Turkey's Kaplan robot: World's best bomb demolition device

Turkey's domestically built KAPLAN Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) robot is being operated to dispose of explosives remotely from a safe distance under demanding conditions.

Kaplan unmanned demolition vehicle, one of the most successful bomb demolition robots in the world, is currently in use by the Turkish police.

The new generation of military products, developed with Turkey's domestic resources, is considered one of the best demolition vehicles used by security forces around the world.

Kaplan was produced by the Turkish Aselsan defense industry and equipped with an ergonomic, sensitive robotic arm with seven actuators for optimum operational capability.

The new generation soil penetrating 3D radar can detect explosives hidden several feet underground or inside thick boxes and packages.

A high definition (HD) camera on the vehicle can provide its remote operators a live video feed from up to 500 meters.

Already in use by the Turkish national police force counter-terrorism and demolition units, Kaplan's watertight hull and tracks allow it to pass through puddles of water while powerful motors allow it to drive easily over steep terrain.

The agile vehicle platform can be operated under any demanding environmental conditions on various terrains, including pebbly fields, steep slopes, stairs, etc. or snowy and muddy conditions.

The Kaplan Unmanned Ground Vehicle can also be equipped with different payloads according to the mission's requirements due to its modular structure.

The vehicle is based on a rugged high-mobility vehicle platform and a modular operator control unit (OCU).

With the 3D robot display shown on the OCU, all movements of the vehicle can be monitored even if the robot is out of the field of vision.

It can be utilized in reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition activities, detection and disposal of buried mines or IEDs and electronic warfare applications.

The vehicle can run for over four hours with its long-lasting batteries as it is capable of working under temperatures between -30 degrees and 69 degrees. Authorities say few countries have this kind of high-tech defense tool, currently in operation in many Turkish cities.

“Several countries possess the technology to build demolition bots of this scale. But Kaplan is currently the cutting edge thanks to its integrated 3D radar that makes identification of bombs a breeze," an Aselsan official said.