Thermite RS3
About
About Thermite RS3
Thermite RS3 is a diesel-powered tracked firefighting robot for high-flow suppression and heavy intervention. Its monitor delivers 2,500 gallons per minute, while a wide modular chassis accepts a plow, positive-pressure ventilation fan, compressed-air foam system or foam tank. Standard daylight video and optional FLIR thermal imaging feed the remote belly-pack controller.
The RS3 uses a 36.8 hp Yanmar diesel engine and measures 120 × 65.6 × 64.5 inches. Depending on attachments, it weighs about 3,500 lb, travels at up to 8 mph and operates over a published remote-control range of 300–500 metres. An 8,000 lb winch and the ability to push vehicles help it clear an approach to a fire. RS3 is a distinct high-output configuration within the Thermite family, separate from the smaller RS1 and the battery-electric EV1 and EV2 models.
Deployments
- Customer Site
Hundreds of operating hours - Los Angeles City Fire Department - fire and emergency-response operations in Los Angeles - Howe & Howe reports that the Los Angeles City Fire Department’s Thermite RS3 accumulated hundreds of operating hours before September 2025.
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Timeline
- Ukrainian first responders complete Thermite RS3 training and tests
2025-09-10 - Demonstration - The State Emergency Service of Ukraine and Lviv State University of Life Safety received hands-on Thermite RS3 training. Responders completed six tests ranging from extinguishing an oil fire to extracting vehicles from an accident scene. Training covered vehicle operation, maintenance and the system’s firefighting and recovery functions.
Source - Howe & Howe delivers first U.S. commercial Thermite RS3 to LAFD
2020-10-13 - Deployment - LAFD planned to use the tracked robot for firefighting, training and urban search-and-rescue support. The delivered RS3 combined high-volume suppression with a modular wide chassis, plow compatibility and an 8,000 lb winch.
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