U.S. Navy and Marine Corps to Receive 34 L3Harris T7 Robotic Systems for EOD Missions
L3Harris has secured a contract to deliver 34 large T7 robotic systems to the United States Navy and Marine Corps. These advanced unmanned ground vehicles are intended to reinforce explosive ordnance disposal capabilities and continue the company’s established role in supplying robotic platforms for missions involving significant risk.
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| Credit: L3Harris |
Deliveries under this multi-year agreement are scheduled to commence within the year, with L3Harris also providing operator training and system support to ensure effective deployment.
Dave Kornick, President of Intelligence and Cyber, Space and Mission Systems at L3Harris, noted that the Navy and Marine Corps have acknowledged the T7’s dexterity and operational performance. He emphasized that the system will deliver a decisive advantage in the most demanding explosive ordnance disposal missions. Kornick also pointed to ongoing collaboration with allied partners in the United Kingdom and Australia, highlighting their shared reliance on advanced robotic technologies.
This award follows a 2021 U.S. Air Force procurement of more than 100 robotic systems and builds upon existing deployments with the Australian Defence Force and the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence. Both nations employ the T7 and medium-sized T4 platforms for similar mission sets, underscoring the system’s established role in international defense operations.
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| Credit: L3Harris |
The T7 is a heavy-duty, multi-mission system engineered for explosive ordnance disposal, hazardous materials response, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. Its design prioritizes operator safety by enabling remote neutralization of explosive threats. The vehicle weighs about 710 pounds when fitted with its arm and batteries, measuring roughly 47.3 inches in length, 27.6 inches in width, and 45.7 inches in height. Powered by twelve BB-2590 batteries, it can operate for more than eight hours and achieve speeds above five miles per hour.
Mobility is enhanced through a skid-steer tracked system that allows stair climbing and slope traversal up to 45 degrees. The platform integrates multiple camera systems, including front and rear driving units, a pan-tilt-zoom mast, fender-mounted optics, and arm-mounted sensors, all equipped with strong zoom capabilities to support precision tasks.
The manipulator arm provides extensive reach, extending 87 inches horizontally and 122 inches vertically. It is capable of lifting over 250 pounds close to the chassis and more than 60 pounds at full extension. The gripper features force-sensing technology and includes a non-conductive wire cutter. Payload options allow the integration of up to four disruptors, including PAN and PIGSTICK devices.
Control is managed through a haptic interface that delivers real-time tactile feedback, enabling intuitive and precise motion. The operator console incorporates presets, motion rewind, and audio-video functions to improve mission effectiveness. This system design supports human-like dexterity, allowing manipulation in confined environments such as vehicle interiors and narrow pipes.
The platform is qualified to military standards and incorporates active cooling systems to ensure reliable performance in hot and humid climates. Its modular architecture supports integration with electronic warfare equipment and can deploy small aerial drones, extending mission adaptability across diverse operational scenarios.
Key mission applications include explosive ordnance disposal, hazardous materials response, intelligence and surveillance, special weapons and tactics operations, and counter-unmanned aerial system tasks. The versatility of the T7 makes it suitable for a wide range of high-risk missions requiring precision and resilience.
Written by Henry Wan
Henry Wan is an independent defense journalist with over 14 years of experience reporting on military affairs and security issues. He has covered defense strategies, military technology, and geopolitical developments with a consistent focus on accuracy, independence, and a comprehensive understanding of global security matters.