EOD COE representatives visit the 15th Engineer Regiment in Bechyně, CZE

Based on warm invitation from 15th Engineer Regiment of Czech Armed Forces, the EOD COE delegation took part  at military trials of UGV Talon GEN V on the 14th of July 2021. The trials were led by the QinetiQ representatives (USA) and supported by EOD experts of 15th ENG Rgt at the testing area of military airport in Bechyne. The Centre’s observers delegation consisted of LTC Damian Piórko – Head of EOD Technologies Department and MSGT Gergely Brandt – Analyst in EOD Technologies Department. Apart from our delegation, the Belgium EOD and Czech’s SOF soldiers were taking active part in this event too. 

At the beginning, QinetiQ presented three types of their UGVs namely: Talon GEN V, Dragon Runner 20 and SPUR. The demo embraced practical execution of tasks by UGVs and power point presentation of details about technical characteristics or properties. The latest modifications were depicted and all attendees had an opportunity to operate and explore the robots. Manufacturer members answered all the questions and expressed their readiness for further cooperation.

The next part of the event was a visit of EOD Team stationed in military airport in Bechyne, where all the participants were familiarized with the CBRN devices additions/solutions to Talon IV. Robot Talon IV has been adjusted to operate in CBRN environment, additional devices/sensors were attached to the UGV to detect, identify and categorize chemical compounds and other substances. This upgrade had been performed by QinetiQ company along with EOD Team’s members. The cooperation between QinetiQ and Czech’s EOD is based more on meeting of the users’ expectation rather than offering useless fancy modifications. Such a collaboration focusing on equipment improvements brings advantages for the end user and facilitates the manufacturer to better understand EOD technicians’ tasks.

The director of the EOD COE thanks to 15th ENG Rgt, namely LTC Zdenek Hejpter – Head of the Technical and Information Support Centre and MSGT Milan Vrzan for the opportunity and acceptance of COE members in this very beneficial event. We are strongly convinced that this supportive approach will be contributory factor for further enhancement of cooperation in the field of EOD between both entities.

Text and photo: LTC Damian PIORKO, POL A