Dstl drone technology seeks to defuse threat of mined areas

A Combination of technologies – both advances in uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and low size, weight and power (SWaP) sensing – are leading the development of innovative concepts for explosive threat detection, reported the organisation.

“Maintaining freedom of movement and mobility at pace for the Armed Forces” is the aim, and the hope is that such drone technology could significantly reduce the threat and effectiveness of ground mines.

The research follows on from two-week NATO trials that were designed to give international and academic organisations the chance to showcase their UAV-mounted sensor concepts, and also to share ideas, knowledge, and solutions.

The resulting experiments demonstrated a range of modified, novel and bespoke sensing technologies, said the Dstl.

“The UK system performed well under the trials, and the intention is to use the results of the assessments to prioritise the next stages of research and development.”

“As part of an overarching research project commissioned by MOD’s Chief Scientific Advisor, it will be developed over the next decade into the front-line command funded equipment programmes, such as the Ground Area Reconnaissance and Assurance (GARA) project.”

The trials saw the UK body work with NATO allies in Spain and also at the Suffield Research Centre in Canada earlier this year.

“Converging the latest drone and sensing technologies could give us the ability to detect and destroy deadly mines and explosives without putting lives at risk,” said Defence Science and Technology Laboratory Chief Delivery Officer, Matt Chinn.

“It could also give us the ability to clear mined areas better, quicker and cheaper – allowing military operations or humanitarian missions to proceed.”

DTDC

Earlier this year we reported on a Drone Test and Development Centre (DTDC) being opened at Westcott Venture Park near Aylesbury. The Satellite Applications Catapult agreed a lease with the site’s owners to run the newly developed drone test facilities.

The goal is to enable drone operators and companies to refine products and services at the site, including capabilities that will support BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line Of Sight), which relies on space data and technology. The UK Catapult highlighted this is fundamental to integrating drone aircraft safely into the UK’s national airspace.

See also: UK gov commissions chemical detection sensors for Armed Forces