SOURCE: AFI
A viral video showcasing the Gridbots VIPER robot in action has highlighted its cutting-edge capabilities in cleaning and inspecting artillery and tank gun barrels. Currently being tested by the Indian Army at select locations, this advanced system is poised to replace the manual cleaning process, bringing efficiency, precision, and automation to a critical maintenance task.
The Gridbots VIPER robot is equipped with the zSCAN, one of the most accurate laser 3D profilometers. This advanced tool allows for thorough inspection and cleaning of gun barrels, addressing the needs of artillery, tank guns, and even submarine and airborne weapon systems.
The traditional method of cleaning gun barrels involves several personnel using a steel brush affixed to a long rod. This process is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to inefficiencies. Manual methods struggle to clean tilted formations inside rifled barrels, leaving residues that can compromise performance.
Steel brushes can cause wear and tear over time, reducing the barrel’s lifespan. Inactive areas like night combat zones or high-intensity environments make manual cleaning difficult, risking suboptimal performance due to unclean barrels.
ey features of the VIPER robot include:
- 3D Profilometry: Provides a detailed analysis of barrel conditions, measuring the depth and dimensions of pits and identifying levels of wear or damage.
- Automated Cleaning: Utilizes soft nylon brushes to remove carbon deposits, copper slags, fouling, and combustion residues without causing damage to the rifling or barrel interior.
- Post-Cleaning Lubrication: Ensures the barrel is protected from corrosion with a lubrication cycle, extending its operational lifespan.
- Integrated Drying Mechanism: Instantly dries the barrel after cleaning and lubrication, ensuring it is ready for use in any condition.