The International Test and Evaluation Program for Humanitarian Demining (ITEP)
2000 - 2010 ITEP Work Plan: Portfolio of test and evaluation activities carried out under the ITEP banner1
17 July 2010
1 This ITEP project compilation completes the ITEP final report, 2000 - 2010
International Test and Evaluation Program for Humanitarian Demining
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION...... 3
2 ITEP PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS...... 3
2.1 Overview ...... 3
2.2 Details ...... 9
Survey ...... 9 Detection...... 15 Mechanical Assistance ...... 69 Manual Tools...... 122 Personal Protection...... 124 Neutralization ...... 133 Services ...... 143
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1 INTRODUCTION
ITEP was created as a response for the desire to strengthen worldwide demining efforts and it achieved this through active cooperation among the Participants and also with other agencies and organisations. These efforts were realised through the ITEP Work Plan. Its aim was to increase efficiency by avoiding duplications and feeding lessons learned back into the process. The main output was the publication of test results and their release worldwide.
The ITEP Work Plan 2000 - 2010 summarises all national and collaborative test and evaluation activities that were carried out by the ITEP Participants during the ITEP lifespan. The project descriptions include, amongst other, summary conclusions and references to all published test reports and articles. The ITEP Work Plan 2000 – 2010 document complements the ITEP final report.
For clarity the ITEP Work Plan 2000 – 2010 has been divided into six technical categories: survey, detection, mechanical assistance, personal protection, manual tools and neutralisation. A separate category was added to cover services provided by the ITEP Secretariat or some ITEP project management groups.
All ITEP data will be transferred to the GICHD ensuring that ten years of ITEP work, experience and test results are not lost. Some of the ITEP projects will continue after the end of the ITEP program. Test results and eventual test reports for the latter projects will still be published as ITEP products and made publicly available through the GICHD web pages.
2 ITEP PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
2.1 Overview
Survey ...... 9 Develop, test and evaluate a Danger Area Marking Kit (DAM kit) (Project 1.2.1) ...... 9 Mine action PDA survey tool (Project 1.2.2 )...... 10 Test and evaluation of EOD IS Survey, a computerised support system for mine action survey (Project 1.2.3)...... 10 Development of the APOPO-PARADIS GIS (Project 1.2.4)...... 11 Test and Evaluation of the generic SMART methodology (Project 1.2.5)...... 12 Aerial vehicle mounted threat sensor package (ARGUS) (Project 1.2.6)...... 14 Detection...... 15 CEN Workshop Agreement on test and evaluation of metal detectors (Project 2.1.1.1)...... 15 Reliability model for metal detector evaluation (Project 2.1.1.2)...... 16 Test targets for test and evaluation of mine sensors (Project 2.1.1.3)...... 17 Soil characterisation for assessment of metal detector performance(Project 2.1.1.4)...... 18 Metal Detector Performance Project (MDPP) (Project 2.1.1.5)...... 20 Suitability maps for metal detectors(Project 2.1.1.6)...... 21
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Joint project Metal detectors for humanitarian demining - Development potentials in data analysis methodology and measurement technology (HuMin/MD) (Project 2.1.1.7)...... 22 Reliability model for test and evaluation of metal detectors (Project 2.1.1.8)...... 23 Test and evaluation of commercial-off-the-shelf handheld detectors (Project 2.1.2.1)...... 25 Test and evaluation of the dual-sensor systems MINEHOUND TM and HSTAMIDS (Project 2.1.2.2)...... 25 Systematic test and evaluation of metal detectors – STEMD (Project 2.1.2.3)...... 26 Assessment of Ultra Low Power Detector (Project 2.1.2.4)...... 28 Evaluation of metal detector arrays for humanitarian demining (Project 2.1.2.5)...... 29 In-soil and in-country performance evaluation of vehicle-mounted metal detection systems (Project 2.1.2.6)...... 30 Vehicular array for deep buried mines and UXO (GEMINI) (Project 2.1.2.7)...... 30 Trial of newly available metal detectors (Project 2.1.2.8)...... 31 Metal detector trials: detector test results and their interpretation (Project 2.1.3.1)...... 32 Test and evaluation of existing ground penetrating radar detectors (Project 2.2.2.1)...... 33 Integrate and test and evaluate the man portable Energy Focused Ground Penetrating Radar (EFGPR) (Project 2.2.2.2)...... 34 NIITEK ground penetrating radar system (Mine Stalker) (Project 2.2.2.3)...... 35 Develop and test and evaluate the Camcopter Landmine Survey and Detection System (Project 2.2.2.4)...... 36 Test and evaluation of HUMUS, a research platform for a man portable ground penetrating radar with classification capability (Project 2.2.2.5)...... 37 Angola ground penetrating radar handheld detector trials (Project 2.2.2.6)...... 37 Test and evaluation of stand-alone ground penetrating radar systems (Project 2.2.2.7)...... 38 Camcopter - vapor detection (Project 2.3.2.1)...... 39 Test and evaluate the Mechem MEDDS and Nomadics Fido detectors (Project 2.3.2.3)...... 40 Pre-Trial Assessment (PTA) of the Inscentinel system using bees for detection of explosives (Project 2.3.2.4)...... 40 Test and evaluation of explosive detection dogs (EDD) for UXO clearance (Project 2.3.2.5)...... 41 Evaluation of conditioned bees for detecting of buried landmines (Project 2.3.2.6)...... 42 Mini-symposium on multi-sensor systems for mine detection (Project 2.4.1.1)...... 43 CEN Workshop on soil characterisation for metal detector and ground penetrating radar performance (Project 2.4.1.2)...... 44 Develop and validate guidelines for reliability testing of dual-sensor mine detectors consisting of a metal detector and a ground penetrating radar (Project 2.4.1.3)...... 45 Soil influence on dual-sensor detection of landmines and UXO (Project 2.4.1.4)...... 47 Development of the HD version of the Handheld STAnd-off MIne Detection System (HSTAMIDS) (Project 2.4.2.1)...... 48 Test and evaluation of QinetiQ and ERA portable mine detectors (Project 2.4.2.2)...... 49 Incorporate and test and evaluate acoustic vibration sensing in the Handheld STAnd-off MIne Detection System (HSTAMIDS) (Project 2.4.2.3)...... 50 Assessment of the next generation of the ERA dual-sensor mine detector (Project 2.4.2.4)...... 51 Evaluation of the multi-sensor mine detector Handheld STAnd-off MIne Detection System (HSTAMIDS) (Project 2.4.2.5)...... 52 Handheld STAnd-off MIne Detection System (HSTAMIDS) operational field trials and demonstration (Project 2.4.2.6)...... 53 Test and evaluation of dual sensors (TEDS) (Project 2.4.2.7)...... 54
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Test and evaluation of two mobile UXO detection systems (Project 2.4.2.8)...... 55 Discriminating Mine Detector (DMD) (Project 2.4.2.9)...... 56 Handheld STAnd-off MIne Detection System (HSTAMIDS) long term operational evaluations (Project 2.4.2.11)...... 56 Evaluate the performance of dual-sensor detectors in humanitarian demining as compared to the stand-alone metal detector (Project 2.4.2.12)...... 58 Evaluate the performance of dual-sensor detectors in humanitarian demining as compared to stand-alone metal detectors (Project 2.4.2.13)...... 59 Multi Sensor Mine Signatures (MSMS) (Project 2.5.1.2)...... 61 Infrared (IR) polarimetrics for detection of mines and tripwires (Project 2.5.2.1)...... 62 Acoustic technology support (Project 2.5.2.2)...... 62 Development of a camera system for faster area reduction (Project 2.5.2.3)...... 63 Solar battery charging system (SBCS) (Project 2.5.2.4)...... 64 Handheld sweep magnet (Project 2.5.2.5)...... 65 Test and evaluation of magnets (Project 2.5.2.6)...... 66 Magnetic clutter reduction quantification (Project 2.5.2.7)...... 67 Upgrade and test and evaluate the Geophex GEM-3 electromagnetic handheld sensor (Project 2.5.2.8)...... 68 Mechanical Assistance...... 69 Test and evaluation guidelines for Mechanical Assistance clearance Equipment (MAE) (Project 3.1.1)...... 69 Selection of surrogate target(s) for mechanical equipment test and evaluation (Project 3.1.2)...... 70 Method of selection of best suited Mechanical Assistance clearance Equipment (MAE) (Project 3.1.3)...... 71 Methodology for the test and evaluation of mobile robotics for the detection of AP mines (Project 3.1.4)...... 72 CEN Workshop Agreement on Test and Evaluation of Demining Machines (Project 3.1.5)...... 73 Update of the CEN Workshop Agreement on Test and Evaluation of Demining Machines (CWA 15044:2004) (Project 3.1.6)...... 74 Conduct test and evaluation trial of the mechanical equipment Armtrac 100 (Project 3.2.1)...... 76 Mechanical mine clearing device for anti-personnel mines MV-4 (Project 3.2.2)...... 76 Test and evaluation of small flail devices: Mini-Flail XM2670-A3 and Knee-Link Flail (Project 3.2.3)...... 77 Conduct test and evaluation trials of mechanical equipment (Project 3.2.4)...... 78 Test and evaluation of the MANTIS Mine Clearing Survivable Vehicle (MCSV) (Project 3.2.5)...... 79 Tempest (Project 3.2.6)...... 81 In-house mechanical prototype enhancements (Project 3.2.8)...... 82 Test, evaluate and upgrade the Mini-Mulcher (MAXX) (Project 3.2.9)...... 83 Test and evaluation of Mechanical Assistance Equipment (MAE) for demining (Project 3.2.10)...... 84 Test and evaluation of the Survivable Demining Tractor and Tools (SDTT) roller (Project 3.2.11)...... 85 RHINO System (Project 3.2.12)...... 86 HALO Trust mechanical equipment development and evaluation (Project 3.2.13)...... 87 Sifting Excavator (Mechanical Mine Sifter, Deep Buried Mine Excavator) (Project 3.2.14).. 88
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Performance and survivability test of the mini-flail DIANA(Project 3.2.15)...... 90 Field trial of the Minelifta Mk2 (Project 3.2.16)...... 90 Performance and survivability test of the Minecat 140 (Project 3.2.17)...... 91 Trial of the Armtrac 75 (Pre-Trial Assessment) (Project 3.2.18)...... 92 Tantra machines (Project 3.2.19)...... 93 Multi-Tooled Excavator (Project 3.2.20)...... 94 Mechanical road clearance tools (Project 3.2.21)...... 95 Test and evaluation of the Bozena-4 (Project 3.2.22)...... 95 Test and evaluation of the RM-KA 02 (Project 3.2.23)...... 97 Test and evaluation of the Tempest Ground Penetrating flail (Project 3.2.24)...... 97 Comparative test and evaluation of vegetation cutters (Project 3.2.26)...... 99 Test and evaluation of the Mineworm (mark II) (Project 3.2.27)...... 100 Test and evaluation of a driver´s aid for mechanical demining equipment (Project 3.2.28)...... 100 Test and evaluation of hammer heads for flail machines (Project 3.2.29)...... 101 Test and evaluation of the Scanjack flail (Project 3.2.30)...... 102 Mini-Mulcher (MAXX+) (Project 3.2.31)...... 103 Pre-Trial Assessment (PTA) of the Digger D-2 (Project 3.2.32)...... 104 Bozena 5 flail test and evaluation (Project 3.2.33)...... 105 MineWolf test and evaluation (Project 3.2.34)...... 106 MV 10 test and evaluation (Project 3.2.35)...... 107 MV 20 test and evaluation (Project 3.2.36)...... 108 Mine Clearing Rake for small areas (MCR) (Project 3.2.37)...... 109 Robotic Mine Detector (100 Bot) (Project 3.2.38)...... 109 Rapid Area Preparation Tool (RAPTOR) (Project 3.2.39)...... 110 Severe Terrain Off Route Menzi-Muck (STORM) (Project 3.2.40)...... 111 Demonstration trial of the MV-4 and Bozena-4 mini-flails at the IMATC (Project 3.2.41)..112 L90 AFEL and ALLU Crushing-Screening Bucket test and evaluation (Project 3.2.42)...... 113 Test and evaluation of the Digger D-2 flail and tiller (Project 3.2.43)...... 114 Test and evaluation of the Mini MineWolf (Project 3.2.44)...... 115 MV 10 test and evaluation (Project 3.2.45)...... 116 Flail fundamentals (Project 3.2.46)...... 117 Test and evaluation of the Freeland 3000 (Project 3.2.47)...... 118 Test and evaluation of the MV-4 tiller (Project 3.2.48)...... 119 Test and evaluation of the Bozena 5 flail and tiller (Project 3.2.49)...... 120 Test and evaluation of the Scanjack 3500 with Solid Link flail (Project 3.2.50)...... 120 Test and evaluation of the Oracle II tiller (Project 3.2.51)...... 121 Test and evaluation of the SCAMP roller (Project 3.2.52)...... 122 Manual Tools ...... 122 Instrumented prodder product development path, phase A (Project 4.2.1)...... 122 Personal Protection ...... 124 Methodology for test and evaluation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Project 5.1.1)...... 124 CEN Workshop Agreement (CW 26) on Test Methodology for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for use in Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) (Project 5.1.2)...... 125 Validation of the CEN Workshop Agreement on Test and Evaluation of Personal Protective Equipment (CWA 15756) - Blast testing (Project 5.1.3)...... 126 Test and evaluation of mine protective boots (Project 5.2.1)...... 127 Exploratory tests of personal protective equipment (Project 5.2.2)...... 129
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Test and evaluation of Personal Protective Equipment (ROFI) (Project 5.2.3)...... 130 Visor heat treatment (Project 5.2.4)...... 130 Test and evaluation of Personal Protective Equipment (Project 5.2.5)...... 132 Neutralization...... 133 Comparative test and evaluation of individual mine neutralization devices (Project 6.2.1)...... 133 Development and test and evaluation of a Propellant Torch System (PTS) (Project 6.2.2)...... 133 Develop and test and evaluate a High Performance Foamed Nitromethane Mine Neutralization System (Project 6.2.3)...... 134 Test and evaluation of pyrotechnical mine neutralisation means (Project 6.2.4)...... 135 Develop and test and evaluate a Humanitarian Demining Mine Neutralization Projectile (Project 6.2.5)...... 136 All -Terrain/Underwater Propellant Torch System (Project 6.2.6)...... 137 Test and evaluation of pyrotechnical mine neutralisation means (Project 6.2.7)...... 138 Mine Identification and Neutralisation System by Waterjet (Project 6.2.8)...... 139 Humanitarian demining mine neutralisation technology evaluation (Project 6.2.9)...... 140 Low Power Microwave System to neutralize plastic cased mines (Project 6.2.10)...... 141 Explosive Harvesting System (EHS) (Project 6.2.11)...... 141 Non-explosive high-order mine neutralization for humanitarian demining (Project 6.2.12)...... 142 Services ...... 143 Investigate current criteria used to select equipment for test and evaluation (Project 7.1.1)...... 143 Collect test reports and information on national programs (Project 7.1.2)...... 144 Establish contacts with mine action partners world wide (Project 7.1.3)...... 144 Lessons learned from test and evaluation (Project 7.1.4)...... 145 Systematic inventory of test and evaluation activities, capabilities and needs in South Eastern Europe (Project 7.1.5)...... 145 Follow up on requests for advice on test and evaluation procedures (Project 7.2.1)...... 146 Maintenance and transfer of the ITEP website (Project 7.2.2)...... 147 Humanitarian Demining Research and Development technologies information materials and website (Project 7.2.3)...... 148 Test and evaluation workshop for mechanical demining equipment (Project 7.2.4)...... 149 Support to the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) detection and mechanical equipment catalogues (Project 7.2.5)...... 149 Support to GICHD study on manual demining (Project 7.2.6)...... 150 Assistance to test and evaluation of COTS metal detectors (Project 7.2.7)...... 151 Technical consultancy to the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) (Project 7.2.8)...... 151 Follow up on CMAC request for advice on procedures for test and evaluation of demining equipment (Project 7.2.9)...... 152 Support to the Japan Science Technology Agency test and evaluation of dual-sensors in Croatia (Project 7.2.10)...... 153 Support to the mechanical demining equipment demonstration at the 2007 Humanitarian Demining International Symposium (Project 7.2.11)...... 154 Support to the CROMAC - Centre for Testing, Development (HCR-CTRO) and Training test and evaluation of Japanese dual-sensors detectors (Project 7.2.12)...... 155 Construction of a facility for metal detector, ground penetrating radar and dual-sensor mine detector testing (Project 7.2.13)...... 156
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Support to the Egyptian UNDP Mine Action Program metal detector trial (Project 7.2.14)...... 158 Data collection, analysis and reporting assistance to the HCR-CTRO trial of Japanese dual- sensor systems (Project 7.2.15)...... 159 Support to the GICHD-ANAMA trial of a flail with permanent magnet attachment (Project 7.2.16)...... 160
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2.2 Details
SURVEY
Project No. 1.2.1 Title: Develop, test and evaluate a Danger Area Marking Kit (DAM kit)
Description: Develop a minefield and hazardous area marking system (e.g. signs, pickets and fencing materials to clearly identify the minefields) from available commercial components that are easily adaptable to a wide variety of mine-afflicted countries. The marking tools need to be constructed of weather resistant material, made of unattractive materials to pilferage, low maintenance and low cost, and conform with existing UN, as well as other recognised international standards. Once developed, the prototypes will be tested in real minefields. Aim: Develop, test and evaluate a better minefield marking/identification system. Outcome - Danger Area Marking kit and test and evaluation report. Request: Users, Donors, NMAAs, NGOs. Category: Survey Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Danger Area Marking Kit (DAM kit) Development: COTS Time Frame: 2003-01-01 to 2006-06-01 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD, South Africa, Mozambique Lead Nation: United States Partners: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Defencetek, Accelerated Demining Program Mozambique (ADP) Status: Archived Comments: The project organised a workshop on Mined Area Marking in Pretoria, South Africa, on June 24-25, 2003. The minutes are available on the ITEP Reports website. Results/Conclusions: The final project report describes the DAM kit and associated testing. The kit, developed to facilitate perimeter marking, is comprised of two separate kits: a consumable kit (cost: 332 US$) and a reusable toolkit (cost:327 US$). A single DAM kit has sufficient material to mark 400 meters of linear perimeter of a danger area. The marking is done by painting natural or man-made objects and where the latter are not available by the in-situ manufacturing of marker beacons. The kits were first tested in South Africa and operationally evaluated by the Accelerated Demining Program (ADP) in Mozambique. All items in the
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kit proved useful, adding value to the marking activities and enhancing the visibility of danger area markings. The DAM kit was an unqualified success due in large part to continuous consultation with, and acceptance of, users from the initial concept through deployment to the field.
Project No. 1.2.2 Title: Mine action PDA survey tool.
Description: This project will leverage Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) technology for use as a mine action survey tool. The system will consist of handheld mobile GIS technology for data collection and dissemination in the field. The selected PDA will be modified so that it could be used to collect and disseminate general survey, technical survey, clearance, UXO incidents and completion survey data during mine action operations in the field. Test and evaluation of the modified PDA will be conducted as a part of this project. Aim: Identify PDA and GIS software suitable for data collection and dissemination in the field. Outcome - Market Survey, prototype hardware and test report. Request: MgM, MAG Angola, Users, Donors. Category: Survey Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: PDA with GIS software (MA:PDA) Development: COTS Time Frame: 2004-01-01 to 2007-09-01 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD. Lead Nation: United States Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 1.2.3 Title: Test and evaluation of EOD IS Survey, a computerised support system for mine action survey.
Description: Field test of the EOD IS Survey system. The system aims at transmitting collected information from the minefield directly to the International
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Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) and at receiving updates from IMSMA to the field system. Aim: Test and evaluate the capability: to store field data in a pocket PC with a directly wireless transmission to a database (IMSMA) using IR or Bluetooth and to receive updates from the IMSMA database to the handheld field system. Request: Users, NMAAs, NGOs. Category: Survey Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: EOD IS Survey (Pocket PC, Digital camera, GPS, GPS / Binoculars) Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2004-01-01 to 2004-12-31 Place: Switzerland: GICHD (IMSMA), Sweden: SWEDEC (EOD IS), Chile, Albania, Ecuador, Peru, Guinea-Bissau Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: GICHD Status: Archived. For further information on updates of the EOD-IS Survey equipment, please refer to the GICHD. Comments: The field test system has been deployed in several mine affected countries (Chile, Albania, Ecuador, Peru, Guinea-Bissau). Results/Conclusions: The trial results are described in two IMSMA Summer Workshop 2004 publications: Evaluating the EOD IS-Survey Tool: Objectives, Methods, and Preliminary Results and Handheld Test: A Field Example. The EOD-IS Survey constitutes the basis of the IMSMA mobile - handheld field data collection kit . An improved and more powerful EOD-IS Survey tool is under development.
Project No. 1.2.4 Title: Development of the APOPO-PARADIS GIS.
Description: APOPO has developed an original method of explosive detection using African rats. This NGO is currently working in Mozambique on the clearance of live minefields. PARADIS (a Prototype for Assisting Rational Activities in Demining using Images from Satellites) is a GIS aimed at improving the planning of humanitarian demining campaigns. PARADIS was first developed for the Belgian Armed Forces Bomb Disposal Unit (SEDEE-DOVO). Several field tests conducted with APOPO in Mozambique from October 2005 to July 2007 showed that the PARADIS system could be useful to record, monitor and fine-tune the APOPO clearance process. However, the field trials also showed that the
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system required to be further developed in order to fit the APOPO operational procedures. This task started in September 2007 and a first functional version of the system was installed at the APOPO premises in January 2008. After this experimental period the PARADIS system was fine-tuned based on the user feedback and the final version was installed at the APOPO premises in Mozambique in October 2008. Aim: Field tests of the PARADIS system tailored to the APOPO needs. Request: APOPO Category: Survey Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: PARADIS Field and Planning interfaces (based on respectively ESRI ArcPad and ArcView) with PC, PDA, and GPS software, applied to the APOPO African Rat Detection System Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2006-10-01 to 2008-10-31 Place: Mozambique Lead Nation: Belgium Partners: APOPO Status: Archived Comments: Preliminary development trials were carried out during the period 2005 - 2007. The test report of the October 2006 development trial was published at the end of 2006. The system was installed at the APOPO premises in Mozambique at the end of January 2008, where it was used by APOPO in a live minefield for recording and planning of their clearance operations and final feedback to the developers. The fully functional final system was installed at the APOPO premises in Mozambique at the end of October 2008. Results/Conclusions: Notwithstanding promising field tests, the adapted PARADIS system showed several weaknesses which prevented APOPO from using it operationally. The final report includes a description of the adapted PARADIS system, together with a summary of its strengths and weaknesses.
Project No. 1.2.5 Title: Test and Evaluation of the generic SMART methodology.
Description: The SMART methodology is a wide area survey methodology that was developed during a European Commission (EC) Information Society Technology (IST) project and rigorously validated over a test area of 50 km2 in Croatia. The system is based on fusion of sensor data (SAR,
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multispectral, color IR), expert knowledge, data from the mine information system and contextual information. In-house developed, as well as COTS image and data processing tools are used and human interpretation is also included in the processing-analysis-decision loop. The system, however, was not fully developed and integrated. The current project foresees further development, integration and the deployment of the system in three new areas. Aim: Validation of the system in preparation for its deployment in Croatia. Request: Centre for Testing, Development and Training (HCR-CTRO, Croatia), Croatian Mine Action Centre (HCR) Category: Survey Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: SMART (version 05 and additional software modules) Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2008-01-01 to 2010-06-31 Place: HCR-CTRO (Croatia), Faculty of Geodesy - University of Zagreb (Croatia), Royal Military Academy (RMA, Belgium) Lead Nation: Belgium Partners: HCR - CTRO (Croatia), Faculty of Geodesy - University of Zagreb (Croatia) Status: Ongoing at the end of the ITEP Program. For more information on the project, please contact the Croatian Mine Action Centre's Centre for Testing, Development and Training. Comments: Further information on the SMART methodology can be found in the presentations of the workshop Inventory and analysis of operationally validated results related to mine action space - and airborne surveys (Zagreb, Croatia, 30.11.2005). The HCR-CTRO organised a Workshop on the Introduction and training of a decision support system for mine action managers in January 2009 in the framework of the related project Deployment of the Decision Support System for Mine Suspected Area Reduction. A feasibility study on the use of Pleiades and COSMO-SkyMed satellite data confirmed that the application of the latter high spatial resolution satellite images instead of airborne data would be possible. Results/Conclusions: Project results were presented at the 2009 Humanitarian Demining Symposium in Sibenik, Croatia: - Minefield indicators and analytical mine contamination assessment in the scientific projects and in practice - Fusion of data, a priori information, contextual information and expert knowledge for decision making support in mine suspected area reduction During 2009 the SMART methodology was deployed in three additional mine suspected areas in Croatia (Gospić, Drniš and Bilje).
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Deployment of the SMART methodology outside of Croatia took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2009 - 2010) and is planned in Azerbaijan.
Project No. 1.2.6 Title: Aerial vehicle mounted threat sensor package (ARGUS).
Description: The ARGUS project, carried out by the Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) builds on the American BuckEye system to develop and test an aerial sensor suite which will produce imagery that is appropriate for downstream processing by change detection algorithms for Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and mine detection. The BuckEye system, developed by Flight Landata Inc. (FLD) and the U.S. Army Geospatial Center (AGC), utilises aerial imaging and high resolution geospatial mapping technologies to locate IEDs based on change detection. DRDC-Suffield requires a sensor suite to support very high resolution imaging with very high absolute positional and directional repeatability and precision to produce Electro-Optic (EO) and Infra-red (IR) imagery appropriate for processing by pixel level change detection algorithms. The sensor suite will be carried by the DRDC APHID Autonomous Rotorcraft, and will be used primarily to survey routes and areas for the presence of mines and IEDs. Aim: Produce enhancements to the BuckEye System in order to improve repeatability and facilitate downstream processing, as well as repackage the system for use with the APHID platform. Request: DRDC-Suffield Category: Survey Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Aerial sensor suite to be used with change detection algorithms Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2009-01-01 to 2010-12-31 Place: Canada, United States Lead Nation: Canada Partners: United States Status: Ongoing at the end of the ITEP program. For more information on this project, please contact the Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC). Comments: Flight trials are expected to be carried out in fall 2010. The final report is expected to be published by the 31st of March 2011 (contact: Stephen Bogner, tel: +1 403 544 4786) Results/Conclusions:
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DETECTION Metal detector
Project No. 2.1.1.1 Title: CEN Workshop Agreement on test and evaluation of metal detectors.
Description: This project covers the activities of the CEN Workshop 7 - Humanitarian Mine Action - Test and Evaluation of Metal Detectors. The latter is a process for creating a CEN Workshop Agreement (CWA) on the test and evaluation of metal detectors. It also includes training and experimental verification. Aim: To achieve comprehensive test guidelines, published as a CEN Workshop Agreement (CWA), which improve the quality of metal detector test and evaluation. Request: European Commission, ITEP, CEN. Category: Detection - Metal detector Type: Methodology Equipment: N/A Development: N/A Time Frame: 2002-01-01 to 2007-12-31 Place: N/A Lead Nation: Germany/BAM (2006-2007), European Commission - Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC) (2002-2005) Partners: Belgium, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, UNMAS, GICHD, CEN Status: Archived Comments: Full meetings of the Workshop (CEN Workshop 7) were held in December 2001 and April 2002. A Drafting Working Group met in June and September 2002 to progress the CEN Workshop Agreement. The third (and final) full CEN Workshop meeting took place in December 2002, approving the bulk of the Agreement. The EC/JRC, original project coordinator, transferred the Workshop Secretariat to Germany/BAM, when it stopped all activities related to test and evaluation of humanitarian demining equipment (1.01.2006). In the course of 2007, BAM has drafted a Field User Guide for the CWA 14747 (ITEP Project 2.1.1.8), which reduces the full range of CWA 14747 tests to three key tests considered the minimum requirement for determining the best suited metal detector for given local conditions. In a separate chapter, the document also deals with metal detector features which were introduced after the publication of the CWA 14747:2003 and hence not covered by the list of original CWA 14747 tests. The CWA
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14747: 2003 Field User Guide is available at the ITEP website. After consultation with the original Workshop 7 participants, CEN decided to extend the original CWA 14747 for another period of 3 years. It was republished as CWA 14747 - Part 1 in 2008. A description of the CEN Workshop process and status of the CWAs related to Humanitarian Mine Action can also be found on the GICHD website. Results/Conclusions: The first issue of the CEN Workshop Agreement on Test and Evaluation of Metal Detectors (CWA 14747-2003) was published in June 2003. It was later republished as CWA 14747-Part 1: 2003 in view of the publication of the CWA 14747 - Part 2 at the end of 2008 (ITEP Project 2.4.1.2). Training and experimental verification of the CEN CWA 14747 - 2003 during a systematic test and evaluation campaign of COTS metal detectors (STEMD, ITEP Project 2.1.2.3) provided user feedback in order to review and update the 2003 document . Some first results of the experimental verification process were published in Development Tests for Measuring the Detection Capabilities of Metal-Detectors, available in the ITEP reports database. More recent experimental verification results and lessons learned can be found in the Laos, Mozambique and Croatia STEMD final reports. Work has also continued on the procedure to test the effect of problematic soils on the performance of metal detectors. Details can be found in the report Identifying and Obtaining Soil for Metal-Detector Testing and the above-mentioned STEMD final reports, all available on the ITEP reports webpage.
Project No. 2.1.1.2 Title: Reliability model for metal detector evaluation.
Description: A proposal to investigate the application of reliability measures developed in NDT (Non Destructive Testing) to the detection of mines with metal detectors. Aim: To design a standard way of making statistical evaluations of metal detector performance (in particular, detection reliability). Request: Users of metal detectors Category: Detection - Metal detector Type: Methodology Equipment: Different types of metal detectors Development: N/A Time Frame: 2003-01-01 to 2004-05-31 Place: Germany: BAM (Berlin), Bundeswehr Technical Center for Protective and Special Technologies WTD 52 (Oberjettenberg),
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European Commission - Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC), Croatia: Center for Testing, Development and Training (HCR - CTRO). Lead Nation: Germany/BAM Partners: European Commission - Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC), CROMAC - Center for Testing, Development and Training (HCR - CTRO) Status: Archived Comments: The project started in spring 2003 and included three series of metal detector trials. The last trial was carried out in the German Army test facilities of Oberjettenberg (WTD 52) in November 2003. A workshop was held in December 2003 to discuss the results of the trials. Preliminary results were published in the article Proposals for Performance Demonstration and Modular Reliability Assessment for Humanitarian Demining and the final results were summarised in a Journal of Mine Action article and a SPIE 2004 Conference paper. The project was archived in 2004. A continuation of this project (ITEP Project 2.1.1.8) started in April 2005 Results/Conclusions: The final report includes a series of lessons learned for planning and executing reliability trials of metal detectors. The general conclusions state the following: Some adaptations to the reliability testing section of the CWA 14747:2003 are recommended, most importantly the orthogonal design of the test in combination with the use of Receiver Operator Curve (ROC) diagrams and Probability of Detection (POD) curves. No significant differences were found between the detection performance of either time-domain and frequency domain detectors or between specimens of the same detector model. Experienced, skilled and active deminers should operate the detectors during the testing. Simple approximate formulas for error bars are suitable for statistical representation of the field data. The purpose of the reliability test is a comparison between detectors and not an estimate of the true performance of the detectors in the field.True performance in the field is higher than during the reliability tests, mainly due to a series of human factors.
Project No. 2.1.1.3 Title: Test targets for test and evaluation of mine sensors.
Description: Describe state of the art of existing surrogates of landmines and test targets, Test and evaluation of existing samples for different metal detectors (and other sensor technologies i.e. infrared, GPR etc.),
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Selection of the most suitable test targets for mine detection trials, Procurement or production of the agreed test targets, Dissemination to test agencies and mine action centres, and Management of the stock. Aim: Development of standardised test targets for mine detection. Request: Test and evaluation organisations. Category: Detection - Metal detector Type: Methodology Equipment: N/A Development: N/A Time Frame: 2002-01-01 to 2004-12-31 Place: European Commission - Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC) Lead Nation: European Commission - Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC) Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: The European Commission - Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC) didn't received any inquiries about this project. The ITOP targets, also defined in the CWA 14747-2003 seem to be preferred. Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 2.1.1.4 Title: Soil characterisation for assessment of metal detector performance.
Description: The project consists of several studies: Preliminary study to define the knowledge and information currently available related to soil characteristics and metal detector performance and to assess the parameters and level of effort required to launch a longer term study. Longer-term study examining the data requirements that are pertinent to metal detector performance evaluation, identifying knowledge/information gaps and proposing adequate solutions. Aim: To produce a database of soil characteristics to assist developers and users to predict metal detector performance and associated problems for different geographical region. Request: Developers, users Category: Detection - Metal detector Type: Methodology Equipment: N/A Development: N/A
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Time Frame: 2002-11-01 to 2007-10-01 Place: Various, Bosnia and Herzegovina Lead Nation: Canada Partners: European Commission - Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC) Status: Archived Comments: The preliminary study was completed in March 2003. Results were summarised during the discussion day Soil Electromagnetic Characteristics and Metal Detector Performance, held at the European Commission (EC) Joint Research Centre (JRC) in December 2002. The feasibility of mapping soil electromagnetic characteristics across a geographical area was demonstrated in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The soil archive of the Institute of Agropedology in Sarajevo, containing soil samples from field campaigns across BiH, together with information on soil parent material derived from BiH geological maps was used to produce a magnetic susceptibility map for BiH. The latter work was carried out with assistance of the UK National Soil Resources Institute, Cranfield University and partially funded by the EC/JRC. Various studies were further undertaken by DRDC-Suffield with as main aim to help designers optimise the ability of metal detectors to detect low metal AP mines in difficult soils. More in particular, a range of existing instrumentation and procedures were investigated to measure and characterize the relevant soil electromagnetic characteristics. A new laboratory instrument (UTEMIS) was also developed together with a program providing the means of simulating the response of a specific metal detector due to a magnetic and/or conductive ground that may contain small ferromagnetic and/or electrically conductive objects. The latter two studies were carried out by Terrascan Geophysics and the University of Toronto respectively. Complementary work establishing a relation between soil electromagnetic characteristics and conventional soil characteristics (parent rock, degree of weathering etc) is carried out by Germany (ITEP Project 2.4.1.4) Results/Conclusions: The minutes of the December 2002 discussion day as well as the report on the compilation of a soil susceptibility map for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) are available at the ITEP website. Furthermore, a CD- ROM containing the physical and magnetic-susceptibility data of all recovered/measured BiH soil samples can be obtained from DRDC- Suffield. A report was compiled devoted to the theory and practice of measuring low-frequency (100 Hz – 100 kHz) soil electromagnetic properties. It generally confirms that background noise levels for metal detectors are predominantly associated with soil magnetic properties. Results suggest, however, that soil electrical conductivity could potentially constitute a significant source of background soil noise where soil magnetic influence is limited. The development of the UTEMIS measuring instrument and
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associated code for utilizing the UTEMIS data to calculate the induction response of small metal targets embedded in soils with frequency dependent magnetic permeability is detailed in the soil electromagnetic properties study final report.
Project No. 2.1.1.5 Title: Metal Detector Performance Project (MDPP).
Description: MDPP is a tentative program to establish an objective and systematic T&E procedure of metal detectors that will allow to predict capabilities of detectors in a specific environment for a specific threat with a specific operational procedure (SOP) and against a specific Statements Of Requirements (SOR). It puts emphasis on understanding by answering not only which detector performs better but also why. It aims to provide more precise answers in specific scenarios of interest for a given user. It also stresses the need for modelling and well-chosen measurements in order to reach maximum re-usability of the performed measurements. This is mandatory to obtain answers for the huge diversity of scenarios encountered and is the only solution to guarantee the high reliability called for in humanitarian demining with a realistic number of measurements.
The major underlying hypothesis is that the different components, soil, target, metal detector and operator may be decoupled to a certain extent allowing for independent measurements on the targets, soils, detectors and operators of interest. The limits of the latter hypothesis will be studied and in some cases, limited coupling will have to be considered. The model will predict the detection depth for a given detector, for a given target, in a given soil, as a function of the horizontal relative position of the target and the detector. Then taking into account a model of the scanning path, it will predict a detection depth statistics for an operator. The model will further be validated for a limited number of detectors, targets and environmental conditions (soil types).The final report will include a description of the developed methodology for performance assessment, its evaluation and plans for further developments. Aim: Development and validation of a model to predict metal detector performance based on knowledge of the environment, the target characteristics and the demining procedure used. Definition of a limited number of well-chosen measurements needed as input. Request: Belgium Category: Detection - Metal detector Type: Methodology Equipment: N/A
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Development: N/A Time Frame: 2003-06-01 to 2009-12-31 Place: Belgium, Canada Lead Nation: Belgium Partners: Canada Status: Completed. No final report published by the end of the ITEP program. For further information on this project, please refer to the Royal Military Academy (RMA). Comments: This modelling effort is performed in the scope of a Ph.D. thesis funded by the Belgian Ministry of Defence (BEMAT project). The thesis is co-promoted by UCL and RMA and Defence Research and Development (DRDC) acts as a scientific advisor. The project could constitute the first phase of a systematic program aiming to evaluate mine detection systems through a limited set of experimental data and a good understanding of the detection physics. The prediction will be evaluated by comparing with measurements performed on real targets and in real soil during related measurements campaigns. The project is finished and the results will be published in the corresponding PhD thesis which will be made available at the RMA publications website. Results/Conclusions: Intermediate results of the project can be found in a SPIE 2006 and a EUCAP 2006 publication as well as in the presentation given at the Cranfield Soil Magnetism Workshop 2008. Further results are also presented in: - Modelling the Response of Electromagnetic Induction Sensors to Inhomogeneous Magnetic Soils with Arbitrary Relief, IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Vol. 47, No. 8, August 2009, pp. 2627-2638. - A Simple Metal Detector Model to Predict the Probability of Detection in Landmine Detection (UXO Forum, Orlando, August 2009) - Relating Soil Properties to Performance of Metal Detectors and Ground Penetrating Radars, in Emerging Robotics and Sensors Technology for Humanitarian De-mining and Risky Interventions, Woodhead Publishing, book to be published in August 2010. - Volume of Influence for Magnetic Soils and Electromagnetic Induction Sensors, has been accepted for publication in IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing.
Project No. 2.1.1.6 Title: Suitability maps for metal detectors.
Description: Collection of information from the mine affected countries on the
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environment and the associated threat, and results from the test of various metal detectors. Production of suitability maps showing where the metal detectors are usable or not. Aim: Propose suitability maps to help in the selection of the best suited metal detectors for a particular scenario (environment and threat). Request: Users and donors. Category: Detection - Metal detector Type: Methodology Equipment: N/A Development: COTS Time Frame: 0000-00-00 to 0000-00-00 Place: Various Lead Nation: European Commission - Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC) Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: The objectives of this project are not longer considered as a strategic priority. In view of the current knowledge, a high tech approach as proposed in this project is considered not necessary. Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 2.1.1.7 Title: Joint project Metal detectors for humanitarian demining - Development potentials in data analysis methodology and measurement technology (HuMin/MD).
Description: Analysis of advanced methods for signal features analysis (extraction/classification) and local 3D imaging (forward modelling, model inversion) applied to commercial-off-the-shelf metal detectors. The influence of the soil on detector performance was also considered. Aim: Reduction of false alarm rates in mine sensing with commercial-off- the-shelf (COTS) metal detectors, based on better characterization of pin- pointed metallic objects, and Sounding of the development potential of COTS sensor technology, based on better understanding of the measurement process. Request: Users and manufacturers of commercial-off-the-shelf metal detectors. Category: Detection - Metal detector Type: Methodology Equipment: N/A Development: N/A
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Time Frame: 2003-10-01 to 2007-10-31 Place: Germany, FhG-IPA, Stuttgart, led an interdisciplinary consortium of 10 research institutes (6 of them in universities). Disciplines involved included non-destructive testing, exploration/soil geophysics, applied/numerical mathematics (inverse problems) and theoretical/computational electromagnetics. Lead Nation: Germany Partners: Status: Archived. Final reports available in German only. Comments: The joint project HuMin/MD was funded by BMBF and administrated by PT-DLR. All project milestones were passed. and a final project meeting was held at the University of Rohstock on the 1st and 2nd of October 2007. Results/Conclusions: A mid-term project summary was published on the project HuMin/MD website in September 2006. There is no final summary report for the HuMin/MD project, but final reports of the different HuMin/MD subprojects can be found at http://www.tib-hannover.de/en/ (keyword: humin). These reports are available in German only. The HuMin/MD subproject which looked at the soil properties influencing the metal detector performance (Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics, Hannover) produced several reports on their work, which are all available in the ITEP reports database: - Analysis of Physical Properties of Soil Samples from Test Sites for Landmine Detection in Mozambique - Pedological description and magnetic susceptibility of the natural soil nearby the CROMAC Benkovac test site - Analysis of the frequency dependent complex magnetic susceptibility of soil samples from test sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mozambique and Laos - Report about the analysis of Soil Samples from the Test Lanes in Ispra, Italy. After finalisation of the HuMin/MD project, the Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics continued their research on the relation between soil electromagnetic characteristics and mine detector performances (see ITEP Project 2.4.1.4)
Project No. 2.1.1.8 Title: Reliability model for test and evaluation of metal detectors.
Description: Verify a proposal for optimum reliability trial design and evaluation strategies for test and evaluation of metal detectors under realistic field conditions.
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Aim: Achieve a realistic and affordable standard procedure for reliability testing of metal detectors allowing to select the best suited device for specific application cases. Request: Users of Metal Detectors Category: Detection - Metal detector Type: Methodology Equipment: Different types of metal detectors. Development: N/A Time Frame: 2005-05-01 to 2006-12-31 Place: BAM-Berlin, CROMAC-Center for Testing, Development and Training (HCR-CTRO) Benkovac test facility in Croatia Lead Nation: Germany Partners: CROMAC - Center for Testing, Development and Training (HCR- CTRO), German Research Project HuMin/MD (ITEP Project 2.1.1.7) Status: Archived Comments: This project is a continuation of ITEP Project 2.1.1.2 which was archived in 2004. The main trial took place from the 9th to the 31st of May 2005 at the CROMAC-Center for Testing, Development and Training (HCR-CTRO) Benkovac test facility. Results of this trial were discussed during a Round Table discussion held in Berlin, December 2005. Additional trials at the Benkovac test site in Croatia were organised during October 2006 and the final project results were discussed at the January 2007 BAM- ITEP Workshop. BAM stopped all activities related to test and evaluation of humanitarian demining at the end of 2007. Results/Conclusions: The doctoral thesis of M. Gaal provides an overview of the trials, together with detailed descriptions and discussion of the trial design and obtained results. The focus of the thesis is mainly on the maximum detection height measurement and the detection reliability test. Other results can be found in the articles Reliability Tests for Demining and Trial Design for Testing and Evaluation of Metal Detectors Used in Humanitarian Landmine Clearance . The experiences collected during the execution of two reliability model projects (ITEP Project 2.1.1.2 and ITEP Project 2.1.1.8) and the STEMD metal detector evaluation project (ITEP Project 2.1.2.3) were summarised by BAM in the Field-user Guide for the CEN Workshop Agreement on Test and Evaluation of Metal Detectors (CWA 14747:2003). The latter Field User Guide reduces the full range of CWA 14747 tests to three key tests considered the minimum requirement for determining the best suited metal detector for given local conditions: maximum detection depth in soil, reliability (blind) test, and sensitivity profile (footprint). In a separate chapter, the document also deals with metal detector features which were introduced after the publication of
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the CWA 14747:2003 and hence not covered by the list of original CWA 14747 tests. Furthermore, a software package to process metal detector reliability trial test data was also developed.
Project No. 2.1.2.1 Title: Test and evaluation of commercial-off-the-shelf handheld detectors.
Description: Quantify the performance of commercially available handheld metal detectors. A continuation of the International Pilot Project for Technology Co-operation (IPPTC) evaluation of commercial off-the-shelf metal detectors. New detectors and newer versions or models will be tested and evaluated. Aim: Test and evaluate new and upgraded commercial-off-the-shelf handheld detectors. Outcome - Test reports. Request: Users, Donors, Developers, Manufacturers, NMAAs, NGO. Category: Detection - Metal detector Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Development: COTS Time Frame: 2002-10-01 to 2005-03-31 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD Lead Nation: United States Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: The project was cancelled because of duplication with the STEMD project (ITEP Project 2.1.2.3). The United States has actively participated in the drafting of the CWA on Test and Evaluation of Metal Detectors (CWA 14747-1:2003), attended demos, and provided test facilities for test and evaluation of new, upgraded and improved technologies. Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 2.1.2.2 Title: Test and evaluation of the dual-sensor systems MINEHOUND TM and HSTAMIDS.
Description: This trial is part of an ongoing program/activitiy to test available, commercial-off-the-shelf handheld mine detectors in accordance to urgent military and/or humanitarian (German Foreign Office) needs.
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Aim: To proof the effectiveness of the detection systems in different soils and on various targets. Request: German Army (or Foreign Office if required) Category: Detection Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: MINEHOUND TM, HSTAMIDS dual sensors Development: COTS (note: HSTAMIDS is a fielded military system to be used in humanitarian demining only by special arrangement with the U.S.Department of Defense) Time Frame: 2005-01-01 to 2007-12-31 Place: Germany, Bundeswehr Technical Center for Protective and Special Technologies (WTD 52), Oberjettenberg. Lead Nation: Germany Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: The Bundeswehr Technical Center for Protective and Special Technologies (WTD 52) carried out a comparitive trial between the HSTAMIDS and MINEHOUND TM dual-sensors during 2006. The obtained results, however, could not be released publicly due to the HSTAMIDS acquisition contract publication restrictions and therefore the project was deleted from the ITEP Work Plan. Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 2.1.2.3 Title: Systematic test and evaluation of metal detectors – STEMD.
Description: Systematic test campaign in order to assess the capabilities of the available Commercial-Off-The-Shelf metal detectors. A two-stage approach was followed: Test and evaluation under laboratory conditions, using the European Commission - Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC) test facilities in Ispra and the tests described in the CEN Workshop Agreement for standardised metal detector testing (CWA 14747-2003), and In-field tests in several mine-affected regions (South East Europe, Southern Africa, South East Asia), under realistic conditions using the CWA protocol. The latter opportunity was also used to collect environmental data influencing the suitability of metal detectors. Aim: Assist mine action programme managers to make informed choices of metal detectors and to stimulate metal detector users to provide feedback on the CEN Workshop Agreement for standardised metal detector testing (CWA 14747-2003).
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Request: Users, NMAAs, GICHD, UNMAS. Category: Detection - Metal detector Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Ceia MIL-D1, Ceia MIL-D1/DS, Ebinger EBEX 421 GC, Ebinger EBEX 421 GC/LS, Ebinger EBEX 420 H-Solar, Guartel MD8+, Foester MINEX 2FD 4.500, Foerster MINEX 2FD 4.500.01, Foerster MINEX 2FD 4.530, Foerster MINEX 2FD 4.510, Minelab F3, Minelab F1A4, Minelab F1A4 UXO, Schiebel ATMID, Vallon VMH3, Vallon VMH3(M), Vallon VMC1, Vallon VMH3CS, Vallon VMH3 CS UXO, Shrimt M90, AKA-Condor 7252, AKA-Vector 7260, Schiebel AN-19/2, Adams AX777, Beijing Geological Instrument Factory GTL115-2 Development: COTS Time Frame: 2004-01-01 to 2006-12-31 Place: European Commission - Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC), Laos, Mozambique, Croatia Lead Nation: Germany/BAM (2006), European Commission/JRC (2004-2005) Partners: GICHD, UNMAS, United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands, HCR - CTRO (Croatia), UXO-LAO (Laos), IND (Mozambique), CSIR (South- Africa). Status: Archived Comments: This project was complementary to ITEP Project 2.1.1.1 which focuses on training and experimental verification of the test and evaluation methodology described in the CWA 14747-2003. Supporting research on soil characterisation issues was also carried out within the framework of the STEMD project (see article on soil reference height available in the ITEP reports database) A comprehensive summary of all three STEMD trials is available as an annex in the GICHD Metal Detectors and PPE Catalogue 2007. Results/Conclusions: The first regional field trial (blind trial) was carried out in Laos during October-November 2004 with as main objectives to assess the current existing metal detectors, provide UXO-LAO with performance data for selection of future equipment and extend the application of the CWA 14747-2003 to small items of UXO (see test report). The second regional trial took place in May 2005 in Mozambique. It consisted of training on the CWA 14747-2003 and included tests concerning environmental influence (temperature, humidity, soil, EM interference, etc.) on metal detection. No blind trials were carried out in this regional trial (see test report and summary article in the Journal of Mine Action). The third and last regional trial, originally planned to take place in autumn 2005 was postponed by JRC/EC due to contractual difficulties and was finally carried out in September - October 2006 with Germany / BAM leading the trials. The Croatia STEMD trial was a reliability trial as well, and included several new detector models. It further looked more
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in detail at the human factor and its influence on the recorded metal detector performance. The final report of this last STEMD trial was published in March 2007. The final report on all metal detector laboratory tests conducted at the JRC within the STEMD project during the period November 2003 - January 2006 was released at the end of 2006.
Project No. 2.1.2.4 Title: Assessment of Ultra Low Power Detector.
Description: Conduct a preliminary assessment of the Ultra Low Power Detector from Quest Technology Ltd. with the view to carrying out a more comprehensive trial dependant on the result. Aim: Assessment of the Ultra Low Power Detector. Request: United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID). Category: Detection - Metal detector Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Ultra Low Power Detector from Quest technology Ltd. Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2004-03-01 to 2004-05-31 Place: United Kingdom Lead Nation: United Kingdom Partners: Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: In February 2004, an initial assessment of the detector indicated that it would be worthwhile carrying out more intermediate testing, in accordance with the CEN Workshop Agreement CWA 14747. The results of the latter testing are documented in the test report published in May 2004. In general, the report concludes that the Quest Technology Ltd. prototype detector shows promise as a simple, lightweight low power metal detector provided its detection performance, user interface and mechanical design can be more fully developed. In light of the test results, further development and modifications, as specified by Quest Technology Ltd. in chapter 5 of the test report, will be carried out.
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Project No. 2.1.2.5 Title: Evaluation of metal detector arrays for humanitarian demining.
Description: Vehicle mounted metal detector arrays provide a capability to rapidly detect landmines on roads, tracks and open terrain. Using the CEN CWA 14747 and the procedures developed by The International Pilot Project for Technology Co-operation (IPPTC) report on hand-held metal detectors, several vehicle mounted MD arrays will be tested and evaluated. Aim: To provide a test and evaluation report on vehicle mounted metal detector arrays that are specifically designed for the detection of landmines. Request: Users, donors Category: Detection - Metal detector Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Schiebel VAMIDS, Vallon VMV8, Ebinger MD array, Minelab STMR Development: COTS Time Frame: 2006-02-28 to 2007-12-31 Place: Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC ) Lead Nation: Canada Partners: The Netherlands, Germany, United States Status: Trials/tests completed but no final report published at the end of the ITEP Program. For more information on the project, please contact the Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC ). Comments: During 2006, both the Vallon VMV8 and the Schiebel VAMIDS systems were evaluated at the Canadian Centre for Mine Action Technology (DRDC - CCMAT). Both Germany and The Netherlands provided direct assistance during the evaluation. In the last two weeks of October 2007, the Minelab 3m STMR system and the Ebinger MD array were evaluated at DRDC - Suffield with the assistance of the Netherlands. The Ebinger MD array was made available to DRDC by the U.S. Humanitarian Demining Research and Developement Program The publication of the final report has suffered delays due to other urgent DRDC tasks but it is hoped that the test report will be published eventually. The report will provide details on the cross-section variability, depth sensitivity (i.e. target detectability), speed dependency, repeatability and noise immunity of metal detector arrays. Results/Conclusions:
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Project No. 2.1.2.6 Title: In-soil and in-country performance evaluation of vehicle-mounted metal detection systems.
Description: This project is planned as a follow-up of the ITEP Project 2.1.2.5. The detection performance of COTS vehicle-mounted metal detection systems will be assessed for mine-like objects buried in different soil types. This phase of the project will be done under controlled conditions where the systems under test are mounted on a special measurement bridge. This will then be followed by the in-country test phase, during which the systems will be tested under (simulated) operational conditions. They will be mounted on a vehicle, exposed to the local climate and tested on mine-like objects and indigenous clutter. Aim: Assessment of the detection performance of COTS vehicle-mounted metal detection systems for a limited number of soil types and in a limited number of mine-affected countries. Request: GICHD Category: Detection - Metal detector Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: VAMIDS, Ebinger MD array and Minelab STMR Development: COTS Time Frame: 2007-01-01 to 2009-08-01 Place: TNO, The Hague, The Netherlands; mine-affected countries (TBD) Lead Nation: The Netherlands Partners: Canada Status: Cancelled Comments: The project was cancelled in August 2009 due to changes in the funding priorities of the Dutch Royal Army. Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 2.1.2.7 Title: Vehicular array for deep buried mines and UXO (GEMINI).
Description: The system is a vehicle mounted gradiometer sensor array that can detect and characterize UXO and metal AT land mines in real time. The system is remote controlled and has an integrated mapping capability. The project is a response to requests from Cambodia and Somaliland for a system with a better discrimination capability in difficult soil to be used for detecting UXO and for quality assurance. Aim: Develop, test and evaluate an enhanced detector. Outcome - Prototype
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hardware and a test report. Request: Users, Donors, NMAAs, NGOs. Category: Detection - Metal detector Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: GEMINI Development: COTS Time Frame: 2006-01-01 to 2009-12-31 Place: United States, US CECOM-RDEC, NVESD Lead Nation: United States Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: Results of the early evaluation did not support consideration of the system for an operational field evaluation. Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 2.1.2.8 Title: Trial of newly available metal detectors.
Description: New metal detectors were made available. The trial will assess their value for use in humanitarian demining and will consist of testing the basic metal detector functions. Furthermore, new versions of the commonly used metal detectors will also be tested as and when they become available. Aim: Comparison of metal detection capabilities and make the information available to the humanitarian demining community. The trial will also serve to establish and validate a set of minimum CWA 14747 test requirements. Request: Manufacturers, CROMAC Centre for Testing, Development and Training (CROMAC-CTRO) Category: Detection - Metal detector Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Fuji Tecom MD17, Ebinger 422 GC, Ebinger SC20 Development: COTS Time Frame: 2007-09-17 to 2007-12-31 Place: TBD Lead Nation: Germany Partners:
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Status: Cancelled Comments: It was originally envisaged to also test the Medusa-3 detector, but the detector could not be obtained. The trial was to be carried out during the last week of September and the first week of October 2007, parallel with the dual-sensor detector trial (ITEP Project 2.4.2.12), at the Benkovac test site in Croatia. However, due to the last moment cancellation of the dual-sensor detector trial, ITEP Project 2.1.2.8 had to be cancelled as well. BAM stopped all activities related to test and evaluation of humanitarian demining equipment at the end of 2007. While the execution of the 2007 cancelled dual-sensor trial was taken over by the Gerrman Armed Forces (ITEP Project 2.4.2.13), the trial of newly available metal detectors was not due to a lack of resources. Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 2.1.3.1 Title: Metal detector trials: detector test results and their interpretation.
Description: A review of metal detector trials since 1997. Aim: To analyse the results of the trials that have been performed to date to see what general conclusions can be drawn regarding detector performance in field trials, given knowledge of the detector type and its properties as measured in laboratory trials. The analysis will include a discussion of the implications for the test protocol CWA 14747 and recommendations for further improvement. Request: European Commission -Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC) Category: Detection - Metal detector Type: Other Equipment: N/A Development: N/A Time Frame: 2006-01-01 to 2006-03-31 Place: European Commission - Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC) Lead Nation: European Commission - Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC) Partners: Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: The final report collects the information split amongst the various reports published during the period 1997 - 2006 and analyses this information from a technical point of view to draw conclusions, amongst others, on the main factors influencing metal detector performance.
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Ground Penetrating Radar
Project No. 2.2.2.1 Title: Test and evaluation of existing ground penetrating radar detectors.
Description: Interested Ground Penetrating Radar manufacturers and research organisations will be invited to test their equipment. Results and used methodologies will then be used for the definition of test and evaluation standards together with developers and operators. Aim: Develop test and evaluation standards for Ground Penetrating Radar used for humanitarian demining. Request: Users and donors. Category: Detection - GPR Type: Methodology Equipment: Various Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2002-01-01 to 2003-12-31 Place: Various Lead Nation: European Commission - Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC) Partners: Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden, United States Status: Archived Comments: Because the main use of Ground Penetrating Radar for the future will be as part of a (multi)dual-sensor system, it was decided to archive this activity and focus on the test and evaluation of multi(dual)-sensors incorporating Ground Penetrating Radar (see ITEP Project 2.4.2.4, ITEP Project 2.4.1.3, ITEP Project 2.4.2.6, ITEP Project 2.4.2.7, ITEP Project 2.4.2.11, and ITEP Project 2.4.2.13). Results/Conclusions: The European Commission - Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC) launched the process by organising a workshop on Ground Penetrating Radar in September 2002 (see presentations). This workshop was followed by a related workshop, focused on test and evaluation of Ground Penetrating Radar and the establishment of terrain suitability maps for Ground Penetrating Radar in March 2003, also at JRC, Ispra (see proceedings). A meeting, with as main objective to try and kick-off a procedure to draft a best practise for test and evaluation of Ground Penetrating Radar was then held during the 2nd International Workshop on Advanced Ground Penetrating Radar (IWAGPR) in May 2003, Delft, the Netherlands. No agreement was reached between the different participants. However, as a result of this meeting, the Netherlands and the United States agreed to compile a short draft document on the test and evaluation of Ground Penetrating Radar.
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Project No. 2.2.2.2 Title: Integrate and test and evaluate the man portable Energy Focused Ground Penetrating Radar (EFGPR).
Description: Integrate and implement real time advanced multi-Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) and information fusion into Ground Penetrating Radar to enhance ATR capabilities. Will increase mine detection capabilities and reduce false alarm rates. Aim: Test and evaluate an improved Ground Penetrating Radar prototype as a mine detector comparing it to the GEM-3, Stolar EDIT-2 and Stolar EDIT-3. Outcome - Improved prototype and test report. Request: Users, NMAAs, NGOs. Category: Detection - GPR Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Energy Focusing Ground Penetrating Radar (EFGPR) Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2002-03-01 to 2002-12-31 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD. Lead Nation: United States Partners: Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: The EFGPR was tested as part of a trial of four systems: the Geo-Centers Energy-Focused Ground-Penetrating Radar (EFGPR), Geophex Mine Detector and Discriminator (GEM-3), and Stolar Electromagnetic-Wave Detection and Imaging Transceivers (EDIT-2, EDIT-3). The test report includes the following conclusions: The EPGR performance was better on road than off road. AT mines were detected at higher rates than AP mines, regardless of depth and metal content. For the GEM-3, the AT-LM (Anti-Tank Low Metal) mine category was the most challenging for detection. The road condition generally had little impact on detector performance, except for the AP-LM category, where the probability of detection was lower off road. The GEM-3 was generally very sensitive to objects of higher metal content. The Stolar EDIT-2 performance had a detection rate for AT mines that was higher than for AP mines. Within the AT and AP categories, the detection rates for metal mines were slightly higher than those for low- metal mines. Off road, AP detection was better than on road, but AT detection was worse. The Stolar EDIT-3 had a detection rate for AT mines was higher than
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for AP mines. Within the AT and AP categories, the detection rates for metal mines were slightly higher than those for low-metal mines. In most cases, the road condition did not affect the EDIT-3 performance significantly, except for the AP-LM category where the probability of detection was higher off road.
Project No. 2.2.2.3 Title: NIITEK ground penetrating radar system (Mine Stalker).
Description: The Mine Stalker system is a 2.4-meter Ground Penetrating Radar antenna integrated on a remote control platform. The system is computer controlled with GPS tracking. It allows for real time detection and marking of anti-tank landmines. The 2006 and 2007 project developed a ruggedized field ready system based on the lessons learned during the Angola operational field evaluation in November 2005. The current version has incorporated new discrimination algorithms for increased detection capability and better clutter rejection. Aim: Integrate, test and evaluate the NIITEK Ground Penetrating Radar (VISOR GPR array) as a mine detector. Outcome - Prototype hardware and test report. Request: Users and donors. Category: Detection - GPR Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: NIITEK VISOR GPR, Mine Stalker Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2002-03-01 to 2010-12-01 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD, Namibia, Angola, Cambodia Lead Nation: United States Partners: Halo Trust, Mines Advisory Group (MAG) Status: Ongoing at the end of the ITEP program. For further information, please contact the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program Comments: A field trial in Angola of the smaller initial prototype system occurred in fall 2005. The Mine Stalker completed testing in Cambodia against anti-tank mines found in South East Asia at an extensive field test site constructed with 6 different soils from all over Cambodia by the U.S. Humanitarian Demining Program (U.S. HDP). The Mine Stalker system is undergoing an operational field evaluation with Halo Trust in Angola since May 2009 (see IRIN news article).
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Results/Conclusions: Some results of the first field evaluation were made available in spring 2006. The initial prototype Mine Stalker system achieved a Probability of Detection of 99.6 % operating against a variety of threats which included the challenging low-metal anti-tank mines. Results of the 2008 three-week Cambodia trial are very encouraging. The system achieved a Probability of Detection of 100% including testing with vegetation, pot holes and uneven terrain. False alarm rates per square meter ranged from 0.007 to 0.2 depending on the soil type. More details can be found in a SPIE 2008 presentation.
Project No. 2.2.2.4 Title: Develop and test and evaluate the Camcopter Landmine Survey and Detection System.
Description: Design, fabricate, integrate and test a parallel, scalable, distributed PC network that will provide high speed data processing for the Mirage Systems Ground Penetrating Radar. This will be integrated into the Landmine Survey and Detection System for improvement of the processing capacity. Aim: Design, fabricate, integrate and test the Mirage Ground Penetrating Radar system mounted on the Camcopter as a wide area detector. Outcome - Prototype hardware and test report. Request: Users, Donors, Manufacturer, NMAAs, NGOs. Category: Detection - GPR Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Landmine Survey and Detection System, consisting of Camcopter mounted Mirage System Ground Penetrating Radar. Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2002-03-01 to 2003-06-01 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD, Humanitarian Demining Test Facility, Ft. AP Hill, VA. Lead Nation: United States Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: Results/Conclusions:
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Project No. 2.2.2.5 Title: Test and evaluation of HUMUS, a research platform for a man portable ground penetrating radar with classification capability.
Description: Field test of the research platform HUMUS developed at the Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI. The system has an advanced signal processing capability for real time detection and classification of AT mines. Aim: Test and evaluate a Ground Penetrating Radar with advanced real time signal processing as a mine detector. Outcome - Improved algorithms for target detection and classification and test report. Request: Users, NMAAs, NGOs. Category: Detection - GPR Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: HUMUS Development: Research/Development Time Frame: 2003-10-01 to 2003-10-30 Place: Sweden, SWEDEC Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: European Commission - Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC) Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: The test report concludes that the trial was too limited to be able to assess if the HUMUS system has the potential to be of future value for operational mine detection. The current system is judged to be a portable detector in the research and development stage, and several recommendations for improvement of the system are given. Furthermore, the value of the real-time display and decision support system for use in humanitarian demining is questioned.
Project No. 2.2.2.6 Title: Angola ground penetrating radar handheld detector trials.
Description: During the 2003 U.S. Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program Requirements Workshop, Mines Advisory Group (MAG) Angola expressed interest in evaluating the existing Humanitarian Demining developed Ground Penetrating Radar systems to detect the South African No. 8 AT mines on roads. Additionally, MAG Angola requested to evaluate the latest commercial-off-the-shelf
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handheld detectors in Angolan soil against all mines encountered to date. A test site will be developed near MAG Aim: Request: NMAA Angola, Users, Donors, MACs. Category: Detection - GPR Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Ground Penetrating Radar, vehicle-based and handheld systems. Development: COTS Time Frame: 2004-01-01 to 2004-12-31 Place: Angola Lead Nation: United States Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 2.2.2.7 Title: Test and evaluation of stand-alone ground penetrating radar systems.
Description: Test and evaluate available stand-alone ground penetrating radar systems in the capacity of follow-up sensor to a metal detector. Aim: Evaluate the usefulness of a stand-alone ground penetrating radar as a follow-up detector to a metal detector and assess the potential of the use of two stand-alone detectors as an alternative to a dual-sensor mine detector. Request: UNMAS Category: Detection - GPR Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: ERA Technologies GPR system (GERO) and others TBD Development: COTS Time Frame: 2008-03-01 to 2010-09-30 Place: Bundeswehr Technical Center for Protective and Special Technologies (WTD 52), Oberjettenberg Lead Nation: Germany Partners: Belgium, The Netherlands Status: Ongoing at the end of the ITEP Program. For more information on the project, please contact the Bundeswehr Technical Center for Protective
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and Special Technologies (WTD 52). Comments: The GERO system was tested as a follow-up system to a stand-alone metal detector at the same time as the dual-sensor detectors in Autumn 2009 (ITEP Project 2.4.2.13). Due to the promising performance of the tested combination of stand-alone GPR and metal detector it was decided to test some additional stand-alone GPR systems, at the same test facility and using the same test protocol as applied during the 2009 dual-sensor trial. The latter tests are planned for summer 2010. It was originally also envisaged to test two Russian ground penetrating radar systems, Geological Prospecting MIRADOR and GEOSCOPE GPR systems, but in the end they were not made available for the trial. Results of the October 2009 GERO GPR test can be found in the 2010 ITEP WGMS presentation and the ITEP dual sensor trial summary published in July 2010. Results/Conclusions:
Trace Explosives
Project No. 2.3.2.1 Title: Camcopter - vapor detection.
Description: Integrate the established vapor detection system developed by Mechem, MEDDS system, using a Camcopter as a platform for the aerial collection of explosive vapor samples to detect the landmines and/or minefields. Aim: Test report and prototype hardware. Request: Users and donors. Category: Detection - Trace explosives Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: MEDDS, Camcopter Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2002-04-01 to 2003-12-31 Place: United States, United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD. Lead Nation: United States Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: Results/Conclusions:
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Project No. 2.3.2.3 Title: Test and evaluate the Mechem MEDDS and Nomadics Fido detectors.
Description: Test and evaluate the Mechem Explosive, Drug, Detection System (MEDDS) and Nomadics Fido TNT detector in live minefields in Croatia for validation. Aim: Develop, test and evaluate an area reduction system based on vapor detection. Outcome - Test report. Request: Users and donors. Category: Detection - Trace explosives Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Mechem Explosives and Drug Detection System (MEDDS), Fido Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2002-04-01 to 2003-06-30 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD, and Croatia. Lead Nation: United States Partners: Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: The test report states that five comparative test samplings were carried out in Croatia at the designed test site. In every sampling both MEDDS and Fido detected the presence of explosive vapour. This pointed towards the ability of both systems to detect the presence of trace explosives in an area containing landmines. In retrospect the test field layout did not allow for the clear identification of areas free of landmines with any amount of certainty. Taking into consideration that both MEDDS and Fido have been designed as area reduction systems rather than mine detection systems, the focus should have been on such areas. It is recommended that a more effective test/test field be used to remedy this situation in the future to determine areas free of landmines with a greater degree of certainty. Some of the results are also discussed in a Journal of Mine Action publication.
Project No. 2.3.2.4 Title: Pre-Trial Assessment (PTA) of the Inscentinel system using bees for detection of explosives.
Description: Conduct a preliminary assessment of the Insense system using bees for
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detection of explosive detection with the view to carrying out a more comprehensive trial dependant on the result. Aim: Assessment of the Inscentinel system using bees as a method of explosive detection. Request: United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID). Category: Detection - Trace explosives Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Inscentinel system Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2004-01-04 to 2004-01-09 Place: United Kingdom Lead Nation: United Kingdom Partners: Status: Archived Comments: An initial visit to the Inscentinel Laboratories in order to perform a pre- trial assessment (PTA) took place in January 2004. Results/Conclusions: The Pre-Trial Assessment (PTA) concluded that the technique appears to have potential for use in mine detection as a convenient and cost effective alternative to dogs, although at the time of the visit the system was limited to laboratory use only (see summary of notes). Support for further development of the techniques was recommended. Further testing of the inscentinel system for demining purposes will depend on the future development of the product.
Project No. 2.3.2.5 Title: Test and evaluation of explosive detection dogs (EDD) for UXO clearance.
Description: The project will assess the potential of explosive detection dogs to find UXO in range clearing operations. Aim: Test report Request: SWEDEC Category: Detection - Trace explosives Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Dogs Development: COTS Time Frame: 2005-04-01 to 2006-12-31 Place: Sweden
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Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: Status: Trials/tests completed. The test report is available in Swedish only. For more information on this project, please contact the Swedish EOD and Demining Centre (SWEDEC) Comments: Dog detection methods are considered to be a dual-use clearance technology. Assessment of their potential for UXO clearance of ranges can have important spin-offs for the humanitarian landmine clearance problem. Monthly tests were carried out, in the same test area using different dogs. The tests were blind for the dog handler. Results/Conclusions: Some preliminary results of the long-term study are listed here: - Dogs only indicate objects containing explosives and skip metal scrap. - Search time and area covered are directly related to the number of indications. - Two dogs per team are used. Single indications are sometimes false (probably due to contamination by TNT), but double indications are always true. Hence, two dogs provide a much higher probability of detection than one. The final report of the long-term study is available in Swedish only. A summary report of a shorter study carried out in November 2006 to assess the potential of long leash Explosive Detection Dog teams to assist in the clearance of former shooting ranges was published in January 2007. A report on a test by the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) to investigate the feasibility of integrating Explosive Detection Dogs (EDD) into UXO clearance activities in the Lao PDR was made available for publication in the framework of this project.
Project No. 2.3.2.6 Title: Evaluation of conditioned bees for detecting of buried landmines.
Description: Using the bee explosive detection system currently under development and funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, trials will be conducted to determine if bees can reliably detect buried landmines. Freshly buried mines, as well as ones that have been buried for several years will be available for detection. Bees will be conditioned and then released and tracked, using LIDAR. Conditioning and tracking will be done by Bee Alert Technology (Dr. Jerry Bromenshenk, University of Montana), using their own protocols. Aim: To provide a test and evaluation report on the ability of conditioned local bees to detect buried landmines. Request: UNMAS, DRDC (CA)
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Category: Detection - Trace explosives Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Local bees, conditioned according to Bee Alert Technology protocols; eye safe tracking LIDAR Development: Research/Development Time Frame: 2006-06-01 to 2007-03-31 Place: DRDC test facility Lead Nation: Canada Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: Planning meetings were held in February and June 2006. The trial preparation was completed by mid-August 2006. Soil and air samples from the test mine fields were taken and analysed. The trial was initially scheduled for the period 2nd - 25th of August 2006, but was postponed and finally cancelled due to the fact that the U.S. Department of Defense, which funds the Bee Alert Technology, does not allow the detection technology to be exported from the U.S. because of homeland security issues. More information on the bee explosive detection system and results of previous tests can be found in a Journal of Mine Action article. Results/Conclusions:
Multi-sensor
Project No. 2.4.1.1 Title: Mini-symposium on multi-sensor systems for mine detection.
Description: A one-day symposium on developments, T&E and lessons learned related to hand-held and vehicle-mounted dual/multi-sensor detection systems, with life demonstration of equipment. Aim: Stimulate information exchange and discussion between members of the ITEP working group on T&E of multi/dual sensors, developers and representatives of potential end-users of dual/multi-sensor detection systems, on T&E procedures and ‘best practice’. Request: ITEP Working Group on T&E of multi(dual) sensors Category: Detection - Multi-sensor Type: Methodology Equipment: N/A Development: N/A Time Frame: 2007-04-01 to 2007-05-31
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Place: TBD, likely to be held in Croatia Lead Nation: The Netherlands Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: This project was originally proposed in 2005 and later postponed. In March 2007, the Netherlands decided to cancel this initiative because of insufficient interest. Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 2.4.1.2 Title: CEN Workshop on soil characterisation for metal detector and ground penetrating radar performance.
Description: Produce a second part for the CEN Workshop Agreement on Test and Evaluation of Metal Detectors (CWA 14747- 1:2003), specifically on soil characterisation for metal detector and ground penetrating radar (GPR) performance evaluation. Aim: To establish the state of the art on the effect of soils on metal detectors, GPR and their combination; To create quantitative characterisation of soil properties relevant to metal detector and GPR performance; To provide a methodology for measuring the above soil properties; To create a classification of soils, usable in controlled conditions to help estimate the degree to which they affect detectors; To provide a system easy to apply for users in the field Request: CEN Category: Detection - Multi-sensor Type: Methodology Equipment: N/A Development: N/A Time Frame: 2006-03-01 to 2008-09-31 Place: Belgium Lead Nation: Belgium (RMA) Partners: The Workshop participants came from a variety of countries and organisations: Belgium: the Belgian Army Bomb Disposal Unit, the Catholic University of Louvain (UCL), The Free University of Brussels (VUB) Canada: Terrascan Geophysics France: French Standards Association (AFNOR) Germany: Federal Institute for Materials Research (BAM), Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics (LIAG), Raumfahrt Systemtechnik
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GmbH (RST), Vallon Italy: Università degli studi di Firenze, Institute for Electromagnetic Sensing of the Environment (IREA-NCR ) United Kingdom: Cranfield University, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (dslt), ERA Technology, Mines Advisory Group (MAG) United States: New Mexico Tech Sweden: Swedish EOD and Demining Centre (SWEDEC) International organisations: European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) Status: Archived Comments: The kick-off meeting for this CEN Workshop took place on the 15th of November 2006 at the CEN Management Centre (CMC) in Brussels. During this meeting the final Business Plan was approved. It describes the objectives and methodology of the CEN Workshop 7 / Part Two. Technical meetings of the Workshop took place in May 2007, October 2007, January 2008, and May 2008. After the latter meeting a draft CEN Workshop Agreement document was finalised and posted on the CEN Website for public comments. These comments were then discussed at the last meeting of the CEN Workshop, which took place in September 2008. The received comments, accepted by the workshop participants, were incorporated in the final CWA 14747 - 2 document submitted to CEN in September 2008 for formal publication. A description of the CEN Workshop 07/Part 2 process and status can also be found on the CEN website. Results/Conclusions: The CEN Workshop Agreement Humanitarian Mine Action - Test and Evaluation - Part 2: Soil Characterization for Metal Detector and Ground Penetrating Radar Performance (CWA 14747 - 2 ) was published by CEN in January 2009.
Project No. 2.4.1.3 Title: Develop and validate guidelines for reliability testing of dual-sensor mine detectors consisting of a metal detector and a ground penetrating radar.
Description: The project is planned to be carried out in two phases: The first phase includes the preparation of a first version of an optimal reliability test design for dual sensor mine detectors based on previous trial experiences with handheld close-in detection systems and recommendations from the ITEP Working Group on Multi Sensors (ITEP WGMS). The second phase consists of the finalisation of the proposed draft test guidelines taking into account lessons learned from validation testing of commercially available (without restrictions) dual-sensor mine detectors
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in controlled conditions (ITEP Project 2.4.2.13) Aim: Compile final guidelines for reliability testing of dual sensor mine detectors Request: Manufacturers, Mine Action Authorities, GICHD, UNMAS Category: Detection - Multi-sensor Type: Methodology Equipment: Commercially available dual sensor detectors Development: N/A Time Frame: 2006-10-01 to 2010-07-31 Place: BAM, Center for Testing, Development and Training (HCR-CTRO) - Benkovac test facility (Croatia), BundeswehrTechnical Center for Protective and Special Technologies - WTD 52 (Germany). The latter is a new test facility constructed specifically for dual-sensor testing (ITEP Project 7.2.13) Lead Nation: Germany Partners: Belgium, Canada, The Netherlands, Sweden, United States, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) - Tohoku University Status: Archived Comments: A BAM/ITEP field trial to validate the first version of the developed dual-sensor test guidelines was planned from the 17th of September to the 19th of October 2007 at the Benkovac test site in Croatia (ITEP project 2.4.2.12). However, this trial had to be cancelled at the last moment due to the short term unavailability of two of the COTS dual-sensor detector systems. From the 22nd to the 26th of October 2007, several dual-sensor mine detector systems developed by the Japanese Science and Technology Agency (JST) were tested by the Croatian Mine Action Centre - Center for Testing Development and Training (HCR-CTRO) in co-operation with the JST using the trial protocol, which had been developed by BAM for the cancelled ITEP dual-sensor detector trial. ITEP representatives from Canada (DRDC-Suffield) and Belgium (RMA) attended the trial to observe, comment and evaluate the test procedures used (ITEP Project 7.2.12). This trial can be considered as a first step in the validation process of the proposed reliability test guidelines for dual-sensor detectors. Further changes to the proposal guidelines for reliability tests of dual- sensors in humanitarian demining were discussed in the ITEP Working Group on Test and Evaluation of Multi Sensor Detectors (ITEP WGMS) in the course of 2008 and 2009. The agreed draft proposal test guidelines were then used to develop the trial plan for the ITEP 2009 dual-sensor detector trial in Germany (ITEP Project 2.4.2.13) and revised by the ITEP WGMS after the latter trial. Results/Conclusions: The final test guidelines for reliability testing of dual-sensor mine
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detectors were published in August 2010.
Project No. 2.4.1.4 Title: Soil influence on dual-sensor detection of landmines and UXO.
Description: Soils can negatively affect the performance of electromagnetic detectors (metal detectors and ground penetrating radars). The determination of the physical properties of different soil types with different parent materials is therefore important. This project measures the absolute values, frequency dependency and spatial variability of the physical soil properties. The investigations comprise physical properties as well as geoscientific aspects. Aim: The aim is to quantify the physical parameters and to relate them to soil types, soil development and their parent material. This will lead to a soil classification system which can be used to estimate soil influence on detector performance. Request: German Armed Forces Category: Detection - Multi-sensor Type: Methodology Equipment: N/A Development: N/A Time Frame: 2007-04-01 to 2010-12-31 Place: Hannover (Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics, LIAG) and the Bundeswehr Technical Center for Protective and Special Technologies (WTD 52) test facility in Oberjettenberg, Germany Lead Nation: Germany Partners: Canada (Defence Research and Development Canada - DRDC), Japan (Tohoku University) Status: Ongoing at the end of the ITEP Program. For more information on this project, please contact the Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics. Comments: This project is a continuation of the ITEP Project 2.1.1.4, which was led by Canada. The Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) supported the current work by providing additional Canadian developed equipment (UTEMIS) to measure the magnetic susceptibility spectrum of soils. Measurements on 780 soil samples from the tropics were completed in summer 2009. A collaboration with the Japanese Tohoku University is ongoing during which seasonal variations of soil properties and GPR performance are studied with as main objective to better understand the soil influence on the performance of a dual-sensor detector. A test facility consisting of natural soil material and containing 30 minelike targets was built at the LIAG, Hannover. GPR measurements on these
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test lanes began in summer 2009 and will continue for at least one year. LIAG also assisted with the establishment of the dual-sensor test facility (ITEP Project 7.2.13) and during the dual-sensor trial (ITEP Project 2.4.2.13). A report describing the pedological and geophysical characterisation of the test lanes was released in February 2010. The LIAG performed previous soil characterisation work for the STEMD project (ITEP Project 2.1.2.3) and the Humin/MD project (ITEP Project 2.1.1.7). Soil samples from uncooperative soil sites around the world are welcome for further analysis in the LIAG, Hannover. Project website Results/Conclusions: Project details and initial project findings can be found in the following articles: June 2008 Geotimes, Soil Science of America Journal, January 2008 and Journal of Mine Action, issue 13, summer 2009 Further results are described in the presentation given at the August 2008 Workshop on Soil Magnetism in Cranfield (UK), a 2008 GPR conference presentation, the presentation given at the 2009 ITEP Work Plan meeting and two SPIE 2009 articles (article 1, article 2). Final results are summarised in the 2010 ITEP WGMS presentation and the article presented at the 2010 International Humanitarian Demining Symposium. In the latter article the soil characterisation is linked with detector performance (metal detector as well as dual-sensor detector) and the proposed model is validated using the results of the ITEP 2009 dual-sensor test campaign (ITEP Project 2.4.2.13). The classification system for tropical soils and the soil magnetic susceptibility map of Angola was also published in Environmental Earth Sciences.
Project No. 2.4.2.1 Title: Development of the HD version of the Handheld STAnd-off MIne Detection System (HSTAMIDS).
Description: The Handheld STAnd-off MIne Detection System (HSTAMIDS) is a dual sensor detection system, integrating Ground Penetrating Radar and pulsed metal detector. This ongoing project will modify the current HSTAMIDS hardware for a tailored, low cost demining version and improve or add region specific algorithms and algorithms to search for deep buried mines and UXOs to increase the detection rate in the humanitarian demining environment. Aim: Improve, develop, test and evaluate a humanitarian demining Handheld STAnd-off MIne Detection System (HSTAMIDS) mine detector. Outcome - Improved prototype hardware and test report. Request: Users, Donors, Developer, Manufacturer. Category: Detection - Multi-sensor
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Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Humanitarian Demining - Handheld STAnd-off MIne Detection System (HD - HSTAMIDS) Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2003-01-01 to 2008-12-31 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD, Humanitarian Demining Test Facility, Ft. AP Hill, VA. Lead Nation: United States Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: Research was carried out on a Region Processing Algorithm (RPA). Region processing is a new mode of use which is designed to provide confirmation of the mine/non-mine judgement, potentially reducing the variability in performance due to the human decision process. In September 2006 a preliminary version of the RPA was implemented and tested, and its performance was evaluated through field trials at test lanes within the U.S. The algorithm and trials are described in an SPIE 2007 article. The project was cancelled in 2007 due to decreases in cost and wide acceptance of the current military version of the HSTAMIDS. Improvements resulting from this project will be incorporated in future versions of the HSTAMIDS. Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 2.4.2.2 Title: Test and evaluation of QinetiQ and ERA portable mine detectors.
Description: To conduct independent development tests on two government funded projects on portable handheld mine detectors using Ground Penetrating Radar and Metal Detector technologies. Aim: Test reports. Request: Developers and the funding organisation. Category: Detection - Multi-sensor Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: QinetiQ handheld mine detector (Portable Humanitarian Mine Detector, PHMD) and ERA handheld mine detector (MINETECT). Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2002-07-01 to 2003-12-31 Place: United States, Humanitarian Demining Test Facility, Ft. AP Hill, VA.
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Lead Nation: United Kingdom Partners: United States Status: Archived Comments: Full reports of the initial tests executed at the United States test facility A.P. Hill in 2002 will not be released publicly because they contain commercially sensitive information. Results/Conclusions: The trial report on the QinetiQ Portable Humanitarian Mine Detector (PHMD) 2003 US trial concludes that the initial results are encouraging, and that the increased number of scans per square will assist greatly in determining the presence of mine-like objects. However, further work is required to reach the full potential of the PHMD sensor. A summary report on the 2002 US trial with the ERA Dual Sensor was released previously. The 2003 trials did not deliver significantly different results from the 2002 trials. More test results can be found in an article on the Minetect, presented at the 2003 EUDEM2-SCOT Conference.
Project No. 2.4.2.3 Title: Incorporate and test and evaluate acoustic vibration sensing in the Handheld STAnd-off MIne Detection System (HSTAMIDS).
Description: Incorporation of a confirmation sensor into the Handheld STAnd-off MIne Detection System (HSTAMIDS) using acoustic vibration sensing technology to characterise buried land mines. The confirmation sensor could raise the HSTAMIDS Probability of Detection (Pd) and lower the False Alarm (Fa). Aim: Upgrade, test and evaluate the modified Handheld STAnd-off MIne Detection System (HSTAMIDS) mine detector. Outcome - Prototype hardware and test report. Request: Users, Donors, Developer, Manufacturer. Category: Detection - Multi-sensor Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Handheld STAnd-off MIne Detection System (HSTAMIDS) Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2003-04-01 to 2006-03-01 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD, Humanitarian Demining Test Facility, Ft. AP Hill, VA. Lead Nation: United States Partners: Status: Archived Comments:
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Results/Conclusions: The final report describes the vibrometer system, the data collection and data analysis. Acoustic vibration data from a variety of mine and clutter types were collected to support the evaluation of hardware and algorithm performance, development and training of the target classifier, and ultimately, to assess the feasibility of implementing a handheld vibrometer mode within the HSTAMIDS. Data analysis using a trained classification algorithm shows that mines can be distinguished from clutter better than 85% of the time, while maintaining the HSTAMIDS initial detection at 100%, and hence validates the feasibility of implementing a handheld radar vibrometer within the HSTAMIDS platform. Future efforts should include complete integration of the vibrometer mode within the HSTAMIDS architecture and extensive data collection to further develop the robustness of the classifier.
Project No. 2.4.2.4 Title: Assessment of the next generation of the ERA dual-sensor mine detector.
Description: Assessment of the ERA/Vallon MINETECT/MINEHOUND mine detector. A first trial will be executed in UK with the following objectives: Verify and compare the performance of the latest models of the ERA dual sensor detector (MINETECT and MINEHOUND), Train new operators and enhance the training package, and compare the detection performance of new and experienced operators.
A second trial phase will be run in-country and will consist of a long term test (several months) of the detector in a real demining scenario. It is envisaged that the detector will be evaluated during Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and Norwegian Peoples Aid (NPA) field operations. Aim: Assessment of the next generation of the ERA dual-sensor mine detector. Request: United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID). Category: Detection - Multi-sensor Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: ERA dual sensor mine detector (MINETECT and MINEHOUND TM VMR1). Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2004-12-01 to 2006-03-31 Place: UK (QinetiQ Hurn test site), Cambodia, Angola, Bosnia Lead Nation: United Kingdom Partners: Mines Advisory Group (MAG), Norwegian Peoples Aid (NPA),
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Belgium, Canada, Germany, European Commission - Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC), The Netherlands, United States Status: Archived Comments: The trial detection data sheets were made available to the trial participants for their own analysis. Additional research on electromagnetic soil property variability and its effect on the detection performance of a dual-sensor system was carried out by the Netherlands in the framework of this project. Results have been published in the ITEP reports/publications database (article 1, article 2). The ERA/Vallon dual-sensor mine detector trials are supporting the efforts of the ITEP working group on T&E of dual(multi) sensors (WGMS) to draft a best practice for T&E of dual(multi) sensor mine detectors. In this context some additional tests were also carried out by the Netherlands during the in-country MineHound trial in Cambodia. Results/Conclusions: For the tests executed at the Hurn test facility during the first project phase, a test report abstract was made available. The full report can be obtained from DfID. The final report of the in-country trials in Cambodia, Bosnia and Angola was published in October 2006. Over 3000 alarm encounters in live minefields were recorded during the trials. 100% of the mines encountered in live minefields with the existing in-service metal detector were detected by deminers using the MINEHOUND TM. Furthermore, an overall improvement of greater than 5 to 1 in false alarm was obtained in the live minefields. Two separate internal ITEP reports have been published documenting the lessons learned from the participation of ITEP invigilators in the MINEHOUND detector trial, as well as comments on the ITEP invigilator tasks/role. The in-country trials with operational deminers contributed to optimising the production design and the MINEHOUND TM was jointly prepared by ERA Technology and Vallon GmbH for product release (MINEHOUND TM VMR2) at the end of 2006.
Project No. 2.4.2.5 Title: Evaluation of the multi-sensor mine detector Handheld STAnd-off MIne Detection System (HSTAMIDS).
Description: United States mine detector using Ground Penetrating Radar and Electromagnetic technique that will reduce the false alarm rate. Aim: To evaluate the capability of the Handheld STAnd-off MIne Detection System (HSTAMIDS) from a user perspective and to collect knowledge to formulate the requirement for the next generation of multi-sensor mine detectors.
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Request: Swedish Armed Forces. Category: Detection - Multi-sensor Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Handheld STAnd-off MIne Detection System (HSTAMIDS) Development: COTS Time Frame: 2004-01-01 to 2004-12-31 Place: Sweden, SWEDEC Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: Due to contractual agreements, Sweden could neither invite other ITEP Participants to participate in the tests, nor disclose any information on the test results. It was therefore decided to eliminate the project from the ITEP Work Plan. Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 2.4.2.6 Title: Handheld STAnd-off MIne Detection System (HSTAMIDS) operational field trials and demonstration.
Description: This project will deploy the current Handheld STAnd-off MIne Detection System (HSTAMIDS) for field trials and demonstrations in a variety of humanitarian demining locations. In 2005 and 2006, the system was deployed to Thailand, Namibia and Afghanistan for field trials and demonstrations. Aim: Operational field trial (test and evaluation) of the Handheld STAnd-off MIne Detection System (HSTAMIDS) handheld detector. Outcome - Demonstration and test report. Request: Users, Donors, NMAAs Category: Detection - Multi-sensor Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Handheld STAnd-off MIne Detection System (HSTAMIDS) Development: COTS (fielded military system, to be used in humanitarian demining by special arrangement with the U.S.Department of Defense) Time Frame: 2004-01-01 to 2007-06-31 Place: Thailand, Namibia, Afghanistan Lead Nation: United States Partners: Canada, Netherlands, Sweden, United Kingdom, Thailand Mine Action
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Center (TMAC), Halo Trust, People Against Landmines (MgM) Status: Trials/tests completed. No final report published by the end of the ITEP program. For further information on this project, please contact the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program Comments: Results/Conclusions: The Thailand, Namibia and Afghanistan field trials were completed at the end of 2005. Emerging results from the Thailand trial were made available in the summer of 2005. Emerging results from the Namibia trial were made available in the spring of 2006. A summary article on the trials has been published in the Mine Action Technology Newsletter, issue 4.
Project No. 2.4.2.7 Title: Test and evaluation of dual sensors (TEDS).
Description: Test and evaluate available new dual sensors for humanitarian demining, first in laboratory conditions and later in more realistic conditions in one mine affected country. Aim: Validation of the potential of such advanced detection equipment for humanitarian demining applications and development of test standards. Request: European Commission, end users. Category: Detection - Multi-sensor Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: MINEHOUND TM, (HSTAMIDS), (ALIS), SHRIMT M90 Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2005-01-01 to 2006-06-30 Place: European Commission - Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC), Ispra Lead Nation: European Commission - Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC) Partners: Status: Archived Comments: The European Commission - Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC) contributed to the UK-led dual-sensor testing (ITEP Project 2.4.2.4) during the second half of 2005. Copies of the MINEHOUND TM and the SHRIMT M90 were procured and tested. Originally it was also planned to test the HSTAMIDS dual sensor. However, the HSTAMIDS remains under ITAR restrictions, preventing free sale, and publication of test results except with the US State Department approval. As the EC/JRC contract to
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conduct test and evaluation of humanitarian demining equipment ended at the end of 2005, this project has been terminated without testing the HSTAMIDS. The EC/JRC organised a demonstration of the HSTAMIDS and the ALIS at the JRC test lanes. Results/Conclusions: The final report confirms that the HSTAMIDS and the MINEHOUND TM dual-sensor detectors are fully developed products with credible performance, the HSTAMIDS being slightly more mature. The SHRIMT model 90 is a fully developed product but with lesser performance, especially with regard to its radar. ALIS is an advanced concept with very interesting capabilities but at an earlier stage of development. The most important conclusion is that dual-sensor technology has moved ahead significantly during the last three years and devices have now reached high levels of technology readiness.The dual sensor remains a leading candidate for improving efficiency, providing that the cost- benefit balance can be shown to be favourable.
Project No. 2.4.2.8 Title: Test and evaluation of two mobile UXO detection systems.
Description: The two systems to be tested are vehicle-mounted dual sensor systems based on a pulsed electromagnetic system and a passive magnetometer. Aim: Test and evaluate the two techniques in order to select the most suitable system for clearing of UXO (20 mm calibre and larger) down to 3 m depth in old shooting ranges in Sweden. Request: Swedish National Fortification Administration. Category: Detection - Multi-sensor Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Blackhawk UXO Services and Countermine Operations AB Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2004-02-25 to 2006-12-31 Place: Sweden, SWEDEC Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: Status: Trials/tests completed. The final report is available in Swedish only. For more information on this project, please contact the Swedish EOD and Demining Centre (SWEDEC) Comments: Because these tests were part of the Swedish equipment procurement process it was difficult to actively involve ITEP members in the test. However, interested ITEP members were invited to attend the tests as observer.
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Results/Conclusions: The final report is available in Swedish only.
Project No. 2.4.2.9 Title: Discriminating Mine Detector (DMD).
Description: Design and development of a handheld detector using the hardware/software enhancement components and lessons learned from the HSTAMIDS. Accelerometers to aid in training will be part of the improved system. Aim: Develop, test and evaluate an enhanced dual sensor detector. Outcome - Prototype hardware and a test report. Request: Users, Donors, NMAAs Category: Detection - Multi-sensor Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Discriminating Mine Detector Development: Prototype/demonstrator Time Frame: 2006-01-01 to 2010-12-31 Place: United States, US CECOM-RDEC, NVESD and other countries (TBD). Lead Nation: United States Partners: Status: Ongoing at the end of the ITEP Program. For more information on the project, please contact the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program. Comments: Trials are ongoing Cyterra presented the Discriminating Mine Detector at the UXO Countermine Forum 2009 (leaflet). Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 2.4.2.11 Title: Handheld STAnd-off MIne Detection System (HSTAMIDS) long term operational evaluations.
Description: This project deploys the current Handheld STAnd-off MIne Detection System (HSTAMIDS) for Long Term Operational Evaluations in a variety of humanitarian demining locations. Long Term Operational Evaluations have taken place in Afghanistan and Thailand, are ongoing in Cambodia and are planned to start in Angola. During these evaluations, the system is operationally employed as the primary detector by local deminers in minefields for an extended period (up to a
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year) by local deminers. Data is collected on system and operator performance. Aim: Long Term Operational Evaluations of the Handheld STAnd-off MIne Detection System (HSTAMIDS) handheld detector. Outcome - Test and evaluation report. Request: Users, Donors, NMAAs Category: Detection - Multi-sensor Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Handheld STAnd-off MIne Detection System (HSTAMIDS) Development: COTS (fielded military system, to be used in humanitarian demining by special arrangement with the U.S.Department of Defense) Time Frame: 2006-03-01 to 2010-08-31 Place: Thailand, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Angola Lead Nation: United States Partners: Halo Trust, Mines Advisory Group (MAG), Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), Thailand Mine Action Centre (TMAC) Status: Ongoing at the end of the ITEP Program. For more information on the project, please contact the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program. Comments: This project is complementary to the Handheld STAnd-off MIne Detection System (HSTAMIDS) Operational Field Trials and Demonstration project (ITEP Project 2.4.2.6). For an extended period (nearly 3 years) the system has been operationally employed as the primary detector by local deminers managed by the Halo Trust. The operations with the Halo Trust, the lead NGO for HSTAMIDS fielding, have led to the development of new time and cost saving operating procedures and demining team organisational structures that take advantage of the HSTAMIDS superior probability of detection and remarkable clutter rejection capability. The Long Term Operational Field Evaluations have been completed in Afghanistan (May-July 2006) and Thailand (September 2006 - March 2007) with the Halo Trust and TMAC respectively. The operational field evaluation is still ongoing in Cambodia. The system is now in use by the Halo Trust (since March 2006), MAG (since September 2007) and CMAC (since December 2008). The Halo Trust has acquired an additional 50 HSTAMIDS units of their own to support its field operations in Cambodia, Afghanistan and Angola, and has established an HSTAMIDS training site in Cambodia to support Halo Trust operations in mine impacted countries in Asia and Africa. Currently, improvements are being pursued in the training and rapid excavation phases of the detection/clearance procedure. Further system improvements are also being envisaged such as improved antennas, lightweight search head, fewer circuit boards, integration of improved
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Minelab metal detector and more suitable batteries and chargers for humanitarian demining applications. Results/Conclusions: Results are available in presentations given at the SPIE 2007 conference , the 2008 ITEP Work Plan meeting and the 2009 ITEP Work Plan meeting. An article in the Journal of Mine Action (Issue 12.1, summer 2008) gives an overview of the HSTAMIDS operational field evaluation with the HALO Trust. Operational results are presented for the period March 2006 to June 2008. Operational results are also available in the U.S. Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program (HDP) HSTAMIDS fact sheet. Results presented at the UXO Countermine Range Forum 2009 give clutter rejection percentages between 86% (November 2007 - July 2009) and 95% (April 2006 - July 2009) for operations in Cambodia with MAG and HALO Trust respectively.
Project No. 2.4.2.12 Title: Evaluate the performance of dual-sensor detectors in humanitarian demining as compared to the stand-alone metal detector.
Description: The trial will consist of a reliability trial in which the performance of available dual-sensor detectors (probability of detection and false alarm rate) will be assessed as compared to the corresponding stand-alone metal detector. Aim: Assess the ability of the added ground penetrating radar detector in a dual-sensor mine detector to reduce the false alarm rate in comparison to the stand-alone metal detector Request: Users, Manufacturers, Mine Action Authorities, GICHD, UNMAS Category: Detection - Multi-sensor Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Available dual sensor detectors (possible candidates: HSTAMIDS, MINEHOUND TM, ALIS Development: COTS, Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2007-09-01 to 2007-12-31 Place: BAM, CROMAC -Center for Testing, Development and Training (HCR - CTRO) - Benkovac test facility and other test area (TBD) Lead Nation: Germany Partners: Belgium, The Netherlands, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), GICHD Status: Cancelled
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Comments: The field trial was to take place from the 17th of September to the 26th of October 2007 at the CROMAC - Center for Testing, Development and Training (HCR - CTRO) - Benkovac test facility. However, the trial was cancelled at the last moment due to the short term unavailability of two of the COTS dual-sensor detector systems. The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), which was an original project partner, decided to go ahead with a trial including the Japanese dual-sensor detector systems only. They tested, in collaboration with the HCR - CTRO, all available Japanese dual-sensor detector systems according to the draft ITEP trial plan (version August 2007). ITEP Observers attended the JST/HCR-CTRO trial and provided comments (ITEP Project 7.2.12). BAM stopped all activities related to test and evaluation of humanitarian demining equipment at the end of 2007. Results/Conclusions: The final test report of the JST/HCR-CTRO trial was released in January 2008 and an article summarizing some of the trial results was published in the Journal of Mine Action (JMA), Issue 13.3, Winter 2009. The main conclusions of the trial were that although both dual-sensor systems tested improved the false alarm rate with more than 50%, more mines were missed than when a stand-alone metal detector is used, i.e. there was a decrease in probability of detection. Furthermore, the time required to scan the test lanes was approximately three times more than when a conventional metal detector is used. Further improvements to the system as well as to the training of the operators and the mine detector operating procedures will be necessary for effective fielding of the systems.
Project No. 2.4.2.13 Title: Evaluate the performance of dual-sensor detectors in humanitarian demining as compared to stand-alone metal detectors.
Description: The trial is a reliability trial in which the performance of commercially available dual-sensor detectors (probability of detection and false alarm rate) is assessed and compared to 1) the corresponding stand-alone metal detectors and 2) new metal detectors recently brought on the market and/or under development. Aim: Assess the ability of the added ground penetrating radar system in a dual-sensor mine detector as well as its capacity to reduce the false alarm rate in comparison to a stand-alone metal detectors (MD). Evaluate detector efficiency criteria. Request: German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, German Armed Forces, Mine Action Authorities, GICHD, UNMAS Category: Detection - Multi-sensor Type: Test and Evaluation
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Equipment: Dual sensor detectors offered for testing and available conventional metal detectors as well as metal discriminating detectors (ALIS, Ceia MIL-D1, Ebinger EBEX 422 GC, Minelab F3 S, Vallon VHM3 CS, Vallon VMH 1, Minelab E-TRAC). Development: COTS, Prototype Time Frame: 2008-03-01 to 2010-07-31 Place: Bundeswehr Technical Center for Protective and Special Technologies (WTD 52), Oberjettenberg Lead Nation: Germany Partners: Belgium, The Netherlands Status: Trials/tests completed but no final report published at the end of the ITEP Program. For more information on this project, please contact Comments: Experienced detector operators were used from the German and Belgian Army, the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) and BACTEC-Lebanon. The project further serverd to validate the methodology and procedures proposed in the dual-sensor test guidelines (ITEP Project 2.4.1.3) for particular local conditions and available techniques. The project also assessed the potential use of metal discriminating detectors as compared to conventional metal detectors and dual-sensor detectors. This project is the trial which was previously planned to be executed in 2007 in Croatia ( ITEP Project 2.4.2.12) and later cancelled. However, the trial methodology was revised during 2008 - 2009 by the ITEP Working Group on Test and Evaluation of Multi Sensors (ITEP WGMS). During this trial a complementary trial took place in which a stand- alone ground penetrating radar was assessed in a role of follow-up detector to a metal detector (ITEP Project 2.2.2.7). Results/Conclusions: The trial took place from the 21st of September to the 16th of October 2009 and was carried out in a purpose-built test facility (ITEP Project 7.2.13) by the BWB WTD 52. A description of the trial set-up, data processing as well as results for the ALIS dual-sensor detector and a stand-alone GPR as follow-on to a metal detector can be found in a 2010 International Humanitarian Demining Symposium article. A trial summary including a general overview of the DS trial and summarised results was published in July 2010. Although the trial was originally designed to provide information on the capabilities of dual- sensors for the humanitarian demining community, it was decided after the trial not to release the full trial data set and the detailed data analysis due to the fact that DS detectors also have a potential use in areas other than humanitarian demining.
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Others
Project No. 2.5.1.2 Title: Multi Sensor Mine Signatures (MSMS).
Description: Extension of the existing database of measurements made at the EC Joint Research Centre (JRC) test site with new sensors and further data from previously used sensors. Aim: Provision of sensor and background environmental data for research and development in data fusion and similar techniques. Request: Developers and manufacturers. Category: Detection - Others Type: Methodology Equipment: N/A Development: N/A Time Frame: 2002-01-01 to 2003-12-31 Place: European Commission - Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC) Lead Nation: European Commission - Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC) Partners: Belgium (RMA), Germany (DLR, FGAN, Kayser-Threde GmbH ) Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: An article describing the test lanes and the final project report were published in 2001 and 2004 respectively. During the lifetime of the project (2000-2003) a large amount of data has been acquired whereby the test field has been scanned by all the main mine sensor types, with the exception of sensors for explosives detection. For the first time the data has been made available to the public, essential in-order to transfer the data to the sensor fusion community. It is recognized that the use of the database has been less than expected. The size of the research community in data fusion is large but only a few people are working on demining and they are often contractually restricted to specific data sets. With hindsight it would have been preferable to establish closer links with specific data fusion research groups in the project definition phase. It is indeed very difficult for the fusion community to interpret the data correctly without direct access to the people who measured it, and it is very difficult for the measurement teams to document all details required for optimal fusion without direct access to the people who want to fuse it.
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Project No. 2.5.2.1 Title: Infrared (IR) polarimetrics for detection of mines and tripwires.
Description: Field test of promising technology for detection of surface laid mines and trip wires under investigation at the Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI. Aim: Test and evaluate the usefulness of the polarimetric information in thermal imaging as a detection technique. Outcome - Test report. Request: Users, NMAAs, NGOs. Category: Detection - Others Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: N/A Development: Research/Development Time Frame: 2003-10-01 to 2003-10-31 Place: Sweden, SWEDEC Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: Status: Archived Comments: The Netherlands executed similar tests with polarised visible light for AT landmine detection. For more information on the latter tests, see ITEP Project 2.5.2.3. Results/Conclusions: The test report concludes that, with the present equipment, it is very difficult to distinguish man-made objects from the surrounding terrain and that it is not possible to detect tripwires. Furthermore, the analysis of the images has proven very time-consuming. SWEDEC therefore concludes that the localisation of landmines is more accurately done using binoculars than using the IR polarised light from the Thermovision 900 camera. SWEDEC is of the opinion that it is difficult to see how the tested system could contribute to mine and UXO detection in a rational and cost-effective way.
Project No. 2.5.2.2 Title: Acoustic technology support.
Description: Investigate (test and evaluate) the use of acoustic laser doppler vibrometer technology for locating mines. Aim: Test report. Request: Users and donors.
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Category: Detection - Others Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: N/A Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2001-10-01 to 2002-09-01 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD Lead Nation: United States Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: The present approach with a single focused laser beam is too slow for use as a primary sensor. Several alternate technologies are being pursued. These include holographic techniques such as speckle interferometry and shearography. Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 2.5.2.3 Title: Development of a camera system for faster area reduction.
Description: In this project a low cost camera system that uses polarisation features of visible light is developed for faster area reduction and/or road clearance. The camera system will be mounted on a mechanical minefield area reduction asset or on a mechanical road clearance asset. The automatic detection system will give an audible alarm in order to let the operator stop the mechanical asset before it detonates a mine. Aim: Development and implementation of a camera system for faster surface- laid mine detection. Request: Category: Detection - Others Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Polarised Camera System for landmine Detection (Visible light camera system, mounted on a mechanical mine clearance or mine detection asset) Development: Research/Development Time Frame: 2003-07-01 to 2005-10-31 Place: The Netherlands Engineers Education and Training Centre of the Royal Netherlands Army (OTC Genie). Lead Nation: The Netherlands Partners: Halo Trust
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Status: Archived Comments: The concept was developed and tested in a static setup during the summer of 2003. Field demonstrations of the demonstrator system, i.e. a visible light polarisation camera mounted on a moving vehicle, at a Royal Netherlands Army test site in the Netherlands, were carried out in June and October 2005. Results/Conclusions: Results of the landmine detection tests with a static visible light camera are detailed in the interim report Development of Camera System for Landmine Detection: Results of Phase 2. The latter report concludes that on the basis of the test results with the static visible light camera, the use of polarisation features for the detection of AT mines seems feasible. However, attention should be paid to the robustness of the polarisation against environmental factors. The final project report Development and construction of a camera system for landmine detection includes a description of both the demonstrator camera system and the demonstrations that have been given with the system. The report concludes that the constructed polarisation camera is applicable in landmine detection scenarios, as well as in other detection scenarios, i.e. road proving, road-side inspection and detection of improvised explosive devices. The following project results have been accomplished: - A polarisation camera, without any moving parts, has been constructed. This camera is robust and can be mounted on a moving platform. The camera is a unique polarisation measurement system. - Detection software has been developed. With this software, landmines can be detected automatically in images that are recorded with the polarisation camera. The detection results can be visualised in the recorded images. - Two field demonstrations have been given with the camera system mounted on a wheel loader. At these demonstrations, recordings have been made of surface laid mines. Enhanced polarisation contrast has been shown in real time. Mines have been detected automatically in off- line processing.
Project No. 2.5.2.4 Title: Solar battery charging system (SBCS).
Description: In the 2002 U.S. Humanitarian Demining Research and Development User Requirements Workshop, deminers identified the need for rechargeable battery technology. The project will modify a commercial suitcase-sized solar battery charging system for use in humanitarian demining. The UN Accelerated demining Programme (ADP) will perform field trials in Mozambique. Aim: Modify and test and evaluate a solar battery charging system (SBCS) as an alternative battery replacement. Outcome - Prototype hardware and
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test report. Request: Users, Donors, NGOs, NMAAs, Developer, Manufacturer, UN Accelerated Demining Program (ADP) Mozambique. Category: Detection - Others Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Commercial suitcase-sized solar battery charging system. Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2003-03-01 to 2006-10-01 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD and Mozambique. Lead Nation: United States Partners: IND (Mozambique) Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: A short report describing the solar battery charging system and its capabilities was published in January 2007. The SBCS is a complete Photo Voltaic (PV) power generation, processing, storage and conversion system in a convenient compact package. The kit consists of a main system case, a large storage case with wheels and a 12 VDC storage battery case. The Power Suitcase with External Connectors can be operated in dusty and adverse environments. The SBCS underwent an operational field evaluation in Mozambique in October 2004. User feedback was collected for incorporation of upgrades into the SBCS.
Project No. 2.5.2.5 Title: Handheld sweep magnet.
Description: Develop a handheld magnet to remove excessive ferrous contamination from on or near the surface. Aim: Outcome - Prototype hardware Request: Users, Donors. Category: Detection - Others Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Handheld sweep magnet Development: COTS Time Frame: 2005-03-01 to 2008-04-01 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD Humanitarian Demining Test Facility Lead Nation: United States
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Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: The prototype underwent a field evaluation by the Netherlands (ITEP Project 2.5.2.7). During the latter evaluation it was found that deminers preferred other (stronger) magnet types, such as the ring magnet to the Handheld sweep magnet. The Handheld sweep magnet was also found to be not robust enough for use in the field. Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 2.5.2.6 Title: Test and evaluation of magnets.
Description: The project consists of two modules. The first module will be executed by SWEDEC, upon request by the GICHD, and will assess basic permanent magnet capabilities (power, stand-off, etc.) for clutter removal purposes. The second module will be carried out by Sweden as part of the program to assess suitable techniques for UXO clearance of test ranges and will also evaluate electro-magnets. Aim: Test report Request: GICHD, SWEDEC Category: Detection - Others Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Various permanent and electro-magnets Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2005-02-15 to 2006-09-30 Place: Sweden Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: GICHD Status: Trials/tests completed. The final report of the second trial is available in Swedish only. For more information on the latter trial, please contact the Swedish EOD and Demining Centre (SWEDEC) Comments: Results/Conclusions: The test report on the first trial with the permanent magnet was published in March 2005. The report attempts to provide answers to the following questions: - What is the practical sweep height for a magnet, - At which magnetic flux density is all metal that is lying on the soil surface or close to the soil surface picked up and is it depending on the fragment size, - Is it possible for a magnet to pull up fragments buried in the soil and if
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so how is it dependent on depth, fragment size, magnet strength and soil compaction. A summary of the SWEDEC trial with permanent magnets can also be found in a related presentation at the 2005 NDRF Summer Conference. Further results are planned to be published in a GICHD study on the use of magnets, which will be released in the future. The second trial with a large electro-magnet was also completed but the associated test report is available in Swedish only.
Project No. 2.5.2.7 Title: Magnetic clutter reduction quantification.
Description: The project consisted of two phases: The first project phase objectives was to select a suitable hand-held permanent magnet for removal of metallic clutter on the minefield surface, to develop an adapted training procedure for the use of the magnet by indigenous deminers and to assess the clutter reduction factor when using a handheld magnet. The second phase, which started in 2009, is a pilot implementation of the TNO adapted magnet tool in manual demining operations in a mine affected country. Aim: Quantification of the metallic clutter reduction by the use of a hand-held magnet in humanitarian demining operations. Request: GICHD, UNMAS Category: Detection - Others Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Hand-held permanent magnet-tools: Ring magnet, Rigid Magnet Rake, Flexible Magnet Rake, Hand-Held Sweep Magnet (HSM), TNO Adapted Magnet Tool Development: Prototype/Demonstrator, COTS Time Frame: 2006-08-01 to 2010-12-31 Place: TNO, The Hague, The Netherlands; Cambodia; Angola, Sudan Lead Nation: The Netherlands Partners: Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), Norwegian People Aid (NPA) Status: Ongoing at the end of the ITEP Program. For more information on the project, please contact the Dutch Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO). Comments: Results of the first trial in Cambodia, which took place during the last quarter of 2006, are available in an article published in the Mine Action Technology Newsletter (Issue 5). Results of the Angola trials are summarised in another Mine Action Technology Newsletter article (Issue 8).
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During May - June 2007 a second data acquisition phase in an area clearance operation was carried out in the Kwanza Sul province in Angola, with the assistance of Norwegian People Aid (NPA). The third and final two-month data acquisition phase in a road clearance operation, also with NPA in the Angolan Malanje province took place in October - November 2007. Presentations on the magnetic clutter reduction quantification project were given at the 2007 UXO Countermine Forum 2007 (presentation 1), the 2008 Mine Action Technology Workshop (presentation 2) and the March 2009 ASEM Seminar on New Technologies for Demining and Human Security (presentation 3). Funding for the pilot implementation of the TNO adapted magnet tool was approved in July 2009, and the TNO magnet tool is now, after some further design modifications, being produced for implementation in all NPA manual demining operations in Angola. The magnet-tool is also available for other demining organizations. If interested, please contact Arnold Schoolderman at TNO. Results/Conclusions: The final report of the first project phase was published in February 2008. The report conclusion states that the Ring Magnet proved to be the most popular magnet-tool among the deminers due to its strength. The deminers also believed that the use of the ring magnet increased the efficiency of their demining task and made their work easier. However, the data collected during the trial did not show the perceived efficiency increase. Annex B of the final report concerns the issue raised in open source (e.g. the IGEOD forum) that the Type72b anti-personnel mine could be triggered by a magnet (-tool), even when the mine battery is completely depleted. The general conclusion of this assessment is that triggering a Type72b anti-personnel mine of which the battery is completely depleted by means of a manually moved magnet is impossible, neither by charging the detonation capacitor nor by direct induced power. However, a warning is placed that when the battery is not completely depleted then there is a risk that the tilt-switch is set off. Norwegian People Aid (NPA) has included the use of the TNO Adapted Magnet Tool during excavation in a revised SOP, and is also considering the magnet tool for use during scanning. TNO is assisting NPA with the delivery and implementation of the selected magnet tool in all the NPA manual demining operations in Angola.
Project No. 2.5.2.8 Title: Upgrade and test and evaluate the Geophex GEM-3 electromagnetic handheld sensor.
Description: Further refine the mine classification codes based on the strength and weakness of each discrimination code, develop operational codes for real-time mine detection and classification, and, write a new operation
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software for the palmtop in an environment similar to Windows. Aim: Upgrade, test and evaluate the Geophex GEM-3 mine detector. Outcome - Prototype hardware and test report. Request: Users, Donors, NMAAs, NGOs. Category: Detection - Metal detector Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Geophex GEM-3 Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2002-04-01 to 2004-06-30 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD Lead Nation: United States Partners: Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: The test report concludes that the GEM-3 was overall more sensitive to mines and characterized clutter with larger metal content, as well as to mines buried less deeply. Because of their low metal content and greater burial depths, mines in the AT - LM (Anti-Tank - Low Metal) category had a probability of detection significantly lower than those for the other three mine categories. The road condition generally had little impact on the mine probability of detection. The background false alarm rate was significantly higher off road than on road, and the probability of detection for emplaced clutter was lower off road than on road. The GEM-3 also did a good job discriminating specific mines that it detected, and in many cases, was able to identify mine models with few if any misclassifications.
MECHANICAL ASSISTANCE
Project No. 3.1.1 Title: Test and evaluation guidelines for Mechanical Assistance clearance Equipment (MAE).
Description: This project is a first step in the development and promulgation of an internationally recognized and accepted test and evaluation standard for mechanical demining equipment. It will identify data requirements, test and evaluation methodologies that are now being used and recommend guidelines for test and evaluation projects in the future. These guidelines will be proposed as interim standards until a formal standard is available. A workshop involving developers, testing agencies and developers will be conducted as part of the project.
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Aim: To produce test and evaluation guidelines and procedures for testing mechanical equipment used in demining operations. Request: Users, donors, developers. Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Methodology Equipment: N/A Development: N/A Time Frame: 2002-04-01 to 2003-12-31 Place: Canada, CCMAT Lead Nation: Canada Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: The project has been discontinued at the moment ITEP Project 3.1.5 (CEN Workshop Agreement on Test and Evaluation of Demining Machines) started because the latter CEN Workshop process covers the activities originally planned under this project. Results/Conclusions: A workshop was held in May 2002 in Canada to kick-off this activity (see minutes).
Project No. 3.1.2 Title: Selection of surrogate target(s) for mechanical equipment test and evaluation.
Description: Available surrogate mines/test devices will be assessed for the ability to provide realistic and reliable test and evaluation data. Factors such as repeatability, ease of use, cost, and realistic response to machine action will be assessed. Input from ITEP partners, and users will be required. Aim: Recommend surrogate mine targets which are practical and suited for providing reliable performance data of mechanical demining equipment. Request: Users, developers, test and evaluation agencies. Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Methodology Equipment: N/A Development: N/A Time Frame: 2002-12-02 to 2006-12-31 Place: Various Lead Nation: Canada Partners:
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Status: Archived Comments: The first series of test targets developed to CCMAT specifications by Amtech Aeronautical Ltd. in 2002 were the Mechanical Reproduction Mines (MRM). These MRMs replicate the most common types of antipersonnel mines in shape, size, weight, fuse principle and trigger force, but do not contain explosive. New test targets (WORM - Wireless Operated Reproduction Mines) to meet the CEN Workshop Agreement on T&E of Demining Machines (CWA 15044) requirement were developmed during 2004-2005. Results of trials with these targets show that the data is very similar to the results seen when using the live-fuze-inert-body targets at SWEDEC. Details can be obtained from CCMAT. Results/Conclusions: Some test results of the performance of Mechanical Reproduction Mines (MRMs) are given in the ProMac BDM48 test report, available on the CCMAT and ITEP Reports webpages. Note that CCMAT no longer uses the Mechanical Reproduction Mines. It now uses the above- mentioned WORM targets for all testing of mechanical demining equipment. For detailed information on the WORM targets please refer to Geoff Coley (tel: +1 403 544 4046) or William Roberts (tel: +1 403 544 4756).
Project No. 3.1.3 Title: Method of selection of best suited Mechanical Assistance clearance Equipment (MAE).
Description: Definition of test and evaluation parameters needed to assess the global usability of different types of mechanical equipment (effectiveness, trafficability, transportation, logistics…). Definition of the selection criteria (slope, vegetation, soil, moisture, threat, available infrastructure…). Match the existing Mechanical Assistance clearance Equipment (MAE) with mine-affected country constraints to produce maps of potential usability of MAE. First practical application in Croatia. The methodology developed in this activity could then be applied to other mine-affected regions. Aim: To produce maps that give an indication of where mechanical equipment can work (or not work). Request: Users and donors. Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Methodology Equipment: N/A Development: N/A
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Time Frame: 0000-00-00 to 0000-00-00 Place: TBD Lead Nation: European Commission - Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC) Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: The project was cancelled because of reorientation of priorities by the European Commission - Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC). It is hoped, however, that revival of this activity will be considered by the ITEP Working Group on Mechanical Assistance clearance Equipment - Test and Evaluation, or any other entity involved with the selection of appropriate mechanical demining equipment. Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 3.1.4 Title: Methodology for the test and evaluation of mobile robotics for the detection of AP mines.
Description: Establishment of detailed minimal requirements, standards and procedures for the testing of robotics systems for mine detection. Aim: Organisation of a multi-year test and evaluation program. Request: International Advanced Robotics Program (IARP) Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Methodology Equipment: N/A Development: N/A Time Frame: 2003-05-01 to 0000-00-00 Place: Belgium, Royal Military Academy (RMA) Lead Nation: Belgium Partners: International Advanced Robotics Program (IARP) Status: Ongoing at the end of the ITEP program. For further information, please contact the Royal Military Academy (RMA) Comments: Several IARP (International Advanced Robotics Programme) workshops with focus on humanitarian demining issues have been organized to date: Toulouse 1998, Zimbabwe/Mozambique 1999, Vienna 2002, Prishtina 2003, Brussels 2004, Tokyo 2005, Cairo 2008 and Sousse 2010. A study of the modular architecture of a mobile robot and the operational and technical requirements for robotic systems in humanitarian demining and similarly risky interventions is ongoing.
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Results/Conclusions: A summary report on trends, promising tools and requirements for robotic systems, including an overview of available prototype robotic platforms for HMA, was published in December 2005. Although robots are promising systems for some humanitarian demining detection tasks, only developmental and prototypes are currently available (see above listed workshops). The definition and execution of an ITEP test campaign was therefore considered pre- mature. A book covering current projects on mobile roboticized detection platforms, Emerging robotics for humanitarian demining and risky interventions will be published in August 2010.
Project No. 3.1.5 Title: CEN Workshop Agreement on Test and Evaluation of Demining Machines.
Description: The CEN Workshop is a process for creating a CEN Workshop Agreement (CWA) on the test and evaluation of mechanical equipment used in humanitarian demining. The three main topics that will be covered are: the definition of specifications for performance testing and survivability testing in repeatable conditions, the definition of performance specifications for target mines and the definition of specifications for acceptance tests including field performance, logistics, operator safety, and the operational classification of machines. Aim: To achieve a comprehensive CWA that improves the quality of the test and evaluation of mechanical equipment used in support of humanitarian mine action such as ground preparation, removal of vegetation, and clearance. Request: European Commission, ITEP, CEN. Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Methodology Equipment: N/A Development: N/A Time Frame: 2003-06-03 to 2004-10-31 Place: Sweden/SWEDEC and Croatia/HCR-CTRO Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, United States, UNMAS, GICHD and CEN, CROMAC - Center for Testing, Development and Training (HCR - CTRO), Norwegian People Aid (NPA), International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victim Assistance (ITF), Manufacturers
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(Scandinavian Demining Group, DD Special Vehicles Ltd., Dok Ing d.o.o) Status: Archived Comments: The kick-off of the CWA process was held on the 3rd of June 2003, with the presentation of the Business Plan. The first two technical meetings for the CWA12 were held concurrently at SWEDEC in Eksjo, Sweden, from the 15th to the 18th of September. During these two meetings the first steps towards a CWA for performance testing, survivability testing and also the definition of test targets required for these tests were laid down. Representatives of the user community, GICHD, manufacturers of demining machines, donors and the testing agencies attended these meetings. Five ITEP participants were represented. The third CEN Workshop meeting has been organised in cooperation with the Croatian Mine Action Centre (CROMAC) in Zagreb, Croatia, and took place from the 14th to the 16th of October 2003. It had as main aim the consolidation of what had been proposed so far, together with the development of the technical basis for specification of acceptance tests. A draft CEN Workshop Agreement (CWA) was distributed at the beginning of January 2004 for final revision before delivery to CEN and IMAS. A last meeting of the CWA 12 Workshop on demining machines was held from the 19th to the 20th of April 2004 in Sibenik, Croatia in order to review the comments received on the distributed draft CWA. At the end of the latter Workshop all participants agreed on the draft text, which was submitted to CEN in May 2004 and endorsed by CEN in July 2004. A description of the CEN Workshop 12 process and status can also be found on the CEN website. Results/Conclusions: The CWA Test and Evaluation of Demining Machines (CWA 15044:2004) was officially published by CEN in July 2004. It was used in all subsequent ITEP testing of demining machines resulting in a series of experiences which were consolidated in the update version, CWA 15044:2009, published in December 2009 (ITEP Project 3.1.6)
Project No. 3.1.6 Title: Update of the CEN Workshop Agreement on Test and Evaluation of Demining Machines (CWA 15044:2004).
Description: The CEN Workshop Agreement on Test and Evaluation of Demining Machines (CWA 15044:2004) was published in July 2004 after 4 technical CEN workshops held during the period September 2003 – April 2004 (ITEP Project 3.1.5). According to the CEN Workshop procedures, a published CEN Workshop Agreement requires a review after a period of 3 years. The ITEP Working Group on Test and Evaluation of Mechanical Assistance clearance Equipment (MAE), in consultation with the
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GICHD, decided that a minor update of the CWA 15044:2004 was required. Aim: Update of the CWA 15044:2004, taking into account progress in machine development and lessons learned collected during three years of ITEP trials of mechanical demining equipment according to the CWA 15044:2004 Request: GICHD, ITEP Working Group on T&E of Mechanical Assistance clearance Equipment (MAE) Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Methodology Equipment: N/A Development: N/A Time Frame: 2008-07-01 to 2010-06-30 Place: N/A Lead Nation: Canada Partners: Sweden, GICHD, ITEP Secretariat Status: Archived Comments: The updated version of the CWA 15044:2004, agreed upon by the ITEP WGMAE and GICHD, was submitted to the CEN Secretariat at the beginning of April 2009. It was circulated in May 2009 by CEN to the members of the original Workshop who drafted the 2004 version. The updated version of the CWA 15044 was endorsed by CEN on the 30th of June 2009. Results/Conclusions: The CWA 15044:2009 was published in December 2009. In addition to the updated CWA 15044 the ITEP working Group on Test and Evaluation of Mechanical Assistance Clearance equipment (ITEP WGMAE) compiled four documents covering lessons learned from mechanical equipment performance trials carried out by ITEP Participants during the period 2005 - 2008. These documents were written as part of the CWA 15044 update and consolidate experiences related to the effect of soil condition on measurements of ground penetration depth and machine performance as well as providing details on the measurement of soil compaction and the statistical principles guiding the CWA 15044 machine performance determination: - Part 1: The effect of soil condition on measurements of ground penetration depth and machine performance. - Part 2: Interpretation of Ground Penetration Depth Measurements - Part 3: Measuring soil compaction and soil moisture content of areas for testing of mechanical demining equipment - Part 4: Statistical methods used to calculate demining machine performance, performance confidence intervals and performance differences.
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Project No. 3.2.1 Title: Conduct test and evaluation trial of the mechanical equipment Armtrac 100.
Description: Test and evaluation of the Armtrac 100 (performances, manoeuvrability and survivability) and provide information to the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID). Aim: Test and measurement of global effectiveness of mechanical equipment. Request: United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID). Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Armtrac 100 Development: COTS Time Frame: 2002-01-01 to 2002-03-31 Place: United Kingdom Lead Nation: United Kingdom Partners: Canada, European Commission - Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC), Sweden Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: In the test report it is concluded that the Armtrac 100 Mini Flail is a well designed and capable machine. The machine demonstrated an ability to clear anti-personnel sized mines from terrain ranging from sandy topsoil to gravel track and heavy clay, but with limitations on clearance depth. It further demonstrated a good vegetation clearance ability and good mobility. The machine survived a limited range of live explosive tests, although these did not fully assess the safety of the operator.
Project No. 3.2.2 Title: Mechanical mine clearing device for anti-personnel mines MV-4.
Description: Test and evaluation of a lightweight remote controlled mechanical device capable of removing tripwires, reduce the amount of AP-mines and prepare ground to a depth of 10 cm for other mine clearing methods. The device is not constructed to withstand a blast from AT- mines. The test and evaluation will be done with one device. The device is meant to reduce the risk for personnel and enhance performance of other methods. Aim: Test and evaluate the MV-4. Outcome - Test report. Request: Sweden
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Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: MV-4 Development: COTS Time Frame: 2002-08-01 to 2002-12-31 Place: Sweden, SWEDEC. Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: The test report states that the MV-4 anti-personnel mine clearing device did not fulfill the established requirements with regard to the automatic contouring in its initial form. However, after modification of the clearing unit, the machine performed well in all ground processing tasks formulated by SWEDEC for the destruction of anti-personnel mines.
Project No. 3.2.3 Title: Test and evaluation of small flail devices: Mini-Flail XM2670-A3 and Knee-Link Flail.
Description: The trial will provide statistical data on the performance of small flail equipment in the 3 to 5 tonne category. The data will be collected by having candidate mechanical equipment traverse prepared tracks, each having approximately 500 surrogate AP mines planted in them. The results will indicate the degree of coverage in terms of depth and area for each machine and the probability of detonating an AP mine. Vegetation clearing capability will be assessed on areas which present several types of vegetation cover including grass, medium- and high- density scrub and brush. The trial will further test a developmental model of a new flail hammer and linkage design and compare it to the performance of existing small flail equipment. Aim: Test report. Request: Donors, Developers Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Mini-Flail XM2670-A3, Knee-link Flail (Mine Hammer) Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2002-06-01 to 2003-06-31 Place: Canada, Defence Research and Development Canada - Suffield (DRDC-
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Suffield) Lead Nation: Canada Partners: Status: Archived Comments: This project originally also included test and evaluation of expedient rollers. However, the at-home trials with the roller were halted, and efforts were focussed on performing controlled, repeatable, statistically useful tests in a field-test scenario (see ITEP Project 3.2.11). Results/Conclusions: The report on the Knee-Link Flail concludes that the performance of this flail, also called Mine Hammer, was mixed. It did not do what it was originally reported to do which was to impact the ground and set off mine fuzes without breaking up either the ground or the mines (non- tilling mode). If the Mine Hammer is to be used in the tilling mode as demonstrated in the trials, further development or testing is not recommended as it is difficult to see what advantage the Mine Hammer offers over traditional flails. If the Mine-Hammer is to be used in the non-tilling (thumper) mode, issues related to the interaction between the working head, its rotational speed, its forward speed and the myriad of soil conditions that might be encountered will have to be worked out before another trial program to evaluate the effectiveness in that operating mode can be considered. The mini-flail XM2670 test report concludes that the level of performance of this mini-flail, as it was provided for the test, was considerably lower than anticipated. The system suffered from overheating which caused it to shut down repeatedly. It was underpowered and was unable to climb even moderate slopes or to load itself back on its trailer. The flail also failed to trigger or damage a large number of mechnaical reproduction mines, and it performed poorly in simple weed/vegetation cutting tests.The report further includes a draft Statement of Requirements (SOR) for a mini flail (p. 53 to p.59).
Project No. 3.2.4 Title: Conduct test and evaluation trials of mechanical equipment.
Description: Test and evaluation of any promising technologies for mechanical assistance equipment for demining. Aim: Test and measurement of global effectiveness of mechanical assistance equipment. Request: United States, ITEP Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Improved Backhoe, Severe Duty Vegetation Shredder (SDVS), Aardvark
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Mk IV, ARTS, TAZ II Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2003-01-01 to 2005-12-31 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD Lead Nation: United States Partners: Status: Archived Comments: At the moment of creation of the ITEP Work Plan, the project was inserted as an umbrella project for several ongoing test and evaluation activities of mechanical demining equipment. However, with progress of time the latter activities have been introduced in the Work Plan as separate activities, so that the present project description has become redundant. As several test reports are available, the project is considered as archived. Results/Conclusions: The following reports were published: - Improved Backhoe - The Severe Duty Vegetation Shredder - Aardvark Mark IV - All-Purpose Remote Transport System (ARTS) - Tractor Accessorized Zerriest Series II (TAZ II) The Improved Backhoe was deployed to Yemen in January 2007 for an operational field evaluation with the Yemen Mine Action Center (YEMAC) which was completed in May 2009. The improved backhoe with armored cab and Setco solid rubber tires was used for excavating and sifting of berms for AP mines. The machine assisted in the clearance of 3 minefields and sifted a total of 25705 cubic metre.
Project No. 3.2.5 Title: Test and evaluation of the MANTIS Mine Clearing Survivable Vehicle (MCSV).
Description: The Mine Clearing Survivable Vehicle (MCSV) is a commercial-off-the- shelf vegetation clearing system. This project will evaluate the performance of the MCSV and of each of the tools separately. Aim: Proof of Performance trial of the Mine Clearing Survivable Vehicle (MCSV). Outcome - Test report. Request: Users, Donors, NGOs, NMAAs Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Mine Clearing Survivable Vehicle (MCSV), MANTIS (tires: SETCO jelly belly solid rubber tires. Attachments: Grab Bucket, Tree Picker, Soil
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Sifter, 4 in 1 Bucket, Bedformer, Roller, Spring Rake, Rotary Mine Comb, Rotary Mower, V-form Cultivator, Magnet, Reach Mower) Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2002-03-01 to 2005-06-30 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD Lead Nation: United States Partners: United Kingdom Status: Archived Comments: The design of the MCSV draws heavily on the strengths of the Survivable Demining Tractor and Tools (SDTT) concept and benefits from the experience of four years of SDTT field use. Improvements carried out from 2002 onwards have been completed. The test and evaluation has started in 2004: - Feb 2004: Pearson Blast Test Wheels (Limited Functional-Technical) - Aug-Dec 2004: Proof of Performance testing. ITEP personnel from the United Kingdom took part in the second phase of the Proof of Performance testing in December 2004 - Oct 2005 - Oct 2006: Nicaragua (Operational Field Evaluation) - From August 2008: Operational Field Evaluation with Halo Trust in Afghanistan (ITEP Project 3.2.13). Results/Conclusions: The Survivable Demining Tractor and Tools (SDTT) segmented roller has been field tested under the ITEP banner by Canada and the United States (ITEP Project 3.2.11). The concerned test report was published in October 2003. The MCSV/MANTIS Proof of Performance report, published in April 2005, concludes that the Proof of Performance trial demonstrated: (a) the survivability against AP mine blasts for the MCSV, the operator, the mine roller, and the SETCO tires; (b) the ability to detonate most AP mines with the mine roller and remove AT mines with the Rotary Mine Comb in moderate to heavy vegetation; (c) the capability of the vegetation clearing and area site preparation tools to cut and remove vegetation, surface metal, and buried mines/UXO. It is therefore concluded that a single prime mover (the MCSV) with a well thought-out selection of tools, and for soil and vegetation conditions within the limits of those found at the test site, is capable of preparing an area for demining, removing AP and AT mines, and leave an area ready for quality assurance proofing and subsequent use. More details on the Rotary Mine Comb performance can be found in the 2005 Rotary Mine Comb test report.
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Project No. 3.2.6 Title: Tempest.
Description: The Tempest is a small commercial-off-the-shelf remote controlled system for medium vegetation clearance (interchangeable cutting flail and slasher), metal debris reduction, tripwire elimination and engaging the ground to initiate landmines in anti-personnel minefields. It is produced locally in Cambodia by the Development Technology Workshop (DTW). The planned 2009 upgrade to the Mk 7 variant offers improvements in the remote control system, hydraulics and has tracks instead of wheels, which are improving mobility and availability in a variety of challenging locations as well as lowering the force of the system footprint. Aim: In country operational field trial of the Tempest. Outcome - Test report. Request: Users, Donors, NGOs, NMAAs Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Tempest Development: COTS/Prototype Time Frame: 2002-03-01 to 2010-12-31 Place: Thailand, Mozambique, Cambodia, Ecuador Lead Nation: United States Partners: Accelerated Demining Program Mozambique (ADP), Thailand Mine Action Centre (TMAC), Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), Mines Advisory Group (MAG), Halo Trust, National Demining Center of Ecuador Status: Ongoing at the end of the ITEP program. For further information, please contact the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program Comments: The current Tempest system is a product of several years of development and test and evaluation: 1999 - Contractor development of Tempest Mk1&2 prototypes attracted NV sponsorship (Exploratory) May 2000 - Vegetation clearance rates and blast survivability documented (Proof of Performance) Oct 2000 -Two units deployed to TMAC. Development of Mk4 (Operational Field Evaluation) 2001 - New Mk4 unit trialed with automotive performance testing and additional design refinement in Cambodia (Limited Functional- Technical) Jan 2002 - Mk 4 redeployed to Thailand (Operational Field
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Evaluation) Jan 2002 - Mk4 deployed to Mozambique (Accelerated Demining Program). Development of MK5 (Operational Field Evaluation) Jul 2004 - Tracked Mk5 planned deployment to Mozambique (Operational Field Evaluation) Oct 2004 - Planned product improvements for Thailand and Mozambique 2005/2006 - Thailand and Cambodia (Operational Field Evaluation) 2006/2007 - Operational field evaluation with Mines Advisory Group (MAG) in Cambodia 2007/2009 – Ongoing operational field evaluations of the Tempest Mk 6 in Cambodia (with MAG and Halo Trust - see ITEP Project 3.2.13), Thailand (with TMAC) and Ecuador (with the National Demining Center). In Ecuador the Tempest is assisting manual deminers by opening breach lanes in dense jungle. Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 3.2.8 Title: In-house mechanical prototype enhancements.
Description: Integrate mechanical mine clearance equipment and NVESD Humanitarian Demining standard remote control system, conduct dynamic mobility and survivability testing on chassis; develop and fabricate four complete Standardised Remote Control Systems, deploy equipment for operational field evaluation, redesign/modify the humanitarian demining prototype equipment to implement the lessons learned, develop Level II Drawing package for the Micro Vegetation Cutter; develop standardised methods for testing and evaluating humanitarian demining prototypes, develop logistic support packages for international deployment of vegetation and mine clearance/neutralisation equipment. Aim: Upgrade and improve various mechanical systems and test and evaluate them. Outcome - Drawing packages, test reports and prototype hardware. Request: Users, Donors, NGOs, NMAAs Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: N/A Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2002-01-01 to 2005-12-31 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD. Lead Nation: United States
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Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: At the moment of creation of the ITEP Work Plan the project was inserted as an umbrella project for several ongoing test and evaluation activities of mechanical demining equipment. However, with progress of time, the latter activities were introduced in the Work Plan as separate activities, so that the present project description became redundant. Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 3.2.9 Title: Test, evaluate and upgrade the Mini-Mulcher (MAXX).
Description: The MAXX Mini-Mulcher is a remote controlled excavator based system for medium vegetation clearance. It has been deployed for operational field trials in Rwanda and Namibia after which it was upgraded and deployed in Guinea-Bissau for an operational field evaluation. The system will be refurbished during 2009. Aim: Upgrade, test and evaluate a mini-vegetation clearance system in- country. Outcome - Enhanced Mini-Mulcher unit and test report. Request: Users, Donors, NGOs, NMAAs Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: HEC MAXX Mine Clearance Multi Tool Development: COTS/Prototype Time Frame: 2002-04-01 to 2010-12-31 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD, Namibia Lead Nation: United States Partners: National Mine Action Coordination Centre of Guinea Bissau, People Against Landmines (MgM) Status: Ongoing at the end of the ITEP program. For further information, please contact the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program Comments: The Mini-Mulcher MAXX is a product of several years of development and test and evaluation: 2003 - Concept exploration performed on the MAXX+ (Exploratory) March 2004: Namibia trial (Limited Functional - Technical) Summer 2004: Proof of Performance October 2004 - October 2005: Namibia and Rwanda Operational Field Evaluations Since January 2006 - December 2008: Operational Field Evaluation in Guinea Bissau
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2009 - 2010: System refurbishment.
The research and development section of the MgM website and the HEC website provide an overview of the development history of the MAXX multi-tool system, as well as information on the 2005 operational field evaluation in Rwanda. Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 3.2.10 Title: Test and evaluation of Mechanical Assistance Equipment (MAE) for demining.
Description: Ongoing program/activities of the Bundeswehr Technical Center for Weapons and Ammunition (WTD 91) to test commercial-off-the-shelf Mechanical Assistance Equipment (MAE) in accordance to urgent military and/or humanitarian (German Foreign Office) need. Aim: To proof the effectiveness of the clearing system and the resistance against blast effects. Request: German Army (or Foreign Office) Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Minebreaker 2000/2, Mine-Guzzler, Hydrema MCV 910, MineWolf, Rhino Development: COTS Time Frame: 2002-01-01 to 2006-12-31 Place: Germany, Bundeswehr Technical Center for Weapons and Ammunition (WTD 91), Meppen. Lead Nation: Germany Partners: Status: Archived Comments: At the moment of creation of the ITEP Work Plan, the project was inserted as an umbrella project for all test and evaluation activities of mechanical demining equipment by the Bundeswehr Technical Center for Weapons and Ammunition (WTD 91). However, from 2007 onwards the trials were introduced in the Work Plan as separate activities, so that the present project description became redundant. Because several test reports are available, the project is considered as archived. Based on the results of the trials at WTD 91, one Minebreaker system has been acquired and is operational in Afghanistan since September 2002. The WTD 91 executes mechanical demining equipment trials
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whenever new systems become available and there is a requirement to test them. Results/Conclusions: The following WTD 91 test reports have been released under the ITEP program : - Hydrema MCV 910 - Minebreaker(test with dummy mines), 2002 - Minebreaker (test with life AT mines), 2002. - Mine-Guzzler - Rhino Note that although a similar test report for the MineWolf exists (date: 2001), It was decided not to publish it on the ITEP Reports website because a completely new version of the MineWolf was in the meantime operational in the field. Tests with the new version of the MineWolf were executed by the WTD 91 in February 2004, and the corresponding test reports are available on the ITEP Reports website: - MineWolf - Clearing of Live Mines. Final Report and - Mine-Clearing Vehicle MineWolf. Biomechanical Assessment of Mine- Clearing Tests with Live Mines
Project No. 3.2.11 Title: Test and evaluation of the Survivable Demining Tractor and Tools (SDTT) roller.
Description: In-country test and evaluation using a roller designed for use with the Survivable Demining Tractor and Tools (SDTT). Trials will be done in a variety of typical terrain and vegetation conditions and using a variety of patterns/number of passes. Both mechanical reproduction mines and live AP mines will be used in the trials. Aim: Provide quantitative data on roller effectiveness in neutralising mines; assess potential for area reduction using rollers; attempt to assess dog/roller mix effectiveness. Outcome - Test report. Request: Thailand Mine Action Centre (TMAC) and other users, GICHD. Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Segmented rollers for use with the Survivable Demining Tractor and Tools (SDTT) Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2003-04-01 to 2003-05-01 Place: Thailand Lead Nation: Canada Partners: United States, Thailand Mine Action Centre (TMAC) Status: Archived
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Comments: The Survivable Demining Tractor and Tools (SDTT) will be further evaluated in operational field trials by the United States (see ITEP Project 3.2.5). Results/Conclusions: The test report was published in October 2003.The overall conclusion is that the Survivable Demining Tractor and Tools (SDTT) roller, when operated under a Standard Operating Procedure similar to that used in the trials (and by the Thailand Mine Action Centre), is unlikely to be useful as a demining tool all by itself. Its usefulness in combination with other demining approaches, or as an area reduction or a risk reduction tool will depend on individual circumstances including available resources, terrain, vegetation, and possibly even clearance level requirements. Each end user will have to evaluate the results of this trial to determine whether the SDTT segmented roller can be used to advantage in that user
Project No. 3.2.12 Title: RHINO System.
Description: The system is a remote controlled tiller system used for large area AP mine clearance and area reduction. Incorporation of a large loop detector for AT mine detection is a projected improvement. Aim: Refurbish, test and evaluate the modified Rhino as an area reduction system. Outcome - Improved hardware and test report. Request: Users, Donors, NGOs, NMAAs, Developer, Manufacturer. Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Rhino Development: COTS Time Frame: 2003-02-01 to 2008-12-31 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD, Ft. Belvoir, VA, Humanitarian Demining test facility, Ft. AP Hill, VA, and Azerbaijan. Lead Nation: United States Partners: Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) Status: Archived Comments: The Rhino system has undergone several years of development and test and evaluation: Contractor development of prototype unit for soil remediation (Exploratory) December 97, Germany - NVESD sponsored mine clearance and blast testing (Limited Functional - Technical) 2000 - Jordan (Operational Field Evaluation)
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NVESD/IDF joint clearance tests in Israel (Proof of Performance) NVESD test of area reduction using Rhino in mixed minefields (Proof of Performance) August 2004 - NVESD test of AT mine screen (Proof of Performance) 2005 - 2008 - Deployment to Azerbaijan for an Operational Field Evaluation. However, the machine was never used (fuel consumption too large) and ultimately shipped back to the U.S. Results/Conclusions: The report on the 2002 area reduction tests with the Rhino earth tiller states that the current philosophy for employing the Rhino earth tiller allows for its use in clearing antipersonnel mines in situations where the probability of encountering an antitank (AT) mine is extremely low. The main rationale for this position is that the risk of causing damage to the tiller from the detonation of an AT mine is too high to permit the tiller to be used for clearing AT mines. The report concludes that the overall rate at which mines were safely excavated during the trial (87% and 96 % for shallow buried mines) probably leaves too much risk to the Rhino system for reliance on this concept alone for clearance or area reduction.
Project No. 3.2.13 Title: HALO Trust mechanical equipment development and evaluation.
Description: This is an ongoing HALO Trust partnership with the Mechanical Assistance Equipment (MAE) developing community. As a part of this project, the following operational field evaluations are ongoing: Rotary Mine Comb (RMC) in Angola. The rotary mine comb is capable of extricating and removing anti-tank mines from the soil and pushing them to the side of the vehicle path. Sifting technology to separate larger objects from soil for AP mine clearance in Afghanistan including Multi-Tooled Excavator (ITEP Project 3.2.20) sifter attachments. Tempest system in Cambodia (ITEP Project 3.2.6). STORM system in Cambodia (ITEP Project 3.2.40). MANTIS in Afghanistan (ITEP Project 3.2.5). Aim: Modify, test and evaluate mechanical equipment with HALO Trust. Outcome - Prototype hardware and test report. Request: Users, Donors, NGOs, NMAAs, Developer, Manufacturer, HALO Trust Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Rotary Mine Comb (RMC), Sifting attachments (ALLU Sifting/Grinding Bucket, Trommex Rotary Sifter Bucket and the Orbit Screener Stationary Sifting unit), Tempest, Storm, MANTIS Development: COTS/Prototype Time Frame: 2003-03-01 to 2010-12-31
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Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD, Angola, Cambodia, Afghanistan Lead Nation: United States Partners: HALO Trust Status: Ongoing at the end of the ITEP program. For further information, please contact the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program Comments: The Rotary Mine Comb began an operational field evaluation in Angola in March 2008. This operational field evaluation involves the clearance of 200 km of road to be finalised at the end of 2009. An article in the Journal of ERW and Mine Action (Issue 12.2, Winter 2009/09) provides more information on the Rotary Mine Comb and how it has been deployed in Angola to uncover minimal-metal anti-tank mines. The Tempest is still undergoing an Operational Field Evaluation in Cambodia (ITEP Project 3.2.6). The sifting technology was deployed to Afghanistan in 2007 as part of a "lift and sift" technology evaluation. Attachments of the Multi-Tooled Excavator are also being evaluated (ITEP Project 3.2.20). STORM began operations in Cambodia in February 2009 (ITEP Project 3.2.40). The MANTIS began an Operational Field Evaluation in Afghanistan in August 2008 (ITEP Project 3.2.5). Results/Conclusions: The Rotary Mine Comb has shown promising results in developmental testing (see ITEP Project 3.2.5 ) for safely removing mines from the road bed for which there are numerous applications in Africa and Asia. Basic information on the Rotary Mine Comb performance can be found in the Rotary Mine Comb test report and MANTIS test report published in 2005. The ALLU bucket was also tested by the SRSA/SWEDEC (ITEP Project 3.2.42) and the concerned test report was published in November 2006. The Orbit Screener Stationary Sifting unit was evaluated by the U.S. HDP in 2008 (test report).
Project No. 3.2.14 Title: Sifting Excavator (Mechanical Mine Sifter, Deep Buried Mine Excavator).
Description: The Mechanical Mine Sifter is a system based on a novel technique to mechanically excavate deeply buried mines. It has completed an Operational Field Evaluation in Honduras. Based upon the success of the Sifting Excavator field demonstration further testing will be carried out using a high mobility excavator as host platform with a variety of interchangeable attachments (ITEP Project 3.2.20). Aim: Improvements based on in-country operational field trial of the
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Mechanical Sifter. Outcome - Prototype hardware and test report. Request: Users, Donors, NGOs, NMAAs Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Sifting Excavator Development: COTS/Prototype Time Frame: 2003-02-01 to 2009-12-31 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD, Ft. Belvoir, VA, Humanitarian Demining test facility, Ft. AP Hill, VA, Honduras Lead Nation: United States Partners: Mission of Assistance for the Removal of Mines in Central America (MARMINCA) Status: Archived Comments: The Sifting Excavator (Deep Buried Mine Excavator) is the product of several years of development and test and evaluation: 2000 - NVESD trials with the Shinn vegetation shredding system (Exploratory) 2001 - Armoring and explosive fragment testing operator compartment and wheels (Limited Functional - Technical) May 2003 - Backhoe based exploration of digging concepts of deeply buried AT mines (Exploratory) Aug 2003 - AT mine blast testing against system protection shield (Limited Functional - Technical) Sep 2003 - Blind demining of mixed test minefield according to planned SOPs (Proof of Performance) Dec 2003 - Honduras (Operational Field Evaluation) Results/Conclusions: The report on the 2003 trials with the Deep Buried Mine Excavator concludes as follows: The development tests showed that the overall process developed using this multi-tool excavator-based system, produced an extraordinarily reliable means of dealing with the mine threat. The development testing, however, did not explore the threat to the sifting buckets from the detonation of AP-mines or AT-mines. Furthermore, it was concluded that the process is greatly enhanced by the availability of additional support equipment. The two most undesirable aspects of the mine clearance process with the described equipment are the pace of operations and the complete rearrangement of the landscape resulting from the excavation. As slow as the excavation process is, there is no known alternative for finding mines so deeply buried in mineralised soil. A summary article on the operational trials in Honduras has been published in the Journal of Mine Action. The Sifting Excavator lies at the basis of the development of the Multi-Tooled Excavator (ITEP Project 3.2.20).
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Project No. 3.2.15 Title: Performance and survivability test of the mini-flail DIANA.
Description: Repeatable performance tests in artificial test lanes (gravel, sand and topsoil) with as test targets AP mine with live fuses. Survivability tests against AP mines. Aim: To achieve comprehensive test results to be presented to the demining community and/or to be used for further improvements. Request: Manufacturer Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Diana 44T Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2003-08-18 to 2003-08-27 Place: Sweden, SWEDEC. Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: United Kingdom Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: In the test report it is concluded that the main areas of concern are the poor ability of the vehicle to maintain a constant flailing depth and a constant speed. This gives rise to unreliable clearance ability, especially as the engine power is believed to be inadequate for the flailing depth that the manufacturer claims is feasible. Furthermore, it is stated that the Diana offered no mechanism for adjusting the flailing depth and suffered from severe vibrations through the entire machine.
Project No. 3.2.16 Title: Field trial of the Minelifta Mk2.
Description: Field trial of the Corus Minelifta Mk2 as follow on from the 2001 trial in the United Kingdom (test report). This will be a collaborative test between Corus, NPA and QinetiQ over a period of two to three months. Aim: To assess the operational ability of the Corus Minelifta Mk2 (reliability, logistics, etc.). Request: Manufacturer and United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID). Category: Mechanical Assistance
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Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Minelifta Mk2 Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2003-06-01 to 2003-08-26 Place: Stojcevac and Brcko, Norwegian Peoples Aid (NPA), Bosnia and Herzegovina. Lead Nation: United Kingdom Partners: Norwegian People Aid (NPA) Status: Archived Comments: The assessment period was from the 10th of June 2003 to the 26th of September 2003. Further work by Norwegians People Aid (NPA) using Minelifta was expected to be ongoing during October and November 2003. Reports on this period can be obtained from Mr. G. Ashton at Corus, Scunthorpe, United KIngdom. Results/Conclusions: The United Kingdom test team took an advisory/monitoring role visiting the site at the start, mid-way through and at the end of the trial. In the test report it is concluded that the Minelifta is a well-designed machine, which showed good productivity and reliability within the tasks that it was set. Further improvements are recommended to suit ground preparation for Quality Assurance checks and therefore increase efficiency and make it more versatile. As with most mechanical clearance processes the application of this equipment has to be taken in the context of the mine threat, type of terrain, climatic and environmental conditions and of the overall demining operation.
Project No. 3.2.17 Title: Performance and survivability test of the Minecat 140.
Description: Repeatable performance tests in artificial test lanes (gravel, sand and topsoil) with as test targets AP mine with live fuses. Survivability tests against AP mines. Aim: To achieve comprehensive test results to be presented to the demining community and/or to be used for further improvements. Request: The manufacturer. Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Compact Minecat 140 Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2003-08-01 to 2003-08-31 Place: Sweden, SWEDEC.
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Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: Canada Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: The main conclusion of the test report is that the Minecat 140, in its current configuration, lacks sufficient armour protection to be useful in demining operations, and it may be marginal in terms of engine power for the vehicle drive. Much more significant were the positive aspects of the Minecat 140. In particular, the flail head demonstrated a good ability to cut to a smooth, skip-zone-free depth, and was effective in triggering and destroying antipersonnel mine targets. With the provision of protective armour, and a possible upgrade to the drive engine, the Minecat 140 has the potential to be a useful and effective tool in the mini-flail category. The Minecat manufacturer NoDeCo provided comments on the test report and made some modifications to the Minecat 140 based on the results of the test. Furthermore, related to the armouring conclusions in the test report, NoDeCo has opted for the offer on request of an additional add-on armouring kit, which can be optimised depending on the intended use.
Project No. 3.2.18 Title: Trial of the Armtrac 75 (Pre-Trial Assessment).
Description: Pre-Trial Assessment of the Armtrac 75, in order to assess if the machine is sufficiently mature for further testing according to the CEN Workshop Agreement on Test and Evaluation of Demining Machines (CWA 15044:2004). Aim: To assess the basic operational ability of the Armtrac 75. Request: United Kingdom, Department for International Development (DFID). Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Armtrac 75 Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2004-02-01 to 2005-12-31 Place: United Kingdom Lead Nation: United Kingdom Partners: Status: Archived Comments: The pre-trial assessment of the Armtrac 75 trial was completed and it
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was decided that the manufacturer required to carry out further modifications prior to submitting the machine to a full CWA 15044 testing regime . The execution of a second pre-trial assessment (PTA) is awaiting developments by the manufacturer. The execution of performance and survivability tests will depend on the results of the second PTA. Results/Conclusions: In the test report of the Armtrac 75 assessment (phase 1) it is concluded that the conducted tests demonstrated the ability of the machine to clear both mines and vegetation, albeit with limitations. It highlights a number of important characteristics of the machine, both positive and negative. It was recommended that the machine speed be reduced by a factor of at least 4 before the machine should be considered for proceeding to phase 2 of the assessment process which will constitute of repeatable mine clearance performance testing under more controlled conditions.
Project No. 3.2.19 Title: Tantra machines.
Description: Develop, build, and test and evaluate a multi-tool vegetation/mine clearance prototype integrated onto an existing BV206 rubber tracked, tandem-chassis, all-terrain vehicle. The foreseen attachments are a Seppi-Mulcher, a tree extractor, an ammo-fork, a bucket, angled- clearance dozer blade and a Mini-Rotar bucket. Aim: Development of a manned and unmanned platform to clear mines and vegetation. Outcome - Prototype hardware and test report. Request: Users, Donors. Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Tantra (Manned or unmanned BV 206 with multiple attachments) Development: COTS Time Frame: 2004-01-01 to 2005-12-31 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD Lead Nation: United States Partners: People Against Landmines (MgM) Status: Cancelled Comments: Information on the Tantra can be found at the HEC website Results/Conclusions:
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Project No. 3.2.20 Title: Multi-Tooled Excavator.
Description: The system is an armoured medium sized excavator with various COTS digging and sifting attachments Aim: Armour a medium sized excavator and evaluate multiple modified commercial attachments. Outcome - Prototype hardware and test report based on operational field evaluations in several countries. Request: Users, Donors, NGOs. Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Armoured medium excavator with attachments (VTN rubble sifter, ALLU shredder-screener, Standard digging bucket, Bertani clamshell bucket, Northern Track riddle sifter, Rocklands sifter, Remu bucket, Rotary Riddle bucket, Vaned rake, Trommex sifter). Development: COTS Time Frame: 2004-01-01 to 2010-12-31 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Honduras, Chile Lead Nation: United States Partners: Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) , Chilean National Demining Commission, Halo Trust , Mines Advisory Group (MAG) Status: Ongoing at the end of the ITEP program. For further information, please contact the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program Comments: This is a follow-on of the Humanitarian Demining Sifting Excavator project (ITEP Project 3.2.14). The attachments are being evaluated in operations in Cambodia, Irak, Afghanistan and Chile. Information on which attachment was tested where can be found in the 2009 ITEP Work Plan meeting presentation on the Multi-Tooled Excavator. The operational field evaluation in Chile with the Chilean Ministry of National Defense is taking place in a minefield laid along the bed of the Cancosa River in the mountains of Chile near the Bolivian border. It is used to excavate and sift the entire mined site to a depth of 1 meter to recover anti-personnel landmines lost through erosion. Results/Conclusions:
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Project No. 3.2.21 Title: Mechanical road clearance tools.
Description: This project encompasses two separate efforts. The first effort will modify the Mine Clearing Cultivator and sifter by adding an angle blade system to the current toolbox of attachments. The cultivator and angle blade attachment and sifter array will be tested and evaluated for road clearance in Angola. The second effort will develop as well as test and evaluate a new concept to use an integrated front mounted vegetation cutter with a commercial wheeled tractor and towed grinding system. Aim: Modification of Mine Clearing Cultivator and sifter for road clearance as well as new wheeled tractor with attachment concept. Outcome - Prototype hardware and test report. Request: HALO Trust, other users, donors, NMAAs Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Mine Clearing Cultivator, sifter and wheeled tractor with attachments. Development: COTS Time Frame: 2004-01-01 to 2006-09-01 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD Lead Nation: United States Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 3.2.22 Title: Test and evaluation of the Bozena-4.
Description: Test and evaluation of the Bozena-4 according to the recently approved CEN Workshop Agreement on Test and Evaluation of Demining Machines (CWA15044:2004). Aim: Test report Request: The Manufacturer Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation
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Equipment: Bozena-4 Development: COTS Time Frame: 2004-06-01 to 2006-12-31 Place: Machine inspection and pre-trial assessment: Manufacturer facilities in and around Krupina, Slovakia and Hurn facility in United Kingdom. Performance and Survivability tests: Sweden, SWEDEC In-country Performance test and Acceptance test: Thailand In-country Acceptance test: Sudan Lead Nation: Canada Partners: TMAC, United Kingdom, Sweden, United States. Status: Archived Comments: Additional performance tests were carried out in Thailand in order to assess to which extent the results of an in-country performance test reflect the results obtained from a detailed performance test according to the CWA 15044. The testing of the Bozena-4 and MV-4 in Nairobi (ITEP Project 3.2.41) revealed serious problems with doing tests in non standard soil conditions. The associated test report argued that mine- surrogate results, and possibly even fibreboard results, in such conditions are invalid and misleading. The soil conditions used in the Bozena-4 tests in Thailand were very much like those in the Nairobi trial. Hence, the same argument about the validity of the results applies and therefore the report for the Thailand portion of this trial was cancelled. The machine completed a 6 month operational testing period in Thailand, but due to unforeseen circumstances, was only used for a very small amount of time and thus did not generate useful field experience information. Canada donated the Bozena-4 machine to MAG for use in Sudan where it would undergo an acceptance test at the end of 2006. Due to logistics and other problems, it was not possible to conduct a suitable acceptance test. Results/Conclusions: Results of the pre-trial assessment and the first phase testing were published in December 2002. The second phase testing (performance tests - SWEDEC) was carried out during the second half of 2004 and the corresponding test report was released in December 2005. The final test reports conclude that the Bozena-4 successfully triggered or neutralized most of the targets in the test (worst case: 46 of 50 targets and best case: 49 of 50 targets). The machine further demonstrated the ability to dig uniformly across the width of the flail head and to the necessary depth. The survivability test showed that the skids are vulnerable to damage should they trigger AP mines of 180 g TNT or more. In the event that the chains/hammers trigger an AT mine, the Bozena-4 appears able to survive the effects of a blast of up to 8 kg without any significant damage. Furthermore, it is stated that the machine did not exhibit any breakdown or maintenance problems during the tests and that the machine tool attachments can be changed
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very quickly producing a flexible, multi-purpose machine.
Project No. 3.2.23 Title: Test and evaluation of the RM-KA 02.
Description: Test and evaluation of the RM-KA 02 according to the recently approved CEN Workshop Agreement 12 on Demining Machines. Aim: Test report Request: The manufacturer Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: RM-KA 02 Development: COTS Time Frame: 2004-06-01 to 2005-06-30 Place: Machine inspection and pre-trial assessment: Manufacturer facilities in Slavonski Brod, Croatia and Hurn facility in United Kingdom. Performance and Survivability tests: Sweden, SWEDEC. Lead Nation: Canada Partners: United Kingdom, Sweden, United States Status: Archived Comments: As this is a remote control machine there is no requirement for an operator survivability test. Depending on the available data, there may be no need for a machine survivability test either. Results/Conclusions: The pre-trial assessment and the first phase of the testing program are described in a first test report. The test results of the performance tests and the brief survivability test were published in a separate test report. In general the RM-KA 02 is considered to be a very capable, well built machine. The two most critical areas which the trial team recommend for attention are a lower speed setting to avoid skip zones in difficult soil, and an automatic terrain following system for the flail head. From the test methodology perspective, improvements to the fibreboard tests were suggested.
Project No. 3.2.24 Title: Test and evaluation of the Tempest Ground Penetrating flail.
Description: The test consists of two parts: Test and evaluation of the Tempest Ground Penetrating Flail in Cambodia (maneuverability, performance and survivability) in
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collaboration with Mines Advisory Group (MAG), and Performance testing according to the CWA 15044:2004 at ITEP test facilities. Aim: To conduct a full set of in-country trials following the CWA on Test and Evaluation of Demining Machines (CWA 15044:2004) as close as possible within the time and logistical constraints. To inform MAG as to the suitability of operating the Tempest Ground Penetrating Flail in an area such as Cambodia, and To assess to which extent the results of an in-country performance test (first trial) reflect the results obtained from detailed performance tests using a statistical representative number of test targets (second trial). Request: Mines Advisory Group (MAG), the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID), Defence Reserach and Development Canada (DRDC - CCMAT) Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Tempest Ground Penetrating Flail (GEF), the Standard Vegetation Flail, Large Magnet Head, Promac Slasher Head Development: COTS Time Frame: 2005-01-31 to 2005-09-30 Place: Cambodia, Sweden (Norra Kulla test range) Lead Nation: United Kingdom, Canada Partners: Sweden, Mines Advisory Group (MAG) Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: The pre-trial assessment was completed in December 2004. The in-country trial was carried out in February 2005 and the corresponding trial report was published in April 2005. The in-country trial was focused on the Ground Engaging Flail (GEF) rather than on the well proven vegetation cutting system. Other attachments were also assessed, such as the standard vegetation flail head, the large magnet and the Promac slasher head. The main conclusions from the latter trial were that the Tempest Mk V system is a versatile machine with a number of different tools that can be easily fitted instead of the flail. The system is compact, easily transportable and the GEF adds an extra capability. The second trial was carried out during September 2005 at the SWEDEC test range, and the report was released in December 2007. The best performance of the Tempest GEF was at depths of 0 to 5 cm in gravel (50/50), while the poorest performance was at a depth of 7 cm in topsoil (11/50). The intentional depth limitation of 7-10 cm eliminates the capability of the Tempest to neutralise mines below that depth. The
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forward speed control system based on flail cutting resistance helps to ensure a consistent albeit shallow depth of cut. These results confirm that the role of the Tempest should be limited to ground processing and followed by another clearance tool. Comparison between results obtained on unprepared test sites in Cambodia and on standardised prepared test lanes in Sweden, as well as using SWEDEC life fuzes and inert WORM targets show similar trends of reducing performance with depth. Careful selection of in-country test areas may provide useful performance data. The portability of the WORM system, which produces similar results as the SWEDEC targets, is an advantage.
Project No. 3.2.26 Title: Comparative test and evaluation of vegetation cutters.
Description: Available COTS vegetation cutters will be evaluated and compared using the following parameters: Cutting rate (sq.m./hour) including any secondary operations for raking or removal of debris. Fuel consumption, Maintenance requirements (personnel, time, parts), and Type and size of vegetation that can be handled. This test will not address mine-neutralizing ability or survivability. Aim: Test report Request: CCMAT and TMAC Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: ProMac BDM48 bunching saw Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2006-01-09 to 2006-02-03 Place: Thailand, TMAC facilities Lead Nation: Canada Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: The bunching saw is a piece of equipment, used during forest thinning operations and perfectly suited for small to medium sized carriers. A similar attachment is envisaged to have two potential benefits: 1) the vegetation is cut and removed from the minefield in one step rather than being shredded onto the ground and requiring a second operation to remove the slash and 2) the intact vegetation may be salvageable, especially larger trees and bamboo, either for use or to generate additional funds for demining projects. Whether either benefit
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can be realized in a cost effective manner is unknown. The project was cancelled in October 2005. Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 3.2.27 Title: Test and evaluation of the Mineworm (mark II).
Description: Test and evaluation of the Mineworm sifter according to the CWA process (CEN Workshop Agreement, Test and Evaluation of Demining Machines - CWA 15044) Aim: Test report Request: Manufacturer Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Mineworm (sifter of Redbus Landmine Disposal System) Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 0000-00-00 to 0000-00-00 Place: Sweden Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: The first version of the Redbus Landmine Disposal System, including Bigfoot and Mineworm (mark I), was tested in 2000 by the Defence Evaluation Research Agency (DERA). A test report was released and the system was also included in the analysis of mechanical demining equipment document, issued by the US Army Project Manager for closed combat systems in 2002. Trials of the Mineworm mark II version were originally planned for 2005, but were finally cancelled in 2007 because the machine was not ready for testing. Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 3.2.28 Title: Test and evaluation of a driver´s aid for mechanical demining equipment.
Description: A system, developed to assist the driver of mechanical demining equipment in keeping a constant overlap between adjacent demining tracks, will be tested. A successful system will ultimately allow for
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reduced overlap between tracks and therefore reduce demining costs per square meter. Aim: Test report Request: SWEDEC Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: N/A Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 0000-00-00 to 0000-00-00 Place: Sweden Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: A demonstration of a GPS system used in combination with mechanical demining equipment (Scanjack 3500) took place during the second half of 2005. Based on the demonstration the concept was judged interesting for further testing. The project was finally cancelled due to a lack of resources. Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 3.2.29 Title: Test and evaluation of hammer heads for flail machines.
Description: New designs of hammer heads, including alternative materials, will be tested in order to evaluate their performance as compared to the standard hammer heads used on the Scanjack and MV-4 flails. Aim: Test report Request: SWEDEC Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Flail hammers Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2005-04-01 to 2005-12-31 Place: Sweden Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: Status: Archived
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Comments: Results/Conclusions: A final report was published in January 2005. Additional reports are available in Swedish from High-Engineering and Scanjack AB. The studies and trials showed that the weight distribution and centre of gravity of the hammers are essential for an optimal performance of the flail tool. The report makes recommendations for the hammer wear plate diameter, thickness and weight. Furthermore, the tests demonstrated that flail hammers made from wrought iron performed at least as well as the original steel flail hammers, decreasing the operational costs of the flail considerably. In order to further reduce the flail operational costs, it is also recommended to select flail hammers with detachable chains as the latter wear out less fast than the hammers heads and can hence be reused.
Project No. 3.2.30 Title: Test and evaluation of the Scanjack flail.
Description: Test the Scanjack flail clearance capability, mobility, survivability and current training methods Aim: Test report Request: Users, donors Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Scanjack 3500 flail Development: COTS Time Frame: 2005-06-01 to 2005-12-30 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD Lead Nation: United States Partners: Sweden Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: The test report lists the following conclusions: - The Scanjack executed the terrain driving course and vegetation cutting exercises with no difficulty. - It was outside the parameters of this test to determine the likelihood of mine detonation by the Scanjack 3500. However, all mine simulants recovered showed clear evidence of hammer strikes. This indicates that the dual flail system does a thorough job of flailing the ground. The system demonstrated a tendency to run over or throw the mine simulants designed to replicate real AP and AT mines when executing the mine lanes. In an operational environment this would not matter if
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the flail detonated all mines in its path. - Station keeping was difficult for the operator in a dusty environment. The tested vehicle was not fitted with GPS, which will be offered as optional equipment on the latest generation (Ref 2.0 System Description). - The system demonstrated the ability to detonate blast resistant mines. This is the only flail system tested by the Countermine Division that has demonstrated the ability to detonate blast resistant mines. One was detonated, one was thrown and neutralized. Given that the mine detonated when the flail was operating at a 12 centimeter depth, it is possible the likelihood of detonation could be increased if the operator consistently holds the flail at a 12 cm depth. The flail successfully detonated the 22 pound steel cased AT mine and sustained minimal damage that was repairable within 5 minutes. - Overall the Scanjack 3500 seems to be a mature and well designed large flail with more than sufficient horsepower. It operated flawlessly throughout the test with no maintenance failures. Further testing would be required to determine its ability to detonate AP and AT landmines.
Project No. 3.2.31 Title: Mini-Mulcher (MAXX+).
Description: The MAXX+ is a small, remote-controlled, excavator-based mechanical system for medium vegetation clearance and soil sifting in various environments. The system has an extensive set of interchangeably tools. It can operate with a mulcher, sifting fork, rotar bucket, and standard construction style bucket. Its “reach-in” configuration places tools at the end of a 360 rotating articulating arm to clear vegetation with a 5 meter reach. Aim: Test and evaluate a mini-vegetation clearance system in-country. Outcome - Test report. Request: Users, Donors, NGOs, NMAAs Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: HEC MAXX+ Mine Clearance Multi Tool Development: COTS/Prototype Time Frame: 2005-07-01 to 2010-12-31 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD, Sri Lanka, Cambodia Lead Nation: United States Partners: Mines Advisory Group (MAG), People Against Landmines (MgM) Status: Ongoing at the end of the ITEP program. For further information, please contact the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Humanitarian Demining
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Research and Development Program Comments: June 2005 - August 2006: Operational Field Evaluation in Sri Lanka with the Sri Lankan army. December 2006 - December 2010: Operational Field Evaluation in Cambodia with MAG. The research and development section of the MgM website and the HEC website also provide an overview of the development history of the MAXX multi-tool system Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 3.2.32 Title: Pre-Trial Assessment (PTA) of the Digger D-2.
Description: The CEN Workshop Agreement for Test and Evaluation of Demining Machines (CWA 15044)recommends a PTA prior to submitting the machine to a full testing scheme. The PTA will consist of an evaluation of the machine mobility, a rule of thumb assessment of the equipment performance and an estimate of the clearance rates of both mined and vegetated areas. Aim: To perform tests and use best engineering judgement in order to present basic evidence as to the maturity and applicability of the equipment in humanitarian demining. Request: Manufacturer Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Digger DTR Demining Technologies Digger D-2 Development: COTS Time Frame: 2006-06-01 to 2006-12-31 Place: Tavannes, Switzerland Lead Nation: Canada Partners: Status: Archived Comments: Contacted by manufacturer in mid 2005. Visit of manufacturer in late January 2006. The Pre-Trial Assessment (PTA) took place on the 19th and 20th of September 2006 at and nearby the manufacturer Results/Conclusions: The PTA final report was published in November 2006. The PTA highlighted a number of positive and negative characteristics of the machine, and further resulted in some recommendations to the manufacturer. It was concluded that the Digger D-2 has the potential to
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be a valuable tool for the demining community. Furher tests and/or field trials by a prospective user are therefore recommended. Follow-up testing according to the CWA 15044 guidelines was carried out in 2008 (ITEP Project 3.2.43) The Digger D-2 was also accredited in October 2006 by the Mine Action Office of the United Nations in Sudan.
Project No. 3.2.33 Title: Bozena 5 flail test and evaluation.
Description: CWA 15044 Performance and Survivability Tests, followed by Acceptance Test (as applicable) for Bozena 5. Aim: To establish baseline CWA 15044 performance characteristics of Bozena 5. Request: Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC - CCMAT) and Manufacturer Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Way Industry Bozena 5 Flail Development: COTS Time Frame: 2006-04-24 to 2006-12-31 Place: Cerovac test site (Croatia) Lead Nation: Canada Partners: SWEDEC (Sweden) and HCR - CTRO (Croatia) Status: Archived Comments: An informal CWA 15044 Pre-Trial Assessment had already partially been done as part of the Canadian procurement exercise. Some prior tests had also been conducted by HCR - CTRO. CWA 15044 based performance testing occurred at the CTRO Cerovac site in Croatia in May and June 2006. Trial conditions prevented the trial from being done strictly in accordance with CWA15044. The test report describes the ways in which the trial deviated from CWA15044. Before and during the trial, Canada provided training to HCR - CTRO personnel on the use of the WORM test targets The CWA 15044 performance test was followed by a one-day HCR - CTRO designed acceptance test, which effectively doubled as a survivability test. The machine has been donated by Canada to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Results/Conclusions: The final report gives a description of the machine, the test methodology and results (including data sheets and pictures). The main conclusions
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can be summarised as follows: The Bozena-5 is a well-built machine that appears to be easy to operate and maintain. It has adequate power for both ground penetration and vegetation cutting. The mine neutralisation performance of the Bozena-5 ranged from a low of 42/50 to a high of 50/50 targets neutralised. The tests with the poorest performance had several unrecovered targets that were assumed to be live. The Bozena-5 had good survivability against several AP and one detonated AT mine. The Bozena-5 is a capable machine with good performance characteristics. The suitability of this machine for a particular operation would best be determined by a local acceptance test as suggested by the CEN Workshop Agreement CWA 15044.
Project No. 3.2.34 Title: MineWolf test and evaluation.
Description: CWA 15044 Performance Test for MineWolf. Aim: To establish baseline CWA 15044 performance characteristics of MineWolf for both flail and tiller heads. Request: CCMAT (CA) Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: RUAG Land Systems MineWolf Development: COTS Time Frame: 2006-06-01 to 2006-12-31 Place: Cerovac test site (Croatia) Lead Nation: Canada Partners: HCR- CTRO (Croatia) Status: Archived Comments: CWA 15044 performance testing was carried out in September 2006 at the Croatian Mine Action Center (CROMAC) Centre for Testing, Development and Training (HCR - CTRO). Canada and Croatia cooperated to conduct this ITEP trial. The CWA 15044 performance test was followed by a one-day annual recertification test designed by HCR - CTRO. The MineWolf Machine is provided with both tiller and flail attachments to be used as part of a System, interchangeable dependent on conditions. However, due to limitations in test resources it was only possible to evaluate the tiller attachment. No survivability tests were executed as this machine has already been
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extensively tested against explosive threats (see report MineWolf - Clearing of Live Mines and Mine Effects to Flail and Engine Armor Shields of the MineWolf). Results/Conclusions: The MineWolf tiller test report was published in November 2007. The main conclusions are as follows: The machine had sufficient power for the task of ground penetration. In addition, the tiller configuration removes the possibility of the type of skip zones experienced by a chain flail. The depth control on the MinWolf was effective when used. The overall effectiveness of the MineWolf would likely have been higher with a lower forward speed. The average speed maintained during the trial (956 m/hr) may be adequate to prepare the soil for follow-on operations, but should be reduced for clearance operations. The MineWolf tiller is a capable machine that displayed good performance under the test conditions.
Comments by the machine manufacturer in response to a draft version of the report are included in Annex E of the main report.
Project No. 3.2.35 Title: MV 10 test and evaluation.
Description: CWA 15044 Performance Test for MV 10. Aim: To establish baseline CWA 15044 performance characteristics of MV-10 for both flail and tiller heads. Request: Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: DOK-ING MV 10 Double Tool Mine Clearing System Development: COTS Time Frame: 2006-09-04 to 2006-12-31 Place: Cerovac test site (Croatia) Lead Nation: Canada Partners: HCR - CTRO (Croatia) Status: Archived Comments: The CWA 15044 based performance testing was started in June 2006 and was completed in September 2006. Results/Conclusions: The final test report, published in December 2007, gives a description of the machine, the test methodology and results (including data sheets and pictures). The main conclusions can be summarised as follows: The effectiveness in destroying targets through mechanical
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neutralisation or triggering varied widely from a low of 34 of 50 targets to a high of 48 of 50 targets. The tests with the poorest performance had several unrecovered targets that were assumed to be live. The effective penetration depth was also variable. The variation in clearance performance, as well as in penetration depth may be due to the high forward speed used during the trial. The machine is supplied with sufficient power for the task of ground penetration in most situations. No breakdown or maintenance problems were noted during the trial, and the remote control system operated as expected. The DOK-ING MV-10 has many desirable characteristics. It is rugged and durable, with good access for maintenance and servicing. It has a good suite of protective armour which has proven to be adequate against normal minefield fragmentation hazards based on previous trials. The incorporation of an automatic depth and forward speed control system would likely improve the productivity and consistency of penetration of this machine. DOK-ING has indicated that the suggested features of automatic depth and forward speed control will be included in the future. Improved versions of the MV-10 machine will be tested by SWEDEC in 2008, and 2009 (ITEP Project 3.2.45).
Project No. 3.2.36 Title: MV 20 test and evaluation.
Description: CWA 15044 Performance Test for MV 20. Aim: To establish baseline CWA 15044 performance characteristics of MV-20 for both flail and tiller heads. Request: CCMAT (CA) Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: DOK-ING MV 20 Development: COTS Time Frame: 2006-07-01 to 2006-12-31 Place: Cerovac test site (Croatia) Lead Nation: Canada Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: The project was cancelled because the latest model of this machine is too wide to fit the CTRO Cerovac test lanes. It could only have been tested if a narrower head would have been installed. Such a modification would have changed the power-width-weight parameters of the
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machine and would effectively have made the test meaningless as it relates to the actual MV-20 configuration. The machine might be tested by HCR-CTRO in the future. Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 3.2.37 Title: Mine Clearing Rake for small areas (MCR).
Description: This project will develop a small low cost mine clearing rake (area preparation plow) with digging teeth and a chain dragging system to plow through already prepared soil and lift all small objects and mines to the surface. Aim: Develop, test and evaluate a small, low cost mine clearing rake. Outcome - Prototype hardware and a test report. Request: Users, Donors, NMAAs, NGOs. Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Mine Clearing Rake (Area Preparation Plow) Development: Prototype/demonstrator Time Frame: 2006-01-01 to 2007-01-01 Place: United States, US CECOM-RDEC, NVESD Lead Nation: United States Partners: Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: The final report was published in October 2006. The test was designed to assess the ability of the Mine Clearing Rake (MCR) to uncover and lift mines from two different demining environments. The test was limited to assess performance against anti-personnel mines. Three distinct humanitarian demining phases were considered for assessing the MCR
Project No. 3.2.38 Title: Robotic Mine Detector (100 Bot).
Description: The system is a remote controlled lightweight commercial tracked vehicle that detects and marks mines/UXO. It is capable of carrying various arrays and small mechanical vegetation and area reduction attachments. The system has a ground mapping and self navigation capability. The system currently has an integrated large loop metal
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detector for UXO and high metallic mine detection (Ebinger Large Loop UPEX 740MV array). It has also been modified to operate the HSTAMIDS and other commercial metal detectors. Aim: Develop, test and evaluate an enhanced detector. Outcome - Prototype hardware and a test report. Request: Users, Donors, NMAAs, NGOs. Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Robotic Mine Detector (100-Bot), Ebinger Large Loop UPEX 740MV array Development: Prototype/demonstrator Time Frame: 2006-01-01 to 2010-12-31 Place: United States, US CECOM-RDEC, NVESD, Cambodia Lead Nation: United States Partners: Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) Status: Ongoing at the end of the ITEP program. For more information on the project, please contact the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program. Comments: The system was deployed to Cambodia for operational testing in 2009. Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 3.2.39 Title: Rapid Area Preparation Tool (RAPTOR).
Description: This project will develop a new system based on lessons learned from the Severe Duty Tractor and Tools (SDTT) and MANTIS operational field evaluations (ITEP Project 3.2.5).The RAPTOR uses an armoured reverse operator station COTS Fendt 918 farm tractor with a suite of commercial and specialized attachments for area reduction and preparation. The Rotary Mine Comb is one of the attachments which will be integrated with this system. It is anticipated that the system will be developed and ready for an operational field evaluation by Halo Trust in 2009. Aim: Develop, test and evaluate an enhanced mechanical area preparation and reduction system. Outcome - Prototype hardware and a test report. Request: Users, Donors, NMAAs, NGOs. Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: RAPTOR (tyres: Setco Jelly Belly Solid Rubber, Setco Jelly Belly Solid
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Rubber with softer rubber inner core. Attachments: Rotary Mine Comb, Grapnel Bucket, Rock Bucket, Utility Bucket, Cultivator, Chisel Plow, Parabolic Subsoiler Plow, Vegetation Cutter, Power Harrow with Magnet and Area Reduction Roller) Development: Prototype/Demonstrator and COTS + Prototype/Demonstrator tools Time Frame: 2006-01-01 to 2010-12-31 Place: United States, US CECOM-RDEC, NVESD and other countries (TBD). Lead Nation: United States Partners: HALO Trust Status: Ongoing at the end of the ITEP Program. For more information on the project, please contact the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program. Comments: A blast test of the new SETCO tires (Jelly Belly solid rubber with softer rubber inner core) is scheduled for spring 2009. An operational field evaluation with Halo Trust started in 2009. This evaluation should provide a full assessment of the suite of attachments. Results/Conclusions: The performance of the RAPTOR to provide area preparation capability was assessed at two U.S. Army test facility test sites during October 2007 and May 2008. The report of the latter trial describes the tests and area preparation performance results of the different tools. The tested tools performed as or better than expected throughout the entire test program. Equipment reliability was outstanding and there were no operational limitations encountered during the test that require a cautionary advisory. Limitations for the RAPTOR tractor and current toolbox of attachments include severe vegetation, steep terrain and very very rocky soil.
Project No. 3.2.40 Title: Severe Terrain Off Route Menzi-Muck (STORM).
Description: This project will include modification and testing of the COTS Menzi Muck high mobility mechanical excavator, identified as STORM. The system is capable of working on very uneven terrain and on slopes of up to 70 degrees. The modifications to the COTS system include an armoured cab, blast resistant tires and a suite of commercial attachments. The suite of tools includes vegetation removal, soil sifting, soil grinding, and material handling attachments. Aim: Develop, test and evaluate STORM. Outcome - Prototype hardware and a test report. Request: Users, Donors, NMAAs NGOs. Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation
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Equipment: STORM Development: Prototype/demonstrator Time Frame: 2006-01-01 to 2010-12-31 Place: United States, US CECOM-RDEC, NVESD, Cambodia Lead Nation: United States Partners: Halo Trust Status: Ongoing at the end of the ITEP Program. For more information on the project, please contact the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program. Comments: From February 2009, STORM has been undergoing an Operational Field Evaluation in Cambodia with Halo Trust (ITEP project 3.2.13). Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 3.2.41 Title: Demonstration trial of the MV-4 and Bozena-4 mini-flails at the IMATC.
Description: The trial will evaluate the in-country performance of the MV-4 and Bozena-4 mini-flails for the local conditions. It will also assess the effect of the hammer wear on the flail performance. Aim: The main trial aims are as follows: to evaluate the in-country performance of the MV-4 and Bozena-4 for conditions local to the IMATC and similar to those in Southern Sudan, to quantitatively assess the effect of hammer wear on the flail performance and to compare the CWA 15044 performance testing in controlled environment with in-country testing. This will be the third trial (previous trials: Tempest in Cambodia - ITEP Project 3.2.24 and Bozena-4 in Thailand - ITEP Project 3.2.22) during which the CWA 15044 performance testing in controlled environment is compared to in-field testing and should allow to formulate a final conclusion on the topic. Request: UNMAS, user Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: MV-4, Bozena-4 Development: COTS Time Frame: 2006-10-01 to 2006-10-31 Place: International Mine Action Training Centre (IMATC), Nairobi, Kenya Lead Nation: Canada
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Partners: Sweden, United Kingdom, Belgium Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: The final report includes a full account of the trial set-up, the problems encountered for the specific local conditions (extremely hard soil) and other important lessons learned. It further provides performance data for flush buried mine targets, as well as detailed information on the obtained ground penetration profiles. The report concludes that neither machine was able to penetrate the extremely hard soil consistently or reliably to depths beyond 11 cm. It was further not possible to draw clear conclusions regarding the effects of hammer wear on the performance due to changing machine parameters throughout the trial. A summary article describing the trial and focussing mainly on lessons learned was also published.
Project No. 3.2.42 Title: L90 AFEL and ALLU Crushing-Screening Bucket test and evaluation
Description: The ALLU bucket will be assessed as to its suitability to excavate ground in an anti-personnel blast mine environment, and its capacity to mechanically neutralise AP mines. The test and evaluation will also provide insight as to the ALLU capabilities, function and performance. Aim: To identify a potential mechanical ground processing method for mine contaminated areas, outside the standard scope of systems and technologies currently available, to deal with cases where deep buried mines, full excavation methodologies and minimum metal mine types would effectively render standard procedures redundant. Request: Swedish Rescue Service Agency (SRSA) Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: ALLU SCH 4-25 Crushing and Screening Bucket fitted on a Volvo L90 Armoured Front End Loader (AFEL) Development: Prototype/Demonstrator, Research/Development Time Frame: 2006-10-29 to 2006-11-10 Place: Norra Kulla Testing Facility, SWEDEC, Eksjö¶, SWEDEN Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: GICHD Status: Archived Comments: Visits were made by representatives of the manufacturer of ALLU, Ideachip Oy, Hollola, Finland and by a GICHD Representative.
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The test and evaluation was conducted by the SRSA in conjunction with SWEDEC Results/Conclusions: The test report describes the system concept, trial set-up, results and findings in detail. The overall conclusions are as follows: Given correct ground and terrain conditions the system consisting of an ALLU bucket fitted on an armoured front end loader has the ability to perform well within AP mine contaminated areas. The system would prove extremely useful, and versatile, in cases where standard clearance methodologies would be rendered ineffective due to high metal contamination, extensive use of minimum metal mine types, deeply buried mines and shifting soil conditions. The system is highly capable in the activation and neutralisation of AP landmines, if the points raised during the trials are carefully addressed, recommendations incorporated and strict guidelines for the employment of the system are implemented. This coupled with thorough internal and external quality assurance methods, will ensure the system is capable of providing clear ground.
Project No. 3.2.43 Title: Test and evaluation of the Digger D-2 flail and tiller.
Description: CWA 15044 Performance and Survivability Test of the Digger D-2 Flail and Tiller Aim: To establish baseline CWA 15044 performance and survivability characteristics of the Digger D-2 flail and tiller unit. Request: Manufacturer Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Digger DTR Demining Technologies Digger D-2 Development: COTS Time Frame: 2008-09-23 to 2008-10-03 Place: Sweden (SWEDEC Norra Kulla) Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: Status: Archived Comments: Canada (CCMAT) carried out a Pre-Trial Assessment (PTA) of the Digger D-2 vegetation and ground-clearing flail (ITEP Project 3.2.32) in September 2006 (see PTA report ). The latter PTA recommended that the machine would be considered for further testing and/or field trials. Results/Conclusions: During September - October 2008 the new version of the Digger D-2 with an interchangeable flail and tiller working tool, was submitted to a
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full CWA 15044:2004 assessment (performance and survivability trial). The corresponding test report gives a description of the machine and test results, including data sheets and pictures. The main conclusions can be summarised as follows: The flail neutralised 447 out of 450 mines (99% of the targets), with 416 mines triggered, 31 mines mechanically neutralised and 3 mines left live. The tiller neutralised 430 out of 450 mines (95%), with 371 triggered, 59 mines mechanically neutralised and 20 left live. The machine always cleared to the required depth and showed a tendency to clear deeper than required. The ground penetration showed some small variations and was very similar for the flail and tiller tool. The machine showed variations in speed and had problems maintaining the right depth penetration, probably due to the lack of a depth control system. The flail and tiller shafts showed serious damage after the Anti Tank mine survivability tests, making further clearing operations impossible. The tool frame and machine, however, were not damaged.
Project No. 3.2.44 Title: Test and evaluation of the Mini MineWolf.
Description: Performance and survivability testing of the Mini MineWolf flail and tiller according to the CWA 15044 test protocol. Performance testing of the Mini MineWolf flail and tiller will be carried out in specially built test lanes containing WORM test targets and fibreboards to determine the machine ground processing depth. The survivability testing of the flail and tiller will be carried out against life anti tank mines TM-46, TM-62, PT Mi-Ba-III and DM 21. Aim: Performance and survivability test of the Mini MineWolf Request: German Army Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Mini MineWolf Development: COTS Time Frame: 2007-08-01 to 2007-12-31 Place: Bundeswehr Technical Center for Weapons and Ammunition (WTD 91), Meppen Lead Nation: Germany Partners: Canada Status: Archived Comments: This trial is part of an ongoing program by the Bundeswehr Technical Center for Weapons and Ammunition (WTD 91) to test commercial-off-
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the-shelf Mechanical Assistance Equipment (MAE) in accordance to urgent military and/or humanitarian (German Foreign Office) need. Results/Conclusions: The final test report is available at the ITEP reports webpage. The report concludes that the Mini MineWolf demining machine with both attachments is suited for the clearance of antipersonnel and antitank mines. It achieved good results in the performance tests. The total Mini MineWolf clearance rate was approximately 99 % at an operating speed between 781 m²/h and 1595 m²/h. No major damage occurred during the clearance runs (survivability tests) and all necessary repairs could be performed on site the same day. A summary of the trial and its main results can also be found in a Journal of Mine Action article (Issue 12.1, Summer 2008). The above listed final report mentions a deficiency of the WORM test target system related to the battery mounting. During the tests, the battery was torn off the mounting several times. This subsequently resulted in discrepancies concerning the evaluation of the WORM mines. A ruggedization of the WORM system battery mounting is therefore recommended.
Project No. 3.2.45 Title: MV 10 test and evaluation.
Description: Performance and survivability testing of the MV-10 according to the CEN Workshop on Test and Evaluation of Demining Machines (CWA 15044:2004) test guidelines. Aim: To establish CWA 15044 characteristics of the MV-10 Request: Manufacturer Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: DOK-ING MV-10 Development: COTS Time Frame: 2008-05-01 to 2008-05-31 Place: SWEDEC Norra Kulla test range in Eksjö (Sweden) Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: Status: Archived Comments: Canada (Defence Research and Development - DRDC) in co-operation with the Croatian Mine Action Centre - Centre for Testing Development and Training (CROMAC - CTRO) carried out a CWA performance test of the MV-10 in summer 2006 (ITEP Project 3.2.35). The manufacturer made some modifications of both the machine (new remote control system) and
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the SOP for the driver and therefore requested a new CWA 15044 test in 2008. Results/Conclusions: The test report was published in October 2008. The report provides results of the performance tests in sand, gravel and topsoil with mine targets buried at 0 , 10 and 15 cm depth. It also includes the associated ground penetration depth measurements (fibreboard penetration profiles) and ground processing times. The report further presents the results of the survivability of the machine against three AT-mines, of which two mines were flush buried and one was buried at a depth of 35 cm.The main conclusions are as follows: The MV-10 triggered or neutralised 425 out of 450 mines - 95 % of the targets used in the trial. The clearance results varied from 42/50 to 50/50 triggered or neutralised mines, depending on soil type and target depth. Some of the measured ground penetraton profiles showed skipzones which were attributed to the high forward speed applied in the corresponding test lanes. This high forward speed was also judged to be the reason for the lower performance in certain test lanes. The machine demonstrated the ability to penetrate well beyond the depth required to engage the deepest targets. In all but the most difficult soil, a smooth uniform ground penetration profile across the entire width of the machine was observed. The machine suffered little damage during the AT survivability tests (Swedish m/41-47AT mine). A few chains and hammers were lost from the flail, while the tiller also showed some missing and/or bent teeth. The problem noted in the 2006 trial regarding the automatic depth control had not been addressed prior to this trial, but will be taken into account in the next version of the machine.
Project No. 3.2.46 Title: Flail fundamentals.
Description: Investigating interaction of such factors as chain length, hammer shape and weight, rotational speed, forward speed, power consumption, etc. Aim: To understand the factors influencing flail performance. Request: Canada, Defence Research and Development Canada - Suffield (DRDC- Suffield) Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Generic flails Development: Research/Development Time Frame: 2006-06-01 to 2011-12-31 Place: Canada, Defence Research and Development Canada - Suffield (DRDC- Suffield)
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Lead Nation: Canada Partners: Status: Ongoing at the end of the ITEP program. For more information on this project, please contact the Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC). Comments: The Canadian Chain Flail Evaluation Platform (CCFEP) is used to evaluate the effectiveness of various flail configurations. Over the summer of 2009, several different configurations were tested but weather conditions caused severe delays to the test program. Further testing is scheduled for the summer of 2010. More information on the CCFEP and first data collection period is available in an ITEP 2009 Work Plan meeting presentation and a presentation given after the last ITEP BoD meeting in June 2010 . Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 3.2.47 Title: Test and evaluation of the Freeland 3000.
Description: The Freeland 3000 will be submitted to a Pre-Trial Assessment (PTA) in order to gather and verify basic data about the maturity and applicability of the machine for humanitarian demining. In case the PTA is successful, it will be followed by performance and survivability tests according to the CEN Workshop Agreement on Test and Evaluation of Demining Machines (CWA15044:2004). Aim: To establish baseline CWA 15044 performance and survivability characteristics of the Freeland 3000, and provide feedback to the manufacturer on possible improvements. Request: Manufacturer (Complete Demining AB) Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Freeland 3000 Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2008-08-01 to 2008-08-31 Place: Sweden (SWEDEC Norra Kulla) Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: Two test reports were published. The Pre-Trial Assessment (PTA) report focuses on the initial tests that were executed (mobility, speed,
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vegetation clearance and ground penetration depth) to gather and verify basic data, while the Test and Evaluation report presents the results of the CWA 15044:2004 performance tests in sand, gravel and topsoil with mine targets buried at 0, 10 and 15 cm depth as well as the outcome of the AT survivability trial. The PTA concluded that the machine had a good ground penetrating capability and a very stable clearance speed but that there were some mobility problems on certain types of terrain. The PTA further noted that the machine would benefit from an automatic depth control (ground contouring system). See PTA report executive summary. The Test and Evaluation reports shows that the Freeland 3000 had a very good clearance result in the standard test lanes (100% neutralised/triggered) and the ability to penetrate well beyond the depth required to engage the test targets buried at 15 cm depth, although the ground penetration depth across the test lane showed some variation. The machine did not show any damage after the AT mine survivability test of the flail tool. See also Test and Evaluation report executive summary.
Project No. 3.2.48 Title: Test and evaluation of the MV-4 tiller.
Description: Test and evaluation of the performance and survivability of the DOK- ING d.o.o. MV-4 tiller according to the CEN Workshop Agreement on Test and Evaluation of Demining Machines (CWA 15044) Aim: To establish baseline CWA 15044 performance and survivability characteristics of the DOK-ING d.o.o. MV-4 with tiller unit. Request: Manufacturer, UNMAS Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: DOK-ING d.o.o. MV4-with tiller unit Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2009-05-01 to 0000-00-00 Place: SWEDEC test site Norra Kulla, Sweden Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: GICHD Status: This project was partially carried out and will probably be continued after the end of the ITEP Program. For more information on the project, please contact the Swedish EOD and Demining Centre (SWEDEC). Comments: A trial of the DOK-ING MV-4 with prototype tiller head using the CWA 15044 test guidelines was conducted during the second and third week of May 2009 at the SWEDEC Norra Kulla test range. However, the
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first performance test results indicated the need for a modification of the tiller tool and DOK-ING decided to abort the performance trial. The survivability trial was carried out. In June 2010 follow-on tests were carried out, also at the Norra Kulla test range, of a modified tiller head. These test results showed that further development and testing of the MV-4 tiller tool was required. Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 3.2.49 Title: Test and evaluation of the Bozena 5 flail and tiller.
Description: Test and evaluation of the performance and survivability of the WAY Industry Bozena 5 flail and tiller tool according to the CEN Workshop Agreement on Test and Evaluation of Demining Machines (CWA 15044: 2004) Aim: To establish baseline CWA 15044 performance and survivability characteristics of the WAY Industry Bozena 5 with flail and tiller unit. Request: Manufacturer, UNMAS Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: WAY Industry Bozena 5 with flail and tiller unit Development: COTS Time Frame: 2009-08-24 to 2009-09-02 Place: SWEDEC test site Norra Kulla, Sweden Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: Canada, GICHD Status: Cancelled Comments: The trial was cancelled due to delays with the tiller development Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 3.2.50 Title: Test and evaluation of the Scanjack 3500 with Solid Link flail.
Description: Test and evaluation of the performance and survivability of the Scanjack AB Scanjack 3500 Solid Link Flail unit according to the CEN Workshop Agreement on Test and Evaluation of Demining Machines (CWA 15044: 2004) Aim: To establish baseline CWA 15044 performance and survivability
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characteristics of the Scanjack AB Scanjack 3500 with Solid Link Flail unit. Request: Manufacturer, Swedish Armed Forces Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Scanjack AB Scanjack 3500 with Solid Link Flail unit Development: COTS Time Frame: 2009-09-21 to 2009-10-09 Place: SWEDEC test site Norra Kulla, Sweden Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: The Netherlands, GICHD Status: Cancelled Comments: The manufacturer cancelled the trial. Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 3.2.51 Title: Test and evaluation of the Oracle II tiller.
Description: Performance and survivability testing of the Oracle II tiller according to the CEN Workshop on Test and Evaluation of Demining Machines (CWA 15044) test guidelines. Aim: To establish baseline CWA 15044 performance and survivability characteristics of the Countermine plc. Oracle II heavy tiller. Request: Manufacturer Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Countermine plc Oracle II Development: COTS Time Frame: 2010-05-03 to 2010-05-12 Place: Sweden (SWEDEC Norra Kulla test facility) Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: GICHD Status: Trials/tests completed. The test report is under development and will be available by the end of September 2010. For more information on the project, please contact the Swedish EOD and Demining Centre (SWEDEC). Comments: The test report will be published at the GICHD technology webpage.
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Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 3.2.52 Title: Test and evaluation of the SCAMP roller.
Description: The SCAMP roller is a highly customised roller attachment that can be easily adapted to a variety of remote-controlled or manned prime-mover vehicles. Its potential as a mine-clearance tool will be assessed according to a suitable test protocol which is still under discussion. Aim: Assess the performance of the SCAMP roller and provide feedback to the manufacturer. Request: Manufacturer Category: Mechanical Assistance Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Humanistic Robotics Inc Scamp Roller Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2010-09-20 to 2010-09-24 Place: Sweden (SWEDEC Norra Kulla test facility) Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: GICHD Status: Planned at the end of the ITEP Program. For more information on this project, please contact the Swedish EOD and Demining Centre (SWEDEC). Comments: Results/Conclusions:
MANUAL TOOLS
Project No. 4.2.1 Title: Instrumented prodder product development path, phase A.
Description: The technology demonstrator version of an instrumented prodder system developed in Canada is tested in the Netherlands under controlled conditions. The performance of its material indication feature is determined for mine-like objects from different types of wood, plastic, metal and stone buried in 6 different soil types. In the analysis of the results aspects such as the prodding angle (the angle between the prodder and the soil surface), the used prodding force, the hardness and the stickiness of the soil are regarded.
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Aim: To provide guidance to the product development path of the instrumented prodder. The ultimate project aim is the introduction of the instrumented prodder by one or more NGOs. One of the activities in the project consists of the test and evaluation of the different versions of the instrumented prodder that will become available during the product development path. Request: Users Category: Manual Tools Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Instrumented prodder Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2002-07-01 to 2003-12-31 Place: The Netherlands, TNO-Physics and Electronics Laboratory. Lead Nation: The Netherlands Partners: Canada Status: Archived Comments: A users group was created in which experts and end-users on both military and humanitarian demining were represented. This users group contributed to a document on demining scenarios in which an instrumented prodder may have a surplus value and on the user requirements for such an instrumented prodder. Results/Conclusions: In the final test report it is concluded that material identification of buried objects with the technology applied in the instrumented prodder is possible. The use of the instrumented prodder is limited to the softer soil types, just as the conventional prodder. The performance of the current version of the instrumented prodder is affected by the stickiness of the soil: in sticky soil, such as clay, the material identification by the prodder is unreliable. The sponsor of the project, the Netherlands Ministry of Defence, decided to stop the funding for the continuation of the Instrumented Prodder development. The reasons for this decision were the disappointing results of the current version of the Instrumented Prodder, the technical risk of the development and the expected limited use of the Instrumented Prodder in demining operations. The Netherlands Ministry of Defence expects that the Instrumented Prodder (after completion of the development path) will not be accepted by deminers and sees no surplus value of this device in both humanitarian and military demining operations. Moreover, it is foreseen that other alternative mechanical tools for the manual prodder will be available in the near future. A summary of the test results can be found in the 2003 EUDEM-SCOT conference article Instrumented Prodder: Preliminary Results of the Technology Demonstrator Evaluation.
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PERSONAL PROTECTION
Project No. 5.1.1 Title: Methodology for test and evaluation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Description: Develop standard test protocols to evaluate and rank the performance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The work will include the development of test equipment, instrumentation and test procedures to test PPE against the effects of AP blast mines. Injury criteria will also be considered and proposed. Furthermore, the work will be divided in upper-body (above the waist) and lower-body (below the waist) methods. Aim: To establish methods, equipment and procedures for test and evaluation of Personal Protective Equipment. Request: Users, Donors, NGOs, NMAAs, Manufacturers, Developers. Category: Personal Protection Type: Methodology Equipment: Various Development: N/A Time Frame: 2000-05-01 to 2002-06-30 Place: United States, Canada Lead Nation: United States Partners: Canada Status: Archived Comments: This activity is a continuation of past co-operation between the United States and Canada that generated an extensive Personal Protective Equipment testing database built upon several hundreds of tests. Results/Conclusions: An article describing preliminary work was published in the Journal of Mine Action in 2000. The report detailing the developed methodology for test and evaluation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was made available in 2001. Reports on additional DRDC-Suffield work related to the development of PPE test methodologies have also been published, such as Protocols to Test Upper Body PPE Against AP Blast Mines. The information published in the report Test Methodologies for Personal Protective Equipment Against Anti-Personnel Mine Blast issued by the NATO Panel on Human Factors and Medicine (HFM 089/TG024) is also based on the United States/Canadian work.
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Project No. 5.1.2 Title: CEN Workshop Agreement (CW 26) on Test Methodology for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for use in Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA).
Description: Existing test methodologies for PPE are reflecting the threat military personnel and police are facing, which is different from the threat encountered by deminers active in HMA. This project will, following the procedure of a CEN Workshop: define the threat for personnel in HMA and establish reliable replicable simulated threats, define specifications for determining the mechanical suitability of finished PPE used in HMA, define a test methodology for PPE in HMA, establish specifications for recording the results of tests in a uniform manner, and determine ergonomic criteria and constraints required by the HMA end-user. Aim: The aim of the workshop agreement is: to give the HMA users of PPE a way of testing PPE in order to establish if it fulfils the requirement for the specific working situation, increase the possibilities for PPE manufacturers to meet the user requirements and hence develop more suitable PPE, reducing accidents and increasing the effectiveness of HMA, to be included in the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS). Request: Users in HMA, UNMAS, European Commission. Category: Personal Protection Type: Methodology Equipment: N/A Development: N/A Time Frame: 2006-04-01 to 2007-12-31 Place: CEN Management Centre - Brussels, GICHD Lead Nation: Sweden, GICHD Partners: Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Croatian Mine Action Centre (CROMAC), UNMAS, CEN, PPE Manufacturers (Med-Eng Systems Inc., Oriental Demining Technology Service, KODE Design AS, ROFI Industry AS, SATRA Technology Centre), Massachusetts Institute of Technology - MIT, PPE Users (INTERSOS, Danish Demining Group - DDG, Norwegian People Aid - NPA, Swiss Foundation for Mine Action - FSD), Daping Hospital of the Third Military Medical University. Status: Archived
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Comments: The responsibility for the workshop was equally carried by the Swedish Standardisation Institute (SIS) and the GICHD. The chair was a co-chaired of two specialists in HMA issues: Kaj Horberg, SIS, responsible for administration and organisation; Tim Lardner, GICHD, responsible for technical coordination. The first CEN Workshop meeting was held at the GICHD on the 5th and 6th of September 2006, where the basis for the CEN Workshop Agreement (CWA) was designed. There were approximately 25 participants, representing manufacturers, end-users and test institutions. The second meeting of the WS was held from the 5th to the 6th of December 2006 during which a second draft of the CWA was further developed. The third and last technical meeting took place at the CEN Management Centre from the 13th to the 14th of March 2007, during which a final draft CWA was agreed upon. Following a period of public consultation, during which the draft document approved by the CEN Workshop was available at the CEN website for public comments, the final CWA was compiled and submitted to CEN at the beginning of September 2007. A description of the CEN Workshop 26 process and status can also be found on the CEN website. Results/Conclusions: A study on deminer position supporting the development of the CEN Workshop Agreement on Test and Evaluation of Protective Equipment was executed by SWEDEC in 2006. The aim of the study was to determine the distance and the angle to describe the position of the deminer in the CEN Workshop Agreement. The analysis used video footage of deminers at work in different locations and from different organisations (see A summary report of the study). The CEN Workshop Agreeement was published by CEN at the end of December 2007 as CWA Humanitarian mine action (HMA) - Personal protective equipment (PPE) - Test and Evaluation (CWA 15756:2007) but was later withdrawn because of problems with the guidelines for the simulant mine explosive content. Trials are currently been carried out to address the problem (ITEP Project 5.1.3 ). A validated and possibly amended CWA 15757 will be published as soon as possible.
Project No. 5.1.3 Title: Validation of the CEN Workshop Agreement on Test and Evaluation of Personal Protective Equipment (CWA 15756) - Blast testing.
Description: Testing of face protection systems in 2008 by Canada (ITEP Project 5.2.4) and Sweden (ITEP Project 5.2.5) using the CWA 15756 test guidelines led to the conclusion that the CWA 15756 simulant mine specification should be reviewed. The main objectives of the trial are therefore 1) to determine an appropriate TNT-equivalent for 240 g TNT to be used in face protection blast testing for humanitarian demining and 2) to establish the blast performance of two commercially available and
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operationally used face protection systems and the new design face protection mask (ROFI). Aim: Evaluate - improve the CWA 15756 simulant mine specification for blast testing, and compare the blast performance of available face protection systems using the proven simulant mine specification Request: UNMAS Category: Personal Protection Type: Methodology, Test and Evaluation Equipment: Security Devices visors, LBA International Ltd. Tetranike Visorband and the new ROFI face protection system. A fourth visor type might be included. Development: N/A Time Frame: 2009-08-01 to 2010-12-31 Place: Defence Research and Development Canada, Suffield (DRDC-Suffield) Lead Nation: Canada Partners: Status: Ongoing at the end of the ITEP Program. For more information on the project, please contact the Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC). Comments: The test series started in November 2009 and is ongoing. Tests are being carried out outside in a heated, enclosed concrete structure. In the first test series, tests were performed without the Hybrid III mannequin to establish baseline pressures at the nose with a range of charges buried in sand (PMN mine, 200 g C4, 200 g TNT and 240 g TNT). In a second test series, a subset of the available visors were tested using 200 g TNT charges. However, there was some concern on whether complete detonation of the TNT pucks had been achieved and free-field testing has been carried out to further investigate the detonation of the TNT pucks. The trial with the mannequin and visors/face protection systems has now resumed and final results are expected by the end of 2010. The progress of the trial is described in two presentations given during the final ITEP BoD meeting in June 2010 (presentation 1, presentation 2). Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 5.2.1 Title: Test and evaluation of mine protective boots.
Description: Survey and test and evaluation of commercially available mine protective boots. Develop and validate a standard test protocol to
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measure the effect of shock/blast and compare the effects between unprotected and protected situations. Aim: Test and evaluate protective mine boots. Outcome - Survey of commercially available mine protective boots and test report. Request: Users, Donors, NGOs, NMAAs Category: Personal Protection Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Commercially available mine protective boots: Med-Eng Spider Boot, Ro-Search Combat Boot, Wellco Enterprises Inc. Blast Boot, BFR V-40, Wellco Over Boot, DIS Design/Anonymate Combat Boot, Zeman Shoe Ltd. Combat Boot, Force Ware GmbH Combat Boot, Aigis Engineering Solutions Ltd. Combat Boot, Samad Rubber Works Ltd. Platform Boot, Fevam America Inc. Platform Boot Development: COTS Time Frame: 2000-08-01 to 2003-12-31 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD Lead Nation: United States Partners: Canada Status: Archived Comments: The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Humanitarian Demining Research and Development program completed a trial in 2000 using 5 commercially available mine protective boots and an improvised sandal (Lower Extremity Assessment Program - LEAP). Defence Research and Development - Suffield (DRDC-Suffield) and CCMAT completed a series of tests in August 2003 that looked at 5 different commercially available demining boots. That work also considered boot fragmentation as a separate issue. DRDC-Suffield has further studied the effect that standoff has on lower limb injuries from AP blast mines. Results/Conclusions: The research and tests described in the final LEAP report have demonstrated that the available landmine protective footwear does not prevent severe injury but potentially reduces injury severity against some AP mines. The report discusses the change of injury pattern in a cadaver model wearing mine protective footwear during AP blast mine detonation. It further presents the analytical methodology developed to assess mine protective footwear and injury severity associated with blast mines across the spectrum of threat. A summary report on the DRDC-Suffield trial of COTS demining boots was published in October 2005. This report lists the test results obtained for all boots and concludes, amongst others, that likely none of the tested boots are acceptable in most humanitarian demining theatres. Furthermore, it is noted that the fragmentation threat posed by the boots will require deminers to protect themselves accordingly with both upper
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and lower body armour. The report detailing the study on the effect of standoff on lower limb injuries was released in March 2007. The study demonstrated that greater standoff seem to result in greater injury reduction, and that the most favourable condition seems to be an air gap as compared to Styrofoam filling of the standoff space. The study further showed that boot damage is not necessarily an accurate predictor of lower leg injury.
Project No. 5.2.2 Title: Exploratory tests of personal protective equipment.
Description: Initial investigation into the effectiveness of the Fevam America Inflatable Sapper Platform and the Mechem Mine Mattress. Both devices are intended to reduce the probability of triggering an AP mine. Aim: Pre-trial assessment to verify the claim of the manufacturer and to guide possible future test and evaluation of the devices. Request: CCMAT Category: Personal Protection Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Fevam America Inflatable Sapper Platform, Mechem Mine Mattress Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2004-10-01 to 2004-11-01 Place: Swedec, Norra Kulla test site Lead Nation: Canada Partners: Sweden, United Kingdom Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: The test report was published in December 2004. The report concludes that although the tests were not sufficient in number or in thoroughness to draw definitive conclusions about the performance of either product, both the Mechem Mine Mattress and the Fevam Inflatable Boot Platform showed promise in decreasing the probability of triggering certain AP mines. There appears to be merit to the idea of a more exhaustive set of trials which would examine, at a minimum, different types of mines. It would also be worthwhile to investigate any possible protection that might be provided to the user.
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Project No. 5.2.3 Title: Test and evaluation of Personal Protective Equipment (ROFI).
Description: Perform blast test on visors and other PPE according to the CEN Workshop Agreement on Test and Evaluation of Protective Equipment (CEN Workshop 26 - ITEP Project 5.1.2). Aim: To validate the development of the CEN Workshop Agreement on Test and Evaluation of Protective Equipment and to produce data on the blast performance of visors and other PPE equipment Request: User, SRSA, UNMAS Category: Personal Protection Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: ROFI face mask, ROFI Armadillo body armour Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2007-08-01 to 2007-11-31 Place: SWEDEC (Sweden) Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: Swedish Rescue Service Agency (SRSA) Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: The trial was financed by the SRSA and conducted at SWEDEC. The blast tests consisted of a short set of shots against a PPE system provided by ROFI. The tested PPE system was the Armadillo body armour (armour in two pieces protecting lower and upper torso respectively) and a face mask. In the test report it is concluded that the ROFI Armadillo body armour and ROFI face mask comply with the requirements of the blast test as specified in the CEN Workshop Agreement on Test and Evaluation of Personal Protective Equipment used in Humanitarian Mine Action (CWA 15756). This trial was followed by a second trial in November 2008 (ITEP Project 5.2.5)
Project No. 5.2.4 Title: Visor heat treatment.
Description: The Journal of Mine Action (JMA) article Visor Scratch Repair and Prevention (JMA, Issue 10.2) proposes a method for repairing scratch- damaged visors to extend their operational life. There is a concern that the proposed treatment could make the visors brittle. A series of tests
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executed by Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) will determine whether this is a concern or not. Aim: To assess the blast and ballistic performance of deminer visors before and after heat treatment, verifying whether the proposed heat treatment makes visors brittle. Request: Demining community, UNMAS Category: Personal Protection Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Security Devices Ltd. polycarbonate visors: new, manually scratched and heat-gun-repaired Development: Research/Development Time Frame: 2008-01-01 to 2008-03-31 Place: DRDC Suffield, Canada Lead Nation: Canada Partners: Status: Trials/tests completed but no final report published at the end of the ITEP Program. For more information on this project, please contact the Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC). Comments: An overview of the trial results is available in a 2009 ITEP Work Plan meeting presentation. Results/Conclusions: The trial report is not expected to be released soon. An article describing the trial and providing a summary of the obtained results has been published in the Journal of Mine Action (JMA, issue 13.3, Winter 2009). The main conclusions are as follows: - Scratching the visors did not appear to have any detrimental effects on the blast resistance of the visors. - The proposed heat treatment of the scratched visors appears to degrade the blast resistance of the visors. - All of the visors, including new ones, were broken during blast tests using charge sizes half the size recommended by the relevant standards. - Neither the scratching nor the heat-treating process appears to have any detrimental effects on the V50 performance of the visors under test. The V50 ratings for new, scratched and heat-treated visors fall within the 225–250m/s range. Note that contrary to popular opinion, there is actually no requirement to have visors achieve a V50 rating of 450m/s. - There is a need to investigate whether the revised CWA should allow substitutions for TNT, and if so, what equivalency criteria should be applied. As a follow-up to this trial DRDC-Suffield started another test series in November 2009 in order to clarify the TNT equivalence issue in blast testing of eye-protection equipment (ITEP Project 5.1.3)
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Project No. 5.2.5 Title: Test and evaluation of Personal Protective Equipment.
Description: Perform PPE blast tests according to the CEN Workshop Agreement on Test and Evaluation of Protective Equipment (CWA 15756:2007) Aim: To experimentally validate the CEN Workshop Agreement on Test and Evaluation of Protective Equipment (CWA 15756:2007) and to produce data on the blast performance of PPE equipment Request: User community, UNMAS Category: Personal Protection Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: ROFI face mask Development: COTS Time Frame: 2008-07-01 to 2008-11-30 Place: SWEDEC (Sweden) Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: Swedish Rescue Services Agency (SRSA) Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: The second series of blast tests on the ROFI face mask took place at the end of November 2008 and followed a previous trial executed in October 2007 (ITEP Project 5.2.3). After the November 2007 trial was concluded and reported, it was realised that the explosive charge which had been used (140 g TNT equivalent) was not equivalent to the charge specified in the CWA (240 g TNT equivalent). The current trial is a repeat with the correct explosive charge, and with the new slightly modified ROFI face mask. The test report of the second blast trial was published in December 2008. While the first series of blast tests produced satisfactory performance results, the second test series showed that the tested PPE did neither withstand the blast, nor the secondary fragments and heat. Questions also surfaced about the representativeness of the simulated mine as stipulated by the CWA 15756:2007, and further methodology tests are recommended in order to make the results obtained from CWA tests more representative of what happens in minefield operations.
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NEUTRALIZATION
Project No. 6.2.1 Title: Comparative test and evaluation of individual mine neutralization devices.
Description: Using a common methodology and identical mine/UXO targets, provide reliable comparative data for deminers. This will allow deminers to select the best device(s) for use in mine/UXO neutralization in their particular situation. The project will require input from the user, use of numerous ITEP test agencies, and will be restricted to explosive and pyrotechnic devices that are commercially available (COTS). Aim: To provide demining agencies with unbiased comparative test data for selection of neutralization devices for use against individual mine/UXO threats. Request: Users, donors. Category: Neutralization Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Development: COTS Time Frame: 2002-06-01 to 2003-04-30 Place: Various Lead Nation: Canada Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: Duplication of efforts by Sweden (ITEP Project 6.2.7) and Germany (ITEP Project 6.2.4). Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 6.2.2 Title: Development and test and evaluation of a Propellant Torch System (PTS).
Description: Develop a system that can penetrate and neutralize all AP and AT hardened landmines. The concept is based on rocket technology that uses a very high temperature pyrotechnic/propellant (4000 K) and is also able to initiate rapid combustive neutralization of all explosive charges in less than one minute. Aim: Improve, test and evaluate the Propellant Torch System (PTS) for mine
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neutralization. Outcome - Prototype hardware and test report. Request: Users, Donors, NGOs, NMAAs, Developer, Manufacturer. Category: Neutralization Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Propellant Torch System (PTS) Development: COTS Time Frame: 2002-05-01 to 2003-09-30 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD. Lead Nation: United States Partners: Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: The 2003 trial summary report states that torch penetration was a function of the propellant. Generally, the standoff and angle of attack was found to be critical in achieving a successful neutralization, particularly for the AP bounding fragmentation mine which has two casings. Using two torches simultaneously reduced the burn time and increased the likelihood of successful neutralization (e.g. the AT blast, steel casing mine). For light AP mines (less than about 150 g.), the mine was displaced by the torch jet without being penetrated. A torch with a lower thrust may be necessary for these types of mines. Results from tests with the Propellant Torch System, and other neutralisation devices, can also be found in the publication In-Situ Landmine Neutralization by Chemical versus Thermal Initiation: Deminer Preferences. Results of more recent tests with the PTS can be found in the April 2005 report Operational Evaluation Test of Mine Neutralisation Systems.
Project No. 6.2.3 Title: Develop and test and evaluate a High Performance Foamed Nitromethane Mine Neutralization System.
Description: Develop a new nitromethane formulation and redesign of delivery system to improve the current LEXFOAM delivery system. Proposed improvements are related to effectiveness to thick cased landmines; ability to produce foams below 0 degree C; elimination of foam degradation at hot weather; short mixing time for solutions of Unit A and Unit B; and easiness to initiate the system. Aim: Develop, test and evaluate a High Performance Foamed Nitromethane Mine Neutralization System. Outcome - Prototype hardware and test report.
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Request: Users, Donors, NGOs, NMAAs, Developer, Manufacturer. Category: Neutralization Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: NMX-foam Development: COTS Time Frame: 2002-05-01 to 2004-12-31 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD Lead Nation: United States Partners: Golden West Humanitarian Foundation Status: Archived Comments: Previous field trials in Kosovo and Cambodia with the old Hand-Held Explosive Foam System, confirmed the validity of the Foamed Nitromethane (NM) concept, but identified certain weaknesses. A requirement emerged for a new foamed NM formulation, which retained the basic characteristics of the hand-held system and builds upon its strengths. The new system and formulation that was developed, called NMX-foam (for NitroMethane eXplosive foam), develops more explosive power to attack blast mines and incorporates the modifications recommended from trials with the old system in order to maximize its practicality. Results/Conclusions: The results of the 2003 NMX-foam developmental trials are available in a summary report. The trial confirmed the improved effectiveness of the new NMX-foam System against both thin-walled and thick-walled AP mines, as well as some types of AT mines. Results suggest that thin- walled AP mines of any type can be destroyed by a single can or less of NMX-foam. AT mines and thick-walled (fragmentation) AP mines generally require one to two cans to ensure complete detonation. Operational tests are needed to optimize the use of NMX-foam regarding different combinations of charge size and placement. Results of more recent tests with the NMX-foam System can be found in the April 2005 report Operational Evaluation Test of Mine Neutralisation Systems.
Project No. 6.2.4 Title: Test and evaluation of pyrotechnical mine neutralisation means.
Description: Program to test available, off-the-shelf pyrotechnical non-explosive means like FIRE ANT (United Kingdom) etc. Aim: To proof the effectiveness, especially the non-explosive effectiveness, of pyrotechnical means against different types of mines, surface-laid and buried.
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Request: German Army and Foreign Office (for humanitarian purposes). Category: Neutralization Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: DM29 Ignition Charge -Fire-EOD-PT, FireAnt A210, Hyper Heat Mine Flare Development: COTS Time Frame: 2003-01-01 to 2004-08-31 Place: Germany, Bundeswehr Technical Center for Weapons and Ammunition (WTD 91) Lead Nation: Germany Partners: Sweden Status: Archived Comments: This project was coordinated with similar activities undertaken by Sweden (ITEP Project 6.2.7). Results/Conclusions: In the final report it is concluded that no safe method for non-explosive (low order) clearance of AT mines using ignition charges and (thermite) demining flares could be found. It further details the results for the tested charges/flares related to: Chemical-technical testing, Thermal signature measurements, Penetration performance in a laminar target, Parameter optimisation using an AT mine TM-46 as target, and Initiation tests of experimental demolition charges using a thermite flare.
Project No. 6.2.5 Title: Develop and test and evaluate a Humanitarian Demining Mine Neutralization Projectile.
Description: Develop a mine neutralization technology using a projectile filled with reactive material. Aim: Develop and test and evaluate a humanitarian demining mine neutralization projectile. Outcome - Prototype hardware and test report. Request: Users, Donors, Developer, Manufacturer. Category: Neutralization Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: N/A Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2003-08-08 to 2004-12-31
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Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD. Lead Nation: United States Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: Results/Conclusions: Some results from tests with, amongst others, humanitarian demining Mine Neutralisation Projectiles can be found in the publication In-Situ Landmine Neutralization by Chemical versus Thermal Initiation: Deminer Preferences.
Project No. 6.2.6 Title: All -Terrain/Underwater Propellant Torch System.
Description: Improvements of previously developed technology in order to enable the use of a propellant torch device against all metal-cased surface and underwater mines. This requirement for attacking mines underwater came from the 2002 U.S. Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program Requirements Workshop by three nations. Aim: Test and evaluation of a modified mine neutralization system. Outcome - Prototype hardware and test report. Request: Users, Donors, NGOs, NMAAs, Developer, Manufacturer. Category: Neutralization Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Underwater Propellant Torch System (UWPTS) Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2003-03-01 to 2008-03-01 Place: United States,CECOM-RDEC, NVESD. Lead Nation: United States Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: See also ITEP Project 6.2.2 - Propellant Torch System (PTS). Results/Conclusions: The tests were carried out during July-Augsut 2007 but the project was cancelled in the ITEP Work Plan because the report cannot be released into the public domain
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Project No. 6.2.7 Title: Test and evaluation of pyrotechnical mine neutralisation means.
Description: Program to test pyrotechnical non-explosive means (commercial-off-the- shelf and techniques under development) for military and/or humanitarian use. Aim: To test and evaluate the effectiveness of pyrotechnical means against different types of mines and UXO. The aim is to start a deflagration process and minimise the risk for detonation. Request: Swedish Army (humanitarian purposes). Category: Neutralization Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Disarmco Ltd. thermite charges (Hurricane, Storm, LTT and TSID 2000), FOI and other products. Development: COTS Time Frame: 2002-12-01 to 2003-12-31 Place: Sweden, Defence Material Administration, Test Range Karlsborg, Sweden. Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: Germany, United Kingdom. Status: Archived Comments: Other T&E activities were coordinated with ITEP Project 6.2.4. Results/Conclusions: Two test reports, for the Disarmco Ltd. thermite charges and the FOI thermite lances were published in December 2002 and October 2003 respectively. The results of the trials with the DISARMCO Ltd. Charges were good and have demonstrated that the use of thermite charges in many cases constitutes an efficient manner to render AT-mines and unexploded ordnance harmless. The DISARMCO Ltd. Hurricane, Storm and LTT charges have proven to be very efficient against anti-tank mines. The trials have shown that the mines were destroyed in an efficient manner by using two or more thermite charges. The TSID 2000 charges have proven to be very efficient against thin-walled shells. The performance against ammunition with thicker shell bodies is more uncertain. The Swedish and German (ITEP Project 6.2.4) test and evaluation efforts have shown that there is no relevant use for thermite charges in humanitarian demining. The activity related to T&E of neutralization devices was therefore closed down.
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Project No. 6.2.8 Title: Mine Identification and Neutralisation System by Waterjet.
Description: A prototype system consisting of a high-pressure pump with three interchangeable tools to either detect, uncover or neutralise a mine will be developed and tested. COTS equipment will be adapted to the specific requirement and different data analysis methods for detection will be evaluated. Aim: Develop and test and evaluate a prototype waterjet. Outcome - Prototype hardware and test report. Request: Users, Donors Category: Neutralization Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Prototype waterjet Development: Prototype/Demonstrator Time Frame: 2000-01-01 to 2002-12-31 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD Lead Nation: United States Partners: Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: The development of the prototype waterjet system, as well as the results from in-laboratory and in-field trials of the prototype equipment are detailed in the report The Elimination of Landmines by Aqueous Detection, Identification and Neutralization (ELADIN). A combined package, based upon a single pump, has been proposed for locating landmines based on audio data, as well as for uncovering and neutralising landmines. Preliminary development tests were performed in the laboratory at University of Missouri Rolla to develop an initial set of prototype equipment and analytical software. This system was then tested in the field at a government facility. These tests have demonstrated the flexibility of the overall system and the ability to control (potentially from a remote location) the uncovering and neutralization of the mine. It is planned to further develop the waterjet prototype soil removing tool by ruggedizing the unit and integrating it onto a robotic platform containing an infrared (IR) sensor. Once integrated, the robotic systems waterjet will spray streams of hot water over the topsoil covering suspected mines and detect the heated mines using the IR sensor.
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Project No. 6.2.9 Title: Humanitarian demining mine neutralisation technology evaluation.
Description: This project is intended to identify, test and evaluate various off-the- shelf mine/UXO neutralization technologies. The goal is to minimize the candidate technologies to those which neutralize mines/UXO via low- order deflagration, or via detonation. Low-order deflagration mine neutralization (i.e. neutralization through burning) will remain the most important neutralization tool for the foreseeable future. Aim: Evaluation of COTS mine/UXO technologies. Outcome - Test reports Request: Users, Donors, NMAAs Category: Neutralization Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: FireAnt, Hyperheat Mine Flare, Propellant Torch System, Pyropak, Pyro- Torch System, Thiokol Demining Flare, FIXOR, HELIX, Kinepak (Kinepouch and Kinestik), Liquid Explosive Pouch, NMX-foam, PESCO Humanitarian Demining Perforators, SM-EOD 20, SM-EOD 33, A- Systems Laser Deflagration System (ASLD), MineBurner, Mine Disarmer Development: COTS/Prototype Time Frame: 2004-01-01 to 2004-12-31 Place: United States Lead Nation: United States Partners: Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: The test report provides a detailed description of the different systems tested and of the applied test protocol. It further presents the test results for each system separately, as well as a results summary. Next to system performance, the report also discusses other essential factors such as costs, transport and storage aspects and training. As a general conclusion the report states that all mine neutralization systems evaluated were successful in their ability to neutralize antipersonnel and antitank mines. However, all systems have limitations in target set applicability, transportation restrictions, or cost. Given the right target set, any one of the systems evaluated during this test could do the job and be used with confidence by humanitarian deminers, military, and explosive ordnance disposal personnel.
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Project No. 6.2.10 Title: Low Power Microwave System to neutralize plastic cased mines.
Description: Evaluate potential application of a combination of four low power, low cost COTS magnetrons to neutralize plastic cased mines. Aim: Prototype hardware and test report. Request: Users, Donors. Category: Neutralization Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Magnetrons Development: COTS Time Frame: 2005-03-01 to 2006-03-01 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD Lead Nation: United States Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 6.2.11 Title: Explosive Harvesting System (EHS).
Description: The initial Explosive Harvesting System is a three 20 foot ISO container based, three stage facility to allow for the safe harvesting of TNT explosives from AT mines, large caliber projectiles, air dropped bombs and recasting it into disposal charges and specialized items such as platters, shaped and bulk linear charges for in-situ mine neutralization. A follow on mobile fly away system with the same capability has also been developed. The EHS is currently providing new bulk explosives for evaluation by Mines Advisory Group (MAG), Halo Trust and the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) in Cambodia. Aim: Test and evaluate the explosive harvesting facility in-country. Outcome - test report. Request: Users, Donors, NGOs, NMAAs Category: Neutralization Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: Explosive Harvesting System (EHS) Development: COTS/Prototype
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Time Frame: 2005-01-01 to 2009-12-31 Place: Cambodia, Afghanistan Lead Nation: United States Partners: Golden West Humanitarian Foundation, Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), Mines Advisory Group (MAG), Halo Trust Status: Ongoing at the end of the ITEP Program. For more information on the project, please contact the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program. Comments: Partnership between the U.S. Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program, Golden West Humanitarian Foundation and CMAC Site located at CMAC Kampong Chhnang Training Center. Site assessment in Feb 2005, and demonstration to delegations from S.E. Asia, the U.S., and Japan in Aug 2005 Mobile fly away kits are being evaluated in Afghanistan. Results as of July 2009: 3799 items of ordnance processed, 8626 kg of explosive recovered and 115105 charges provided to HALO (43364), CMAC (68733) and MAG (3008).Total scrap metal recovered: 26923 kg. Results/Conclusions: At the beginning of the project regular newsletters were distributed providing an update on activities and results: - September 2005, - November 2005, - June 2006 More infomation on the project can also been found in articles published in the Mine Action Technology Newsletter, issue 5 and the Journal of Mine Action, Issue 10.2 Full details on the EHS and the Fly Away Unit are available at the Golden West Humanitarian Foundation EHS webpage.
Project No. 6.2.12 Title: Non-explosive high-order mine neutralization for humanitarian demining.
Description: This project will develop a new high-order surface laid or buried mine neutralization device using two non-explosive chemical compounds that can be initiated without an electric detonator. The chemicals will be non- toxic, non-explosive, environmentally friendly and low cost. The devices developed will be evaluated for detonation pressure, velocity, density, in confinement and non-confinement states to down select to the best device. Aim: Develop, test and evaluate an enhanced mine neutralization device. Outcome - Prototype hardware and a test report. Request: Users, Donors, NMAAs, NGOs.
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Category: Neutralization Type: Test and Evaluation Equipment: N/A Development: COTS Time Frame: 2006-01-01 to 2007-12-31 Place: United States, US CECOM-RDEC, NVESD Lead Nation: United States Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: Cancelled in August 2007 Results/Conclusions:
SERVICES
Project No. 7.1.1 Title: Investigate current criteria used to select equipment for test and evaluation.
Description: Preliminary investigation by the United Kingdom of current criteria used to select equipment for test and evaluation. Aim: To establish an ITEP policy for the selection of mine action equipment for test and evaluation. Request: United Kingdom Department for International Affairs and ITEP Executive Committee. Category: Services Type: Other Equipment: N/A Development: N/A Time Frame: 2002-01-01 to 2002-06-30 Place: United Kingdom Lead Nation: United Kingdom Partners: Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: A proposal of ctiteria to be used to select humanitarian demining equipment for test and evaluation can be found in a related DFID policy report.
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Project No. 7.1.2 Title: Collect test reports and information on national programs.
Description: The Secretariat has been tasked to collect, maintain and distribute information on test reports and national programs. Aim: To collect and maintain a working database of relevant test reports and national programs. Request: ITEP Executive Committee Category: Services Type: Other Equipment: N/A Development: N/A Time Frame: 2000-07-31 to 2010-07-31 Place: Secretariat ITEP Lead Nation: ITEP Secretariat Partners: All ITEP Participants and other entities producing HD demining equipment test reports Status: Completed at the end of the ITEP Program. All ITEP information databases will be transferred to the GICHD and made available through the GICHD website. Comments: Results/Conclusions: The collected test reports and publications have been made available on the ITEP Reports website. Information on the national test and evaluation activities of the ITEP Participants can be found in the ITEP Work Plan.
Project No. 7.1.3 Title: Establish contacts with mine action partners world wide.
Description: Establish contacts with mine action partners world wide through the ITEP Secretariat and liaison officers. Aim: To collect user needs and feedback on ITEP activities. Request: ITEP Executive Committee Category: Services Type: Other Equipment: N/A Development: N/A
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Time Frame: 2000-07-31 to 2010-07-31 Place: Secretariat ITEP Lead Nation: ITEP Secretariat Partners: All ITEP Participants Status: Completed at the end of the ITEP Program. Comments: Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 7.1.4 Title: Lessons learned from test and evaluation.
Description: ITEP Participants and the ITEP Secretariat will review on a regular basis, past, and ongoing test and evaluation and their associated procedures to draw lessons learned and improve future ITEP test and evaluation procedures and methodologies. Aim: Provide better test and evaluation and commonly agreed procedures. Request: Users, Donors, ITEP Participants. Category: Services Type: Other Equipment: N/A Development: N/A Time Frame: 2000-07-31 to 2009-07-31 Place: Secretariat ITEP Lead Nation: ITEP Secretariat Partners: All ITEP Participants Status: Archived Comments: The term lessons learned has been replaced by experiences. Results/Conclusions: The Database of International Experiences in support of the Test and Evaluation Community (DIETEC) has been developed by the ITEP Secretariat in collaboration with the James Madison University Mine Action Information Center (MAIC) and is available at MAIC website.
Project No. 7.1.5 Title: Systematic inventory of test and evaluation activities, capabilities and needs in South Eastern Europe.
Description: The inventory will be executed through questionnaires, in-country visits
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and an in-country workshop. Aim: To collate information on current projects and existing test and evaluation capabilities that support demining efforts in South East Europe and to identify needs. Request: ITEP executive Committee. Category: Services Type: Other Equipment: N/A Development: N/A Time Frame: 2001-04-01 to 2001-11-30 Place: South East Europe Lead Nation: European Commission - Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC) Partners: Canada, Belgium Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: The report was published in November 2001.
Project No. 7.2.1 Title: Follow up on requests for advice on test and evaluation procedures.
Description: Follow up on requests from for advice on test and evaluation procedures. Aim: Provide advisory service. Request: NMAAs, NGOs Category: Services - Capacity Building Type: Other Equipment: N/A Development: N/A Time Frame: 2003-01-01 to 2010-07-31 Place: Various Lead Nation: TBD Partners: TBD Status: Completed at the end of the ITEP Program. Comments: Results/Conclusions: ITEP technical staff from the UK provided assistance at short notice in August 2004 to the the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) Chief
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Technical Advisor. This assistance was in the form of providing advice on setting up the trial protocol based on ITEP methodology (ITEP Project 7.2.7) CMAC representatives attended the trials of the Bozena-4 in Sweden during November 2004.This activity was financed by UK and CA. On invitation by CMAC, ITEP representatives attended the Japan International Co-operation System JICS/CMAC trials of Japanese mechanical demining equipment in August 2006 and of dual-sensor detection equipment in November 2006 (ITEP Project 7.2.9) In March 2006 QinetiQ provided technical consultancy to MAG (ITEP Project 7.2.8) In February 2006 Germany (BAM) assisted the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) during the test and evaluation of Japanese dual-sensor systems in Croatia (ITEP Project 7.2.10) During April 2007 Canada helped prepare and carry out the mechanical demining equipment demo at the HCR-CTRO Humanitarian Demining Conference (ITEP project 7.2.11) During October 2007 Canada and Belgium sent observers to the HCR- CTRO/CTRO dual-sensor detector trial in Croatia (ITEP Project 7.2.12) In May 2007 Germany (BAM) assisted the Egyptian UNDP Mine Action Program with the preparation and execution of a metal detector trial (ITEP project 7.2.14) The HCR-CTRO was supported by Germany (BAM) during the data collection, data analysis and reporting phase of the October 2007 HCR- CTRO/JST dual-sensor trial (ITEP project 7.2.15). In January and March 2010, Sweden and Belgium supported GICHD- ANAMA trial of a flail with permanent magnet attachment (ITEP project 7.2.16).
Project No. 7.2.2 Title: Maintenance and transfer of the ITEP website.
Description: Maintenance and transfer of the ITEP website. Aim: To keep the ITEP website up to date with relevant information and at the end of ITEP in July 2010 transfer the up to date ITEP website to the GICHD. Request: ITEP Executive Committee. Category: Services Type: Other Equipment: N/A Development: N/A Time Frame: 2000-07-31 to 2010-08-31 Place: Secretariat ITEP
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Lead Nation: ITEP Secretariat Partners: All ITEP Participants, GICHD Status: Completed at the end of the ITEP Program. Comments: The ITEP website will be transferred to the GICHD at the end of the ITEP Program and all relevant features will be incorporated into the GICHD Clearance and Technology website. All information contained in the ITEP Work Plan database, the ITEP reports database, the ITEP pictures database and the ITEP equipment database will remain accessible. Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 7.2.3 Title: Humanitarian Demining Research and Development technologies information materials and website.
Description: Develop demining technologies information materials for dissemination to the international demining community. Provide internet access to reports generated from testing of humanitarian demining systems via the Humanitarian Demining Program Website. Focus on improving the site to enhance sharing of demining research and development technology information. Undertake re-design of the site to accommodate queries from the demining community regarding where, to whom, and how to submit ideas, proposals, white papers, etc. pertaining to humanitarian demining technology. Aim: Develop demining technologies information materials for dissemination to the international demining community. Outcome - United States Department of Defense Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Catalogue, Video and Website. Request: Users, Donors, NGOs, NMAAs, Manufacturers, Developers. Category: Services Type: Other Equipment: N/A Development: N/A Time Frame: 1996-01-01 to 2010-12-31 Place: United States, CECOM-RDEC, NVESD. Lead Nation: United States Partners: Status: Ongoing. For more information, please refer to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program website.
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Comments: Results/Conclusions: All information is available on the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program website.
Project No. 7.2.4 Title: Test and evaluation workshop for mechanical demining equipment.
Description: Demonstrate the practical implementation of the recently developed test protocol for mechanical assistance clearance equipment. Aim: Capacity building for regional test and evaluation, Hands-on demonstration and advice in use of the CEN Workshop Agreement (CWA 15044) for selection of mechanical equipment. Request: United Kingdom Category: Services Type: Other Equipment: Mechanical assistance clearance equipment Development: COTS/Prototype Time Frame: 2006-10-15 to 2006-10-31 Place: The International Mine Action Training Centre (IMATC), Nairobi, Kenya Lead Nation: United Kingdom Partners: Status: Cancelled Comments: A preliminary planning mission took place at the end of February 2006. The originally planned workshop was replaced with a visitors' day organised during the demonstration trial of the MV-4 and Bozena-4 mini-flails at the IMATC (ITEP Project 3.2.41). Results/Conclusions:
Project No. 7.2.5 Title: Support to the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) detection and mechanical equipment catalogues.
Description: The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining will release regular updates of the catalogues on mechanical demining equipment and detection equipment respectively. ITEP will provide data from available test and evaluation and the ITEP Secretariat will provide assistance where needed.
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Aim: Deliver test and evaluation results to the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) as input to the catalogues on mechanical demining and detection equipment respectively. Request: ITEP Executive Committee, Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) Category: Services Type: Other Equipment: N/A Development: N/A Time Frame: 2002-01-01 to 2010-07-31 Place: Secretariat ITEP Lead Nation: ITEP Secretariat Partners: Al ITEP Participants Status: Ongoing Comments: Results/Conclusions: References to test reports available on the ITEP website are included in the following GICHD documents: - Detectors and PPE Catalogue 2009, - Mechanical Demining Equipment Catalogue 2010 and Mechanical Demining Equipment Catalogue 2008 , - Guidebook on Detection Technologies and Systems for Humanitarian Demining (March 2006)
Project No. 7.2.6 Title: Support to GICHD study on manual demining.
Description: Provision of a test engineer to assist GICHD in the field trial element of their study Aim: ITEP support to GICHD Request: GICHD Category: Services Type: Other Equipment: N/A Development: N/A Time Frame: 2004-11-01 to 2004-11-30 Place: Mozambique Lead Nation: United Kingdom Partners: GICHD
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Status: Archived Comments: A senior engineer assisted GICHD in the Mozambique field trials. The trial report was submitted to GICHD in February 2005. Results/Conclusions: Trial results have been included in the report Comparative Trials of Manual Mine Clearance Techniques, Mozambique, 2004, and aa trial summary has also been incorporated in the GICHD study of Manual Mine Clearance, which was published in August 2005.
Project No. 7.2.7 Title: Assistance to test and evaluation of COTS metal detectors.
Description: Assist the Cambodian Mine Action Centre Chief Technical Advisor in setting up a test protocol for the test and evaluation of a number of Commerciual-Off-The-Shelf metal detectors. Aim: Provide advisory service Request: Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) Category: Services - Capacity Building Type: Other Equipment: Metal detectors Development: N/A Time Frame: 2004-08-01 to 2004-08-31 Place: Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) Lead Nation: United Kingdom Partners: Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) Status: Trials/tests completed. The report has not been released. Comments: Results/Conclusions: ITEP technical staff from the UK provided assistance at short notice to the CMAC Chief Technical Advisor. This assistance was in the form of providing advice on setting up the trial protocol based on ITEP methodology. The report was completed by CMAC for internal use only.
Project No. 7.2.8 Title: Technical consultancy to the Mines Advisory Group (MAG).
Description: Provide engineers and scientists to assist MAG in analysing operating procedures for in service equipment and to investigate other mechanical solutions to mine clearance operations. Aim: Provide advisory service
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Request: Mines Advisory Group (MAG) Category: Services Type: Other Equipment: Various mechanical and detection equipmet Development: N/A Time Frame: 2006-03-01 to 2006-03-31 Place: Laos, Vietnam Lead Nation: United Kingdom Partners: MAG Status: Archived Comments: This project was funded by QinetiQ Results/Conclusions: Two reports, of which the abstracts (Laos consultancy, Vietnam consultancy) have been made available publicly, were written by QinetiQ staff and passed to MAG. More detailed information can be made available subject to MAG permission.
Project No. 7.2.9 Title: Follow up on CMAC request for advice on procedures for test and evaluation of demining equipment.
Description: On invitation by the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) ITEP representatives attended the trial executed by CMAC in collaboration with the Japan International Co-operation System (JICS) of Japanese mechanical demining equipment in August 2006 and of dual-sensor detection equipment in November 2006 with as main aim to provide comments and advice on the trial procedures Aim: Provide comments and advice on the trial procedures Request: Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) Category: Services - Capacity Building Type: Other Equipment: Japanese dual-sensor detector systems and Japanese mechanical demining equipment Development: N/A Time Frame: 2006-08-01 to 2006-11-31 Place: Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), Test Site in Siem Reap Lead Nation: Sweden Partners: Canada, the Netherlands, United States, Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC)
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Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: More information on the trial can also be found in the corresponding ITEP news items: - ITEP observers attend the CMAC trials of Japanese dual-sensor detection equipment - ITEP observers attend the CMAC trials of Japanese mechanical demining equipment The ITEP Participants provided observations and comments to CMAC without prejudice to the trial or the equipment under trial. See presentations: - CMAC Detection Systems Test Observations and Comments, A. Schoolderman, B. Malmberg (24.11.2006) - U.S. Input to ITEP Assistance to CMAC Dual Sensor Technology Evaluation, R. Doheny (16-11-2006) - CMAC Equipment Test: Observations and Comments, C. Larsson, C. Weickert, C. Wolgast, G. Coley (16.08.2006) Detailed descriptions of the various tests and their results were published by CMAC in November 2008 at the CMAC training and research webpage
Project No. 7.2.10 Title: Support to the Japan Science Technology Agency test and evaluation of dual-sensors in Croatia.
Description: Provide advice to the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) on test methodology during the trial of Japanese dual-sensor systems at the HCR-CTRO Benkovac test site in Croatia, and collect additional test data concerning the performance of the dual-sensor detectors as compared to a single metal detector, as well as on the human factor Aim: Provide advice on the test methodology in order to obtain a realistic test procedure which allows for a comparison of four different dual-sensor systems and a metal detector. Collect data on the human factor. Request: Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST, Japan), CROMAC - Center for Testing, Development and Training (HCR-CTRO) Category: Services - Capacity Building Type: Other Equipment: Japanese dual-sensor detector systems (Mine Hunter Vehicle + SAR GPR / MHV#1, Mine Hunter Vehicle + LAMDAR III / MHV#2, Gryphon + ALIS, ALIS) Development: N/A Time Frame: 2006-01-15 to 2006-03-09
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Place: CROMAC - Center for Testing, Development and Training (CTRO) - Benkovac test facility Lead Nation: Germany Partners: United Kingdom, HCR-CTRO, JST Status: Archived Comments: The 2006 JST trial in Croatia was a continuation of Japanese national trials with Japanese dual-sensor mine detectors. It also contributed to the development of comparable performance features and tests for dual sensor systems. The following dual-sensors were tested: Mine Hunter Vehicle + SAR GPR (MHV#1), Mine Hunter Vehicle + LAMDAR III (MHV#2), Gryphon + ALIS, ALIS An international workshop was held on the 16th of February 2006 in Benkovac to discuss the preliminary test results. Results/Conclusions: The final report of the Japanese trials at Benkovac was published in April 2006. It concludes that the trial demonstrated that the tested Japanese dual sensors improve the probability of detection for minimum-metal mines such as a PMA-2 buried in mineralised soil and have a potential for discriminating landmines from metal fragments. On the other hand, it was learned that the most important issue to be solved for practical use of these systems is the reduction in operation time. It was also concluded that further work is necessary on the development of a method to evaluate the human factor when using dual-sensor detectors which produce images to be interpreted by the operator/deminer.
Project No. 7.2.11 Title: Support to the mechanical demining equipment demonstration at the 2007 Humanitarian Demining International Symposium.
Description: To assist with the preparation and execution of the side-by-side demonstration of mechanical demining machines held during the fourth Humanitarian Demining International Symposium organised by the Croatian Mine Action Centre (CROMAC) and the CROMAC - Centre for Testing, Development and Training (HCR-CTRO) in Sibenik, Croatia. Aim: Provide assistance during the establishment of the demonstration lanes and collection of ground penetration depth data Request: CROMAC - Centre for Testing, Development and Training (HCR-CTRO) Category: Services - Capacity Building Type: Other Equipment: Bozena 4, MV-4, MineWolf, RM-KA 02, Samson 300, Mini MineWolf, Bozena 5, Hydrema MVF2500, MV-10
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Development: N/A Time Frame: 2007-03-01 to 2007-04-27 Place: HCR - CTRO Lead Nation: Canada Partners: CROMAC - Centre for Testing, Development and Training (HCR-CTRO) Status: Archived Comments: The fourth Humanitarian Demining International Symposium took place from the 23th to the 27th of April 2007. The highlight of the event was the side-by-side demonstration on the 25th of April of the following machines: MV-4, MV-10, RM-KA-02, MineWolf, Mini MineWolf, Bozena-4, Bozena-5, Hydrema 2500/770, and Samson 300 Canada supported the HCR - CTRO during preparation of the demonstration lanes as well as during data collection on the day of the event. Fibreboards were inserted in all demonstration lanes in order to assess the ground penetration profile of the participating machines. Data processing was carried out by the HCR - CTRO. A summary paper of the Symposium can be found in the Mine Action Technology Newsletter, Issue 6. Results/Conclusions: The results of the side-by-side demonstration have been published in the Symposium Book of Papers - article Machine Demonstration Analysis and Preliminary Results.
Project No. 7.2.12 Title: Support to the CROMAC - Centre for Testing, Development (HCR- CTRO) and Training test and evaluation of Japanese dual-sensors detectors.
Description: Observe and provide comments to the HCR - Centre for Testing Training and Developement (HCR-CTRO) and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) on the used test methodology during the October 2007 trial of Japanese dual-sensor systems at the Benkovac test site in Croatia. This trial was originally planned by ITEP, with the JST as partner and including several other dual sensor detectors, but was later cancelled (ITEP Project 2.4.2.12). JST decided to go ahead with the trial testing the Japanese developed dual-sensor systems only. The trial was carried out by the HCR-CTRO in cooperation with the JST. Aim: Observe and comment on the test procedures, and provide feedback on the test protocol to the trial entities and the ITEP community. The trial protocol used by the JST/HCR-CTRO for this dual-sensor trial was the draft ITEP test protocol originally compiled for the cancelled/postponed ITEP dual sensor detector trial Request: Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Croatian Mine Action
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Centre - Centre for Testing, Development and Training (HCR-CTRO) Category: Services - Capacity Building Type: Other Equipment: Japanese dual-sensor detector systems: ALIS - PG, Minelab F3 and LAMDAR IV on Gryphon platform, CEIA MIL-D1 and Lamdar IV on Gryphon platform Development: N/A Time Frame: 2007-10-01 to 2007-12-31 Place: HCR - CTRO Benkovac test facility Lead Nation: Belgium, Canada Partners: Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Croatian Mine Action Center - Centre for Testing, Development and Training (HCR - CTRO), Germany - BAM Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: The ITEP Observers provided observations and comments to the JST without prejudice to the trial or the equipment under trial. They further also gave feedback to the ITEP test community in the following reports: - Report on the Croatia trial of Multi-Sensor Systems (October 2007), Y. Das - Tests of ALIS-PG and Gryphon at Benkovac, Croatia, 22-26 October 2007, Y. Yvinec The test report was released in January 2008 an article summarizing some of the trial results was published in the Journal of Mine Action (JMA), Issue 13.3, Winter 2009. The main conclusions of the trial were that although both dual-sensor systems tested improved the false alarm rate with more than 50%, more mines were missed than when a stand- alone metal detector is used, i.e. there was a decrease in probability of detection. Furthermore, the time required to scan the test lanes was approximately three times more than when a conventional metal detector is used. Further improvements to the system as well as to the training of the operators and the mine detector operating procedures will be necessary for effective fielding of the systems.
Project No. 7.2.13 Title: Construction of a facility for metal detector, ground penetrating radar and dual-sensor mine detector testing.
Description: New facility for testing of metal detector, ground penetrating radar and dual-sensor mine detectors. The facility was specifically designed to be able to evaluate dual-sensor mine detectors according to the ITEP guidelines for reliability testing of dual-sensor mine detectors (ITEP
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Project 2.4.1.3) Aim: Design and construct a facility for testing of military and humanitarian mine detectors (metal detectors, ground-penetrating radars and dual- sensor mine detectors) Request: German Armed Forces Category: Detection - Metal detector, GPR, Multi-sensor Type: Other Equipment: N/A Development: N/A Time Frame: 2008-01-01 to 2009-08-31 Place: Bundeswehr Technical Center for Protective and Special Technologies (WTD 52), Oberjettenberg Lead Nation: Germany Partners: Status: Archived Comments: The test facility includes 12 test lanes (see map) of which six are for the execution of the reliability trial, while the other six are for training purposes. Three different soils were used covering the low, middle and high spectrum of electromagnetic characteristics found in mine affected countries. The latter was implemented with support from the Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics (LIAG) in Hannover (ITEP Project 2.4.1.4). Based on the measured soil susceptibilities of 520 samples, mainly from mine affected countries, German soils with similar characteristics were identified and used to construct the test lanes. Results/Conclusions: A full pedological and geophysical investigation of the test lane soils was carried out by the LIAG. The aim of the investigation was to describe the similarities and differences of the test lanes and to quantify soil parameters that have an effect on the performance of metal detectors, based on electromagnetic induction (EMI), and ground- penetrating radar (GPR). A wide range of soil physical parameters was considered. Metal detectors are mainly influenced by soil magnetic properties whereas GPR sensors are subject to soil electric and dielectric properties. In order to complete the investigation the dielectric properties of some test targets were also analysed using laboratory measurements. Full details of the investigation are available in a dedicated report. Summary information on the test lane soil properties can be found in a presentation and a 2010 Humanitarian Demining Symposium article. In the latter article the soil characterisation is linked with the detector performances (metal detector as well as dual-sensor detector) obtained during the 2009 dual-sensor trial (ITEP Project 2.4.2.13). This test facility will be accessible to NATO partners and equipment manufacturers (charge required) if security regulations are accepted,
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starting mid 2010.
Project No. 7.2.14 Title: Support to the Egyptian UNDP Mine Action Program metal detector trial.
Description: Upon launching the Egyptian United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Mine Action Program, it was decided to organise a metal detector trial with the objective of deciding which metal detector(s) to use in the planned demining operations. The German Federal Institute for Materials Testing (BAM) and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) were asked to advice the Egyptian Armed Forces and the Cairo University on the set-up and execution of metal detector tests according to the CEN Workshop Agreement CWA 14747 test guidelines. Aim: Advice on the set-up and execution of a CWA 14747 metal detector trial to support the selection of a metal detector to use for the planned demining activities in the North West Coast Region of Egypt. Request: Egyptian UNDP Mine Action Program Category: Services - Capacity Building Type: Other Equipment: Metal, UXO detectors and dual-sensor detectors (Ceia MIL-D1, Ceia MIL-D1/DS, Ebinger TREX 204, Ebinger UPEX 728VS (Ebinger SC 728 - SC 20 type), Ebinger UPEX 740M, Foerster MINEX 2FD 4.530, Foerster FEREX 4.032 DLG, Minelab F3, Minelab, Vallon VMH3CS, Vallon VMH3CS with UXO search head, Vallon VMR2, Vallon VXC1). Development: N/A Time Frame: 2007-05-12 to 2007-05-18 Place: Cairo, Egypt Lead Nation: Germany Partners: GICHD, Egyptian UNDP Mine Action Program Status: Archived Comments: The trial also included UXO detectors and a dual-sensor detector. Results/Conclusions: A short summary of the trial can be found in an ITEP news item as well as in the Mine Action Technology Newsletter, December 2007, Issue No. 7. The test report was published in July 2007.
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Project No. 7.2.15 Title: Data collection, analysis and reporting assistance to the HCR-CTRO trial of Japanese dual-sensor systems.
Description: It was originally planned that the German Federal Institute for Materials Testing (BAM) together with several ITEP Partners and the HCR-CTRO would test all available dual-sensor detectors, amongst which also the dual-sensor systems developed by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). Although the latter ITEP project (ITEP Project 2.4.2.12) was cancelled, the JST decided to go ahead with the trial testing the Japanese developed dual-sensor systems only. Upon request of the the HCR-CTRO, BAM provided assistance during the data collection, data analysis and reporting phase of the executed reliability trial. Aim: Assist during data collection, data analysis and reporting of the dual- sensor detector trial in order to insure that the final test data and reported results would be conform to those of a metal detector reliability trial carried out according to the CWA 14747 guidelines Request: HCR - CTRO Category: Services - Capacity Building Type: Other Equipment: Japanese dual-sensor detector systems (ALIS - PG, Minelab F3 and LAMDAR IV on Gryphon platform, Ceia MIL-D1 and Lamdar IV on Gryphon platform) Development: N/A Time Frame: 2007-10-01 to 2008-01-31 Place: HCR-CTRO Benkovac test facility, BAM Lead Nation: Germany Partners: Croatian Mine Action Center - Center for Testing, Development and Training (HCR-CTRO) Status: Archived Comments: Results/Conclusions: The test report, compiled with assistance from BAM, was released in January 2008 and an article summarizing some of the trial results can be found in the Journal of Mine Action (JMA), Issue 13.3, Winter 2009. The main conclusions of the trial were that although both dual-sensor systems tested improved the false alarm rate with more than 50%, more mines were missed than when a stand-alone metal detector is used, i.e. there was a decrease in probability of detection. Furthermore, the time required to scan the test lanes was approximately three times more than when a conventional metal detector is used. Further improvements to the system as well as to the training of the operators and the mine
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detector operating procedures will be necessary for effective fielding of the systems.
Project No. 7.2.16 Title: Support to the GICHD-ANAMA trial of a flail with permanent magnet attachment.
Description: Provide advice on the test methodology as well as support during the reporting phase of a trial with a permanent magnet fitted to a mechanical demining machine (flail). The trial, carried out by the GICHD and the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), has as main objective to assess how a magnet can be used to collect metal pieces in a hazardous area in order to reduce the time spent on metal elimination during manual follow-on of flailed mine suspected areas and to collect information through analysis of the metal fragments during technical survey. Aim: Provide assistance to a trial assessing the possible value of the combined use of a permanent magnet and a flail Request: GICHD Category: Services Type: Other Equipment: Bozena-5 magnetic collector attached to the Bozena-5 flail Development: N/A Time Frame: 2010-01-15 to 2010-06-30 Place: Horadiz, Fisuli region, Azerbaijan Lead Nation: Belgium, Sweden Partners: GICHD, ANAMA. Note that the latter entities are actually funding and carrying out the trial while the above mentioned ITEP partners are only providing support where requested (see comments). Status: Ongoing at the end of the ITEP Program. For more information on the project, please contact the GICHD. Comments: Sweden provided advice related to the testing of mechanical demining equipment while Belgium assisted with the additional testing and final reporting. A representative from the handheld magnet trial carried out by the Netherlands (ITEP Project 2.5.2.7) visited the trial. Wet weather conditions throughout the trial period combined with the particular soil conditions of the trial area meant that the conditions were not optimal to assess the magnet’s potential to pick up metal fragments. A continuation of the operational trial is envisaged when soil conditions are dry. A video clip of the Bozena-5 magnetic collector and flail in action can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei2Imo2bxqA
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Results will be reported by GICHD probably by the end of September 2010. Trial video clips: video 1, video 2. A mid-term trial report is available upon request. Results/Conclusions:
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