Cross-Border Tunnel (CBT)
Abstract
(U) The Cross-Border Tunnel (CBT) program investigated technologies and systems to detect small tunnels used to breach security perimeters and national borders. The program goal was to develop innovative technologies inspired by geophysical exploration techniques that detect and characterize these threat tunnels while simultaneously satisfying operational considerations such as search rate, site access, monitoring persistence, and exposure of friendly forces. The initial CBT program thrust performed collections of seismic and electromagnetic (EM) data at a test bed using current state of the art sensors from the geophysical industry. (U) The program’s recent focus was on a Fast-Scan CBT detection technique. This technique investigated developing a tunnel detection system focused on providing a fast linear scan rate, for operationally tractable protection of large controlled areas or national borders. Current subterranean interrogation techniques based on geophysical exploration methods have the combined impediments of slow interrogation rate, need for complete site access, or exposure of forces. Contrary to invasive imaging methods, the Fast-Scan concept would provide rapid detection of anomalous subsurface structures consistent with voids. Technical challenges included: 1) identification of optimal detection strategies, source characteristics, and sensor geometries, 2) rejection of clutter with length scales similar to tunnels or response from non-threat structures (utilities), and 3) technology migration to a moving platform. This study completed and data transitioned to the Services in FY 2009.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2011
- Source ID
- 5cc299f70267e4944def58648b2579c1
Related Documents
- Root: SENSOR TECHNOLOGY