Technology Needs for Underwater UXO Search and Discrimination
Abstract
During the 1990s, largely with SERDP, ESTCP, and Army R&D support, the UXO R&D community is increasingly fielding more modern search technologies employing automated arrays of more sophisticated passive and active metal detectors. These detectors are often coupled with state-of-the-art GPS systems to provide more accurate real-time localization capability.1,2 Digital geophysical mapping has become the goal, if not the standard, in UXO search technologies. The improved detection technologies have been coupled by different groups with data analysis systems of varying sophistication that allow either interactive or automated analysis capability. In some cases the use of multiple sensors has shown promise in data fusion approaches to provide some documented discrimination capability.3-6 In all but very complex mixed-use ranges, detection efficiencies can approach 100% (with false alarm rates varying with site complexity).7,8 With few exceptions,9,10 commercially-deployed (vehicular or man-portable) systems show direct applicability only for dry-land operation in areas that can be routinely traversed. The MUDSS system, developed and demonstrated by the Naval Coastal Systems Command (NCSC) and partners, is an exception. This system incorporates optical, sonar, and magnetic sensors on a tow fish behind a powered vessel for marine searches. This system is primarily designed for deeper search applications. The bulk of DoD 6.2-6.4 UXO R&D funds currently support refinements of hardware, deployment strategies, and data management/processing techniques to improve target classification ability using high resolution survey data. Shallow underwater UXO search approaches are in a much more primitive stage, as demonstrated by the failures in deployment of some of the commercial sensors at Mare Island and by the rudimentary strategies employed even by the better performers in this demonstration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA606686
Entities
People
- Jim R. McDonald