Mine Detection in Dry Soils Using Radar

Abstract

The detection of mines and subsurface ordnance continues to present a challenging problem for both the Army and U.S. Marine Corps. An initiative was launched by the Army's Topographic Engineering Center (TEC) to determine the feasibility of using penetrating radars to detect subsurface objects in very dry soils. A test site was selected at Twenty-nine Palms, CA, and soil samples were collected and analyzed. The soils were very dry, containing on average less than 2 percent moisture, and consist mainly of fine sand with some gravel. An analysis of soils collected in the Middle East showed they were sufficiently comparable for the demonstration. A minefield test site was constructed reflecting known doctrine and combat engineering practices. Metallic and nonmetallic mines were emplaced on the surface and at varying depths. Corner reflectors were placed around the test site, both on the surface as well as underground. Overflights were conducted utilizing X-, C- and L- band radars.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 17, 1992
Accession Number
ADA254259

Entities

People

  • John V. Hanson
  • Judy Ehlen
  • Richard A. Hevenor
  • Timothy D. Evans

Organizations

  • Army Geospatial Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • C Band
  • Corner Reflectors
  • Defense Systems
  • Detection
  • Engineering
  • Ground Penetrating Radar
  • L Band
  • Long Wavelengths
  • Marine Corps
  • Mechanical Jamming
  • Middle East
  • Military Operations
  • Particle Size
  • Radar
  • Surface Mines
  • Synthetic Aperture Radar
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Coastal and Marine Engineering/Sediment Transport/Hydraulic Engineering
  • Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.
  • Seismology