31.05.2010

Cat telehandler joins LAPD

A highly modified remote controlled Cat TL1255 telehandler has been delivered to the Los Angeles Police Department for the removal of suspected car bombs.

The ‘device’ named the “Bat Cat” or Bomb Assault Tactical Control Assessment Tool – has been built by Remotec a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman that specialises in remote bomb disposal/defusal robots.
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LAPD's Bat Cat telehandler being operated manually

The LAPD purchased a standard TL1255 and delivered it to Remotec for modification. The unit which can lift 12,000lbs with a lift height of 55ft (5,000kgs/17 metres) is fully remote controlled and has been painted gloss black.

The unit is equipped with regular forks or a bucket with forked grab so that it can be used to grab cars as well as fork them, it will also be used to ‘breach’ buildings above ground level. The finished unit is reported to have cost around $1 million. Click here to see video of unit on test


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