Humanitarian Demining Research and Development

Initiated in 1994, the Humanitarian Demining Research and Development (HD R&D) Program delivers the latest technology solutions to the most challenging landmine and UXO detection and clearance efforts, with emphasis on improving technologies for mine/ UXO detection and mechanical mine/UXO and vegetation clearance. The program is tasked with the rapid development, testing, demonstration, and validation of internationally shareable technologies that increase the effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of humanitarian demining operations. Such technologies operate in high-risk areas where manual clearance or mine detection dogs are deemed impractical. Without these technologies, operations partners would be unable to complete and release sites. Host-nation demining partners (foreign militaries, nongovernmental organizations, and mine action centers) test and operate equipment in active minefields and provide feedback for future R&D enhancements.

In 2015, the HD R&D Program’s technologies cleared 6.7 million square meters (approximately 1,655 acres) of the world’s toughest minefields, removing or destroying 31,038 mines and items of UXO. The highlight of the year was the accreditation of the Scorpion UXO detection system as a primary search sensor in Cambodia. The HD R&D Program-developed technology incorporates a large-loop electromagnetic induction sensor, a Cesium vapor total-field magnetometer, a differential global positioning system for accuracy and mapping, and an operator control unit into a portable platform. Data is post-processed using a simple graphical user interface program that generates “dig sheets” via automated target recognition algorithms. Scorpion works as one part of a suite of technologies adapted to the mine action task, including a Target Reacquisition Positioning System (TRPS) to re- locate targets for investigation, the Bearcat remote operated vegetation cutting system, and the Quadcopter aerial monitoring system for mission planning and operations supervision. The HD R&D Program will field additional Scorpion, TRPS and Quadcopter systems in Cambodia and other countries in 2016.

To date, the HD R&D Program’s technologies have cleared 34.2 million square meters (approximately 8,450 acres) and removed or destroyed approximately 160,000 mines and pieces of UXO. Since 1995, the program has fielded technologies in support of 189 operational field evaluations in 38 countries and the Palestinian Territories. In FY2015, HD R&D performed operational field evaluations in Afghanistan, Angola, Cambodia, Chile, Iraq, Lebanon, Mozambique, Palestinian Territories, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.

MAG conducts battle area clearance in Cambodia with machinery provided by HD R&D.

Photo courtesy of HD R&D.