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Cyclops
first to enter eye of storm
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A
member of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Section at the
control panel of the “Cyclops” robot. Photo by
LAC Rob MItchell
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WHEN
No. 382 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron’s Explosive Ordnance
Disposal (EOD) Section is called on to cope with a potentially hazardous
situation, one member of the team is often sent in first to do the
dirty work.
But you’ll never hear any complaints.
The EOD Section’s Mark 4D “Cyclops” EOD robot is
specifically designed for circumstances where the risk to personnel
may be too great.
The EOD team can, in many cases, operate the robot via remote control,
sending it into a potentially explosive environment first instead
of exposing Air Force members to unknown hazards.
The Officer in Charge of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal section
said the robot had been on the “wish list” for many years.
He said the Mk4D Cyclops was introduced to the section earlier this
year after a high level review of Air Force EOD capabilities in
the wake of September 11.
“The robot can be used for reconnaissance and to locate and
identify a target item,” he said.
“It can then be used to either manipulate the target or attack
it with a variety of EOD weapons.”
Mk4D Cyclops was manufactured in the United Kingdom by AB Precision
PLC. The robot and its supporting equipment is valued at about $250,000.
In Australia, EOD robots such as Mk4D Cyclops are used by the police
and Army, and there are a wide variety of models to cater for a
range of situations that could arise.
382ECSS EOD section is impressed with the robot’s capabilities
and its risk reduction features, but OICEOD said Mk4D Cyclops was
“simply another tool” in the EOD inventory.
382ECSS EOD team’s primary mission is to respond to situations
involving conventional or chemical/biological munitions that might
hinder operations on an air base or in an area of operation.
This involves reconnaissance and plotting of unexploded ordnance
(UXO), positive identification of the UXO and performing the appropriate
“render-safe” procedures.
OICEOD said the section’s daily routine involved a high level
of continuation training. Physical training was also heavily emphasised
so that team members could cope with the rigours of a demanding
job.
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