HAIFA, Israel, 9 March 2007. Elbit Systems Ltd. in Haifa, Israel, is introducing the VIPR unmanned ground vehicle, which is capable of climbing stairs and obstacles to carry out a variety of missions, saving soldiers lives, and enhancing combat performance, Elbit officials say.
Short for versatile, intelligent, portable robot, VIPR is 18 inches long, 18 inches wide, and nine inches long. Configurable with add-on sensors, modules, and payloads, the robot is remotely controlled via a control harness and helmet-mounted display.
Optional payloads include: infrared sensor, day/night zoom camera, explosives sniffer, 9 millimeter mini-Uzi machine gun with scope and pointer, grenade releaser, 4-foot robotic arm, gripper, and in-building mapping.
Elbit officials say the VIPR is designed to reduce the danger to infantry soldiers during different phases of combat by taking on many of the challenges faced by today's land warriors. VIPR is undeterred by stairs, rubble, dark alleys, caves, or narrow tunnels, and can detect improvised explosive devices and booby traps, and can warn soldiers of enemies and dangers ahead.
VIPR was developed for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) within the framework of its Portable Unmanned Ground Vehicle (PUGV) program, and in cooperation with The Israeli Ministry of Defense's Directorate of Defense R&D (DDR&D).
For more information contact Elbit Systems online at www.elbitsystems.com.
