- Craig Charles: "This is where the best, most battle-hungry robots come to be judged! And boy... are we gonna dish out some punishment? So, are you ready to judge the good, the bad, and the downright ugly?"
- Audience: "Yeah!"
- Craig Charles: "And tonight, an international clash of the most extreme fighting machines ever, in our International Inferno!"
- — Craig Charles' introduction
Episode 3 of Robot Wars Extreme: Series 1 was originally broadcast on 10 October 2001 on BBC Choice and repeated on 9 November 2001 on BBC Two.
Like most of the episodes of Extreme 1, it featured episodes from multiple competitions which ran across the whole series, as well as a main event. Here, the main event was the International Inferno, a four-way melee featuring competitors from the United Kingdom, United States, Netherlands (Holland) and Germany.
The BBC Two broadcast managed to attract 3.74 million viewers, an increase of 500,000 viewers when compared with the previous episode. According to BARB, this meant it ranked tenth in the top thirty highest rated BBC 2 broadcasts during 5-11 November, between Gardeners World and Wild Africa.
Featured Robots[]
Arnold A. Terminegger | ||
Weight | 99kg | |
Dimensions | 0.67m x 0.71m x 1.17m | |
Power | 2 x 24v Electric Motors | |
Weapons | Lifter, Axe & Hammer | |
Strengths | Good Self-Righting Mechanism | |
Weaknesses | Durability | |
From: High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire | ||
Team Members: Ian Inglis, Steff Inglis & Holly Inglis |
Behemoth | ||
Weight | 95kg | |
Dimensions | 1.1m x 0.62m x 0.57m | |
Power | 24v Motor | |
Weapons | Pneumatic Scoop | |
Strengths | Self-righting Mechanism | |
Weaknesses | Slow & Sluggish / Low Impact Weaponry | |
From: Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire | ||
Team Members: Anthony Pritchard, Michael Pritchard, Kane Aston |
Firestorm 3 | ||
Weight | 100kg | |
Dimensions | 0.29m x 0.97m x 0.82m | |
Power | 2 x Electric Motors | |
Weapons | Pneumatic Flipping Arm | |
Strengths | Powerful Flipper | |
Weaknesses | Poor Transmitter Reliability | |
From: Durham | ||
Team Members: Graham Bone, Alex Mordue, Hazel Heslop |
Flensburger Power | ||
Weight | 92kg | |
Dimensions | 1m x 0.5m x 0.3m | |
Power | Electric Motor | |
Weapons | Wheel Cutters & Spear | |
Strengths | Low Ground Clearance | |
Weaknesses | Slow & Sluggish | |
From: Germany | ||
Team Members: Michael Schnoor, Anita Jensen, Andre Bruske |
Fluffy | ||
Weight | 96kg | |
Dimensions | 1.12m x 0.66m x 0.2m | |
Power | 2 x 24v Electric Motors | |
Weapons | Double Ended Spinning Axe | |
Strengths | Destructive Weapon | |
Weaknesses | Inexperience | |
From: London | ||
Team Members: Peter Holroyd, Peter Johnson & Richard Johnson |
Hypno-Disc | ||
Weight | 100kg | |
Dimensions | 0.9m x 0.55m x 0.25m | |
Power | 24v - 36v DC Motors | |
Weapons | Large Rotating Disc | |
Strengths | Destructive Weapon | |
Weaknesses | Vulnerable Wheels | |
From: Middleton Cheney, Banbury in Oxfordshire | ||
Team Members: Dave Rose, Derek Rose & Ken Rose |
Manta | ||
Weight | 84kg | |
Dimensions | 1.12m x 0.95m x 0.32m | |
Power | 24v Motors | |
Weapons | Spinning Steel Blade | |
Strengths | Very Fast & Powerful | |
Weaknesses | Effectiveness Of Weapon | |
From: United States of America | ||
Team Members: Jeff Cesnik, Billy Boden, Chris Tyson |
MaxiMill | ||
Weight | 77kg | |
Dimensions | 0.86m x 0.6m x 0.33m | |
Power | 24v Wheelchair Motor | |
Weapons | Rotating Windmill Blade | |
Strengths | Quick & Agile | |
Weaknesses | Comparatively Light | |
From: Holland (The Netherlands) | ||
Team Members: Frank Van Corschot, Bram Verhaegen, Ab Dekker |
Panic Attack | ||
Weight | 98kg | |
Dimensions | 1m x 0.7m x 0.16m | |
Power | 24v Motor | |
Weapons | Lifting Forks | |
Strengths | Impenetrable Armour | |
Weaknesses | Reliability of Weapon | |
From: Thornhill in Cwmbran, Gwent | ||
Team Members: Kim Davies, Michael Davies, Christian Bridge |
Stinger | ||
Weight | 83kg | |
Dimensions | 0.71m x 0.61m x 0.38m | |
Power | 2 x 24v Electric Motors | |
Weapons | Bludgeoning Spike | |
Strengths | Heavy Duty Weapon | |
Weaknesses | Exposed Tyres | |
From: Branston, Lincoln | ||
Team Members: Kevin Scott, Tim Mann, Karl Skinner |
Wild Thing | ||
Weight | 97kg | |
Dimensions | 0.46m x 0.79m x 0.92m | |
Power | 750w Electric Motor | |
Weapons | 2 x Blades & Spinning Disc | |
Strengths | Speed & Control | |
Weaknesses | Vulnerable Tyres | |
From: Ash in Hampshire | ||
Team Members: Nick Adams, Isabelle Adams & Jake Adams |
Main Event[]
- "First up, two amazing All-Star battles in our titanic tournament to find the best of the best. Panic Attack takes on Firestorm and then Hypno-Disc will go head-to-head with Behemoth. In our metal-mashing Mayhem, Wild Thing meets Arnold A. Terminegger and the excellent Fluffy. Can Behemoth hold on to their Challenge Belt as another robot steps up in the quest for ultimate robo-glory? And finally, there's our International Inferno, where Panic Attack will meet teams from Germany, Holland and the United States of America. So far international relations do look friendly...but that's about to change."
- — Jonathan Pearce reveals the line-up
The main event of Episode 3 was the International Inferno, a four-way melee between representatives of the UK, the USA, the Netherlands and Germany, all of which held domestic Robot Wars championships during the show's original run.
Battles and Build-Up[]
All-Stars: Firestorm 3 vs. Panic Attack[]
- "Well Jonathan, this might be an All-Star battle, but I think it's brewing into a bit of a grudge match. Apparently Panic Attack want vengeance"
- — Julia Reed
The first battle of the episode was an All-Stars battle between former champion Panic Attack and previous grand-finalist Firestorm 3. It also doubled as an unofficial vengeance battle, as the two robots had fought before in The Third Wars (clips of which were shown prior to the battle) with Fire Storm winning on a judges' decision. Kim Davies explained to Julia Reed that Panic Attack hadn't been working properly the previous time and believed they had the upper-hand for the rematch, citing Panic Attack's increased weight, side skirts and modified srimech. Team Firestorm, meanwhile, remained confident that they would win the battle once more.
- "We've done it once, we'll do it again"
- — Hazel Heslop of Team Firestorm
Firestorm 3 flips Panic Attack against the side wall...again
As soon as Activate was called, Panic Attack charged right at Firestorm 3, but at just the last moment tried to veer to the side. This allowed Firestorm to get right underneath the side of the skirts, and it flipped Panic Attack over.
- "It was almost like a suicidal lunge at Firestorm 3"
- — Jonathan Pearce
Firestorm then pushed Panic Attack against the arena wall to prevent it from self-righting, and managed to get the Welsh machine stuck on the wall. Sir Killalot, Dead Metal and Firestorm then each took turns trying to get Panic Attack off the wall, but it kept getting stuck, and was eventually counted out.
Winner: Firestorm 3
- "And Firestorm 3 has done it again to the Attack boys! Well that is a major surprise. Panic Attack, rated as one of the top six robots anywhere, out to Firestorm 3, and coming up, another great All-Stars clash! These are the best robots around, Jules is in the pits."
- — Jonathan Pearce, providing a segue between the first two battles
All-Stars: Behemoth vs Hypno-Disc[]
- Julia Reed: "Boys, we've seen your robot so many times, do you even need a strategy?"
- Derek Rose: "Well quite simply, just attack is the best form of defence!"
- Julia Reed: "Fighting talk! And you're up against Behemoth. Anything to say to them?"
- Dave Rose: "Behemoth boys, you'd better call an open scrap metal merchant, you're gonna need it!"
- — Hypno-Disc's pre-battle interview
The second battle was another All-Stars battle between former runner-up Hypno-Disc and former semi-finalist Behemoth. Hypno-Disc was considered to be the significant favourite going into the battle based on its destructive nature and status as a two-time grand-finalist. Reed was notably dismissive towards Behemoth, although this didn't stop Team Make Robotics from displaying their own confidence.
- Julia Reed: "From what I can see boys, your robot's half built and it's got no weapons"
- Michael Pritchard: "Aye, it doesn't have a weapon, but we're indestructable"
- — Confidence from the Behemoth team
Behemoth lands on Hypno-Disc
Hypno-Disc quickly spun up its disc and charged at Behemoth. However, Behemoth was able to deflect Hypno-Disc by lifting its scoop just before impact.
- "Withstood the pressure, and the power, and the punishment...and this is interesting. I didn't think it could go this far"
- — Jonathan Pearce, seeing Behemoth as the underdog
Hypno-Disc attempted several more attacks, but Behemoth continued to use its scoop to deflect it, although one attack flung it violently sideways and another spun it around. Behemoth pursued Hypno-Disc towards Dead Metal's CPZ, but was then hit on the side, however Hypno-Disc's flywheel caused no damage. Again, Behemoth tried its scoop-deflection technique, and Hypno-Disc was forced to retreat. As it slammed into the arena wall, Behemoth quickly followed and began to push Hypno-Disc towards Sergeant Bash's CPZ. Despite giving the former runner-up some breathing space, Hypno-Disc seemed to have mobility problems, and Behemoth pushed it straight into the House Robot, whose pincer stopped the flywheel dead. Behemoth continued to push, although its scoop seemed to have buckled slightly.
- "Hypno-Disc is going nowhere at the moment, and they know it"
- — Jonathan Pearce
Suddenly, Dead Metal grabbed hold of Behemoth from behind, which prompted Refbot to push him away. As he issued the House Robot with a yellow card, Behemoth pushed underneath Hypno-Disc and managed to flip it over. Hypno-Disc was able to right itself, and finally managed to get away from the CPZ. However, its mobility issues struck again, and despite getting its flywheel up to speed, it was unable to retaliate when Behemoth got behind it and pushed it into another CPZ, unable to flip it again due to its damaged scoop. However, Dead Metal attacked Behemoth again, trying to pull it away from Hypno-Disc, who just managed to escape. Behemoth managed to fight its way out of Dead Metal's pincers before he could bring his saw down, and Refbot responded by giving the House Robot a red card, prohibiting him from leaving his CPZ for the rest of the battle.
- "You cannot come out and play anymore, you naughty boy! Home, boy, and do not come out again!"
- — Jonathan Pearce scolds Dead Metal from the safety of his booth
Hypno-Disc, still struggling to move, was slowly edged onto the flame pit by Behemoth, despite its flywheel causing minimal damage to its opponent's scoop. Once on the fire hazard, Hypno-Disc lost all mobility and was, shockingly, counted out, much to the surprise of both teams.
- "This has certainly been one of the best pieces of robot stylistics we've ever seen in the wars, and in Extreme version, Behemoth have seen Hypno-Disc counted out"
- — Jonathan Pearce as the battle ends
Following the battle, Craig Charles interviewed both teams. He was quick to congratulate Team Make Robotics, who explained that whilst the scoop had been damaged, the new titanium panels added to the sides had held up well. The Rose family, commiserated by Charles, pondered the possibility that one of Hypno-Disc's tyres had come off and jammed the motors, but ultimately congratulated Behemoth on its win.
- "Behemoth, they did a good job"
- — Dave Rose, humble in defeat
After Jonathan Pearce provided a recap of the robots who had successfully qualified for the All-Stars quarter finals, Julia Reed interviewed both teams in the pit, showing disbelief that Hypno-Disc could have lost. The Rose family again commended Behemoth, saying it deserved to win, whilst also revealing the reason that Hypno-Disc had stopped was because one of its rear wheels had locked up.
- "Well, I did say earlier it was indestructible - proving my word."
- — Michael Pritchard following the battle
Winner: Behemoth
Build-Up 1[]
After the All-Stars, Craig Charles provided the first build-up to the International Inferno, the main event of the episode. Here, he introduced the German competitor Flensburger Power and the Dutch entrant MaxiMill.
Mayhem: Wild Thing vs Arnold A. Terminegger vs Fluffy[]
Challenge Belt: Behemoth vs. Stinger[]
- Main article: Robot Wars Extreme: Series 1/Challenge Belt#Challenge 2
International Inferno: Panic Attack (UK) vs Manta (USA) vs MaxiMill (NED) vs Flensburger Power (GER)[]
- Main article: Robot Wars Extreme: Series 1/International Inferno
- "An international clash of the most extreme fighting machines ever."
- — Craig Charles
Manta sends MaxiMill flying
Panic Attack lifts Manta
The four robots moved off their starting positions - both MaxiMill and Flensburger Power were slow, but Manta sped around and rammed into MaxiMill. MaxiMill's weapon had charged, but Manta's was not spinning at all. Manta was not hindered by this and quickly reversed MaxiMill onto the flame pit. MaxiMill was spinning on the flames until Manta rammed it into the side wall. Meanwhile, Panic Attack had been pushing Flensburger Power around, and the now unoccupied Manta rammed it onto the flames as well. Flensburger Power appeared to have broken down, but MaxiMill came back to life and re-entered the battle. Manta pushed into it again, ramming it into an unoccupied CPZ. MaxiMill moved out to escape, but was immediately boxed in by Shunt and Matilda, the latter of who pushed it into the CPZ and struck with its heavy flywheel. Manta and Panic Attack turned to each other, but Panic Attack was the successful attacker, lifting Manta up with its forks and slipping into a position beneath Manta's disc.
- "And Manta - a ray of hope for the USA - I think not! You are now impaled on those forks and there is no way out from there."
- — Jonathan Pearce

Refbot counts out the crumpled MaxiMill
Panic Attack pits Manta
Panic Attack dragged Manta around and into the pit release as Refbot counted out Flensburger Power. Panic Attack almost lost its grip on Manta when it drove over the closed pit, then eventually lowered Manta back down. Manta charged into Panic Attack, slamming it aside, but with its disc still not working, it was unable to do any damage. Meanwhile, Refbot moved over and counted out MaxiMill, who had broken down after being attacked by Shunt and Matilda. Shunt placed MaxiMill on the floor flipper, and it was hurled through the air, its disc breaking off on impact with the floor. Panic Attack then got beneath Manta again, lifting it completely up. Matilda then pressed the pit release, and Manta, who was resting on the pit, began to descend with it. Panic Attack briefly got stuck with Manta on top, but used its srimech panel to shrug Manta off and into the pit properly.
Matilda herds together the broken Germans and Dutch
- "Go on, Matilda, nudge that- Yeah, that's what I was going to suggest, nudge that tyre, because that opens up the pit to end the stalemate... Manta is right on the lip of defeat here! On the very edge - how on earth are they holding on? They're not holding on any longer, they're in the pit. And Panic Attack, and Kim Davies, have triumphed in the International Inferno."
- — Jonathan Pearce
Flensburger Power was hurled by the floor flipper, and Shunt and Matilda pushed it into MaxiMill. Cease was called, and Panic Attack was confirmed as the victor.
Winner: Panic Attack
- "Well they came to Britain with their suntan cream. But they got tanned, on Robot Wars Extreme."
- — Craig Charles' sign-off
Trivia[]
- In the Italian dub of Extreme 1, the International Inferno is referred to as the Devastazione Internazionale, meaning "International Devastation". The same name was also applied to the translated version of the International Mayhem aired in Episode 6. This likely suggests that the dub considered the International Inferno to be a Mayhem battle in its own right, despite featuring four robots instead of the typical three.[1]
- The Italian version also misspells Flensburger Power's name as Flensburger Powre on battleboards.
References[]
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