Redstone Report: Project Minotaur | News

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF)- An unmanned vehicle, both designed and constructed in Huntsville, is saving a countless number of American lives on the front lines in Afghanistan.

It looks like a Bobcat, but it's actually a Minotaur.

This modified construction machine is built to defeat improvised explosive devices lurking in Afghanistan.

"It's probably one of the top threats to our dismounted troops when they are conducting missions and operations," said project manager, Coogan Preston.

Remote controlled, and made with a mine roller, rake, and camera on top, this vehicle travels ahead of troops on the ground, acting as the "point man."

"This piece of equipment will actually set that device off. Thereby, it takes the hit versus one of our soldiers taking the hit," Preston explained.

The first three Minotaur systems arrived in Afghanistan last fall and have been a huge success.

This week, more will be shipped over.

"Between now and December, we are putting into theater approximately 64 units," Preston added.

More Minotaurs on the ground means more soldiers out of harm's way.

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