Howe & Howe Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Systems Corporation, a Textron Inc. company, announced the first domestic sale and delivery of its robotic firefighter, the Thermite RS3, to the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) through authorized sales distributor Municipal Emergency Services (MES) Fire.
This acquisition by the LAFD marks the first commercial sale of a robotic firefighting vehicle in the country.
Firefighters Life-Saving Capability
“This is our first step in bringing these life-saving capabilities to firefighters across the United States,” stated Geoff Howe, Senior Vice President of Howe & Howe.
“Our robotic firefighter, Thermite, empowers first responders in life-threatening emergencies by keeping them farther out of harm’s way.”
Safe Distance
The Thermite robotic firefighter allows first responders to remain at a greater standoff distance from danger, using the robot as an extension of their own senses and capabilities to accomplish their mission from a safer distance.
Welcoming its multi-mission capability, the LAFD intends to use the Thermite robotic firefighter for a variety of applications, such as active assistance with firefighting, training, and more.
Recipient Of Thermite RS3
The Thermite RS3 is a super-high volume, low center of gravity, wide-chassis firefighting robot
"The Los Angeles City Fire Department is excited and honored to be the recipient of the first Thermite RS3 in North America," said LAFD Chief Ralph Terrazas.
"This innovative technology will be an excellent addition to our Urban Search and Rescue toolkit, as well as being able to fight fire in situations that won't put our firefighters in unnecessary danger."
Design & Power
The Thermite RS3 is a super-high volume, low center of gravity, wide-chassis firefighting robot that harnesses the ability to navigate rugged terrain and withstand exposure to extreme elements.
With a modular design and wider stance that accommodates additional equipment including a plow assembly, the RS3 has the power to push vehicles from its path and pull up to 8,000 pounds with its winch.
The Thermite robotic firefighter’s unmatched capability set makes it a strong partner for fire departments everywhere.