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Vehicle Mounted Mine Detector

To date the U.S. Army has acquired in excess of 250 Vehicle Mounted Mine Detection (VMMD) Systems (in excess of 500 vehicles) and is in the process of purchasing additional systems to support Coalition Forces Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now the USMC and the Canadian National Department of Defence have also purchased these systems to support their forces deployed in Afghanistan.

More significantly the U.S. Army has taken a decision to establish Route Clearance Companies within its Force Structure, and the Vehicle Mounted Mine Detection (VMMD), as it will now be known, has been chosen to equip these companies as part of the Regular U.S. Army Inventory through a Program of Record acquisition. This is a strong acknowledgement of the excellent engineering capabilities of RSD and CSI, their commitment to technological innovation, and their ability to find practical solutions to real world problems.

This system, originally and still affectionately known as the Chubby System around the world, is a commercial product, suitable for use in harsh terrain, allowing for fast and efficient route clearance, creating safe passage for military and civilian personnel and vehicles. What makes the VMMD unique compared to other mine detection systems is its ability to pass over pressure fused anti-vehicle landmines without detonating them. In the event of a detonation, the components have been engineered in a unique modular configuration, and break apart in a predictable fashion. This facilitates fast in field repairs, and any damage sustained by the system can usually be repaired in the field, subject to the availability of parts. This increases the uptime and durability of the system.

The systems in service worldwide have been collectively subjected to more than 4000 Landmine, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) or Explosive Formed Penetrator (EFP) strikes. The "Husky" Vehicle is a blast survivable, overpass capable, field repairable, mine detector that has been combat-proven in various conflict situations around the world since the early 1980's. Ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have expanded the system's role beyond detecting and marking landmines to include IEDs and EFPs as well. The challenges faced in these theatres of operations have resulted in developments that have markedly increased the system's versatility.

The VMMD system comprises two Husky Vehicles; one can act as a Mine Detection Vehicle (MDV), while the second can fulfill the role of a Towing/Mine Detection Vehicle (T/MDV) which tows the set of three "Duisendpoot" Mine Detonation Trailers (MDT's).  Alternatively,  both Husky Vehicles can be operated in tandem as MDVs or T/MDVs.The system comes complete with one set of Spare Wheel Modules, which includes tools and other spare parts grouped together in a kit known as a Redpack.

In a classical route-clearance operation, the MDV sweeps the route ahead of the T/MDV towing the MDTs, traveling between 15 and 50 km/h, depending on the nature of the terrain. Integral Pulse Induction Metal Detectors signal the presence of a landmine (even with low metal content) or IED/EFP as the vehicle drives over its location.

Upon detection of a suspected target, the MDV is reversed to pinpoint and mark the location of the signal. The vehicle then drives forward to clear the way for the mine disposal team to investigate the source of the signal, and to clear the detected landmines or IEDs/EFPs.

The T/MDV-MDT combination, equipped with the same detection and marking equipment as the MDV, follows behind it, and acts as a proofing system. Plastic pressure fused landmines that are unable to be detected by the vehicle's sensors, are exploded by the trailing MDT module, which covers a 3.3 meter path.

In the event that the MDT detonates a landmine, the trailers can be released pneumatically from the cab of the T/MDV, which drives clear of the blast area to allow the back-up crews to check for other devices, and affect repairs to the damaged trailer.

Having an operator in the loop, provides a huge advantage during route clearance operations, as an experienced operator often identifies the location of explosive devices and merely uses the sensors at his disposal to confirm or refute the presence thereof.

At a speed of 50 km/h, the VMMD system is capable of covering a distance of at least 300km in a day. Ongoing improvements to the detection system and developments in shielding Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) have greatly enhanced the nighttime capability of the system, as detection operations can now be carried out while the alternator is running.

RSD (A Division of DCD-DORBYL (Pty) Ltd) a South African company and Critical Solutions International (CSI) a U.S. corporation have been committed partners since the IVMMD System was introduced into the U.S. market in 1994. CSI is responsible for in country training of crews and assembly of as well as in country support and maintenance on the fielded systems. This is accomplished by deploying Field Service Representatives (FSR's) and specialist Trainers with the systems, and ensuring a continuous flow of replacement parts. This approach has proved to be very successful in identifying soldier requirements in the field, which may not have become apparent without the contractor being involved on the front end.

We first announced our intent to form a Joint Venture (JV), at the UXO/Countermine Forum in Las Vegas during July 2006 which provides for the manufacturing of the Program of Record VMMD Systems in the USA. We are pleased to confirm that our JV, Mobility Systems International (MSI) has been established and will commence operations by the end of 2009. MSI is a U.S. owned and controlled entity, ensuring support to VMMD systems acquired under the Program of Record. Through this JV we also intend to expand our product range to include Mine and Ballistic Protected Personnel Carriers.

Flexibility in the manufacturing process and engineering excellence at RSD and CSI have ensured significant continual improvements to the systems over the years, while upgrades to system components based on soldier input are fielded rapidly.

Enhancements to meet the Program of Record dictated improvements to the Husky (which will be designated MK-III) include a fourfold improvement in the level of armor protection; inclusion of blackout lighting already available in U.S. Army Inventory; replacement of metric instrumentation with imperial gauges; addition of an inclinometer; an arctic (cold start) kit; automatic fire extinguisher system (AFES) in the cabin and engine compartment; improved cabin ventilation and heating; side flood lights over the pans; a 30 liter increase in fuel capacity and a four point fuel system allowing every drop of fuel in the tank to be used; enhanced braking capability; stainless steel exhaust; dramatic improvements to the electrical system which include stop and marker lights on the MDT's; storage space for the operators gasmask, canteen, a M4 carbine and magazines inside the cabin; an improved recovery system which will allow the vehicle to be recovered by the U.S. Army HEMETT from the front or rear; and all components will be painted with a chemical and acid resistant coating (CARC).

The MK-III Husky has also been equipped with a four wheel steer (4WS) capability which dramatically reduces its wall to wall turning circle from 26 meters to 18 meters, and has been fitted with central tire inflation system (CTIS), both of which markedly enhance the safety of the operator and the ability of the Husky to operate in close terrain and the urban environment.

We have also developed a 6 meter light weight sensor arm for the Husky which can be acquired as an optional extra. This arm is easily mounted to the Husky and simply connects to the current PI detection system in the vehicle. By throwing a switch the operator can interrogate and mark targets outside the 3 meter detection width of the vehicle. It is also suitable for looking behind barriers as well as under and on top of overpass bridges or in culverts. This arm has been designed to take the PSS-14 mine detector which is readily available in the U.S. Army Inventory. Currently the arm is fitted with commercial cameras, but these can be replaced by any optical equipment the customer may wish to use.

The Niitek Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has been fitted to the Husky. The integration and testing of the GPR on the Husky was supported by both CSI and RSD. This confirms the Husky's viability as a platform capable of carrying a variety sophisticated sensors.

Soldiers on the ground as well as U.S. Army Commanders all concur that the VMMD system has enhanced the capability of the Coalition Forces to keep land based
communication routes open by seeking out and identifying landmines, IED's and EFP's, while preventing these devices from killing or maiming both military and civilian personnel.