QinetiQ’s Dragon Runner Robot Selected by Australian Military

Reston, VA- QinetiQ today announced that the Dragon Runner™ 20 (DR20) robot has been selected by the Australian Department of Defence to support military robotic missions. DR20 emerged as the top performing robot through a competitive process designed to equip the Australian Army with small unmanned ground vehicles.

DR20 is ideally suited for a wide range of military applications, providing a rugged, flexible solution for ordnance disposal, reconnaissance, inspection and security missions. The robot serves as the team’s forward eyes and ears, providing situational awareness and critical information before personnel are deployed. DR20 can also take direct action by disrupting threats and deploying countermeasures.

With this award, QinetiQ expands the global footprint of its deployed military robotic systems. QinetiQ has worked collaboratively with the Australian military in the unmanned ground vehicle sector over several years to prove the reliability and durability of its robotic systems, beginning with deployment of its larger TALON® military robot. Both the TALON and DR20 robots are used by the US and UK militaries.

“From the perspective of interoperability, it’s useful to establish common robotic platforms,” said QinetiQ North America Technology Solutions Group President JD Crouch. “Dragon Runner 20 now supports British and Australian military missions as well as US military and first responder missions. It’s a versatile, proven solution that is actively deployed in Afghanistan today.” The first shipment of Dragon Runners shipped to Australia within 14 days after the order was received.

DR20 weighs less than 15 kilograms and measures 31cm w x 42.2cm l x 15.2cm h. Multiple payloads are available, including a variety of sensors, radios, cameras and robotic arms.

For product photos, videos and fact sheets, visit our Facebook page (link below).

QinetiQ North America is a world leader in robotic technology solutions that save lives in defense, security and first responder environments. For more information, please see our website www.qinetiq-na.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/qinetiqnarobots or Twitter at www.twitter.com/qinetiqnarobots.

About QinetiQ North America
QinetiQ North America (QNA) is a subsidiary of QinetiQ Group plc, the FTSE250 company listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:QQ.L). Operating in North America, QNA delivers world-class technology, responsive services, and innovative solutions for global markets, focusing on US government and commercial customers. Its engineers, scientists and other professionals deliver high quality products and services that leverage detailed mission knowledge and proven, reliable tools and methodologies to meet the rapidly changing demands of national defense, homeland security and information assurance customers. QNA is headquartered in McLean, Virginia. For more information visit www.qinetiq-na.com.

About QinetiQ Australia
QinetiQ’s Australian business was formed in February 2008 with 300 dedicated employees and an annual turnover of ~AUS$50m. Recognised for its technology capabilities in platform structural integrity, complex weapons engineering, simulation, training and technical consulting it has a particular focus on defence, security and government procurement and sustainment activities. For more information visit www.QinetiQ.com.au.

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US Contact:
Jennifer Pickett
QinetiQ North America
Technology Solutions Group
703.480.0715 (m) 703.217.7781
Jennifer.Pickett@QinetiQ-NA.com

Australia Contact:
Mike Manchee
QinetiQ Australia
+61 (0)3 9694 1000 (m) +61 (0)431 515 729
mlmanchee@qinetiq.com