Next Generation HeliMag UXO Mapping Technology
Abstract
Technical innovations were made to an existing helicopter magnetometry platform to improve performance in WAA. Wireless telemetry was implemented to remove the sensor operator from the helicopter. Based on a survey design study, the number of magnetometers was increased from 7 to 13, decreasing the across line sensor spacing from 1.5 to 0.75 m and allowing full sampling of the magnetic field at heights 1.5 m or greater, enabling the accurate calculation of horizontal and vertical gradients. Enhanced noise suppression filtering algorithms were developed. Performance testing was performed at a site in New Mexico and demonstrated significant performance improvements, including higher SNR, greater detection probabilities and improved characterization capabilities. All 81 mm mortars seeded in one area were detected within a 1.0 m halo and classified as sm-med ordnance. Only 23% of seeded 60 mm mortars were detected due to a higher than anticipated flying height. In a geologically challenging environment, 106 of 109 seeds were detected within a 1.0 m halo and classified as high-probability UXO.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA520631
Entities
People
- David Wright
- Stephen Billings
Organizations
- Sky Research