Project Nr.: 2.4.2.4
Title: Assessment of the next generation of the ERA dual-sensor mine detector.
Description: Assessment of the ERA/Vallon “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 evisaged 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/Minehound).
    Development: Prototype/Demonstrator
    Time Frame: 2004-12-01 to 2005-12-31
    Place: UK (QinetiQ Hurn test site), Cambodia, Angola, Bosnia
    Lead Nation: United Kingdom
    Partners: Mines Advisory Group (MAG), Norwegian Peoples Aid (NPA), Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Canada, Sweden, European Commission.
    Point of contact: Chris Leach
    E-mail: CALEACH@qinetiq.com
    Status: Ongoing
    Web site: Not available
    Comments:
  • The first trial phase, which took place in the UK in December 2004, has been completed. The report is under development. The second trial phase is planned to start in August 2005 and the operational field trials will run in parallel in Cambodia, Angola and Bosnia for a period of several months.
  • 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. The WGMS had their first meeting in February 2004 in the Netherlands. During this meeting, the WGMS drafted their Terms of Reference and an outline of a test protocol. The second meeting took place in December 2004 during the UK trials of the Minehound. The third meeting is planned to take place at the end of 2005/beginning 2006.The final objective of the WGMS is to draft a best practice for T&E of dual(multi) sensor mine detectors.
    • Results/Conclusions: