Deminers around the world face numerous challenges in attempting to detect landmines in the field. Challenges include distinguishing mines from clutter, detecting mines containing very little metal and those mines buried deeply. The HD R&D Program is assisting deminers by developing advanced technologies to improve the capability to detect low-metal mines, and at the same time, discriminate these mines from metallic clutter.

HSTAMIDS

The Handheld Standoff Mine Detection System, or HSTAMIDS, is the U.S. Army's dual sensor, handheld detector that combines an electromagnetic induction sensor and ground penetrating radar (GPR) to detect landmines. The addition of the GPR significantly reduces the detector's false alarm rate, thus reducing the operator's overall clutter investigations and increasing the operator's speed and effectiveness.

PARTNERS: The Halo Trust - Cambodia, Mines Advisory Group - Cambodia;Mines Advisory Group - Cambodia

MINE STALKER

The Mine Stalker is a remote controlled system designed to detect and mark anti-tank mines. It consists of a remote control commercial platform fitted with specially designed ground penetrating radar (GPR) capable of producing clear and precise radar imaging of targets. Real-time detection algorithms have been added to further enhance system operation. During U.S. Army testing, the GPR demonstrated 100 percent probability of detection against anti-tank landmines with an extremely low false alarm rate. 

NEMESIS

Nemesis is a remotely-operated system designed to detect, discriminate, and eradicate anti-personnel and anti-tank landmines. The base platform, a mobile, rubber-tracked skid-steer loader, provides a remote base to conduct demining missions. The detection system is comprised of an electromagnetic induction metal detector array combined with a ground penetrating synthetic aperture radar array that is capable of detecting both low-metal anti-personnel and anti-tank landmines. The neutralization system utilizes the propellant torch system, which is a very high temperature flare designed to penetrate the mine case and neutralize the main explosive charge by deflagration.

100 BOT

100 Bot is a remote control, lightweight commercial tracked vehicle able to traverse rough terrain and detect and mark mines on paths 100 centimeters wide. It has been modified to operate the HSTAMIDS as well as other commercial metal detectors. In addition, multiple attachments can be quickly mounted to the vehicle to provide a small lightweight vegetation reduction platform.

GEMINI

The GEMINI is an electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensor array with discrimination capabilities that can be mounted to a wide variety of vehicles used in mine detection. The unique design of the array sensor allows for the cancellation of far-field environmental and natural noise without a decrease in the signal-to-noise ratio. The sensor is 2.1 meters wide and weights approximately 75 pounds.