Recovery of Airbase Denied by Ordnance (RADBO)

The Recovery of Airbases Denied by Ordnance, or RADBO, system was developed by the Prototype Integration Facility as a candidate solution to meet an Air Force Central Command requirement for a stand-off unexploded ordnance neutralization and removal capability.

The proposed RADBO solution integrates a three-kilowatt Zeus III laser and robotic arm on a fielded mine-resistant ambush protected, or MRAP, vehicle. EOD forces can use the laser and robotic arm from the safety of the MRAP to rapidly clear multiple unexploded ordnance from AFCENT airfields, which is part of the Air Force civil engineer airfield damage repair mission. The platform is a proposed improvement on the current "one man, one bomb" technique of unexploded explosive ordnance, or UXO, removal, which requires three-person teams of EOD technicians to conduct operations in close proximity to anti-access and area denial UXO hazards on runways and airfield surfaces.

RADBO’s laser can detonate bombs up to 300m and the PIF’s integrated Interrogator Arm and Manipulator Claw can pull 50 pounds of debris up from cracks and underneath rubble. Infrared cameras, driver vehicle enhanced capabilities and two alternators were installed to provide over 1,100 amps of power.

Another non-combat use of the RADBO is the ability for immediate range clearance allowing fighter pilots to use the range immediately after a live ordnance drop training exercise.