV weighs approximately 800 pounds with only its standard features, and its extendable camera can reach up to 6 feet in the air.
Mobility
Due to its size, the MarkV-A1's top speed is only 3.5 mph, but speed is not a necessity for a bomb disposal robot. It can, however travel up inclines to about 45 degrees, and has the capability to ascend and descend staircases. The tread system is designed to traverse difficult terrain and the quick-release wheels and tracks allow it to be highly versatile, giving it the ability to clear openings down to 24" and obstacles up to 16" tall, as well as mud and ditches.
Accessories
Oftentimes first responders, such as EOD, SWAT, law enforcement or HazMat, need specific accessories that apply to a certain mission. Northrop Grumman provides several accessories that can be mounted onto the MarkV-A1 before a mission.
The following are some notable accessories: