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Automated UAS Aeromagnetic Surveys to Detect MBRL Unexploded Ordnance
Abstract
Unguided Multiple Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) systems are limited-accuracy, high-impact artillery systems meant to deliver barrages of explosive warheads across a wide area of attack. High rates of failure of MBRL rockets on impact and their wide area of ballistic dispersion result in a long-term unexploded ordnance (UXO) concern across large areas where these systems have been deployed. We field tested a newly-developed UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle)-based aeromagnetic platform to remotely detect and identify unexploded 122 mm rockets of the widely-used BM-21 MBRL. We developed an algorithm that allows near real-time analysis, mapping, and interpretations of magnetic datasets in the field and, as a result, rapid identification of anomalies associated with both surfaced and buried MBRL items of UXO. We tested a number of sensor configurations and calibrated the system for optimal signal-to-noise data acquisition over varying site types and in varying environmental conditions. The use of automated surveying allowed us to significantly constrain the search area for UXO removal or in-place destruction. The results of our field trials conclusively demonstrated that implementation of this geophysical system significantly reduces labor and time costs associated with technical assessment of UXO-contaminated sites in post-conflict regions- text
- Journal
- 24.1
- 2020
- ERW Clearance
- Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction
- Alex Nikulin
- Timothy deSmet
- Andrii Puliaiev
- Vasyl Zhurakhov
- Sofia Fasullo
- Gabriel Chen
- Isaac Spiegel
- Kaylee Cappuccio
- Binghamton University
- The State University of New York
- SUNY
- Ukrainian Multirotor Technologies
- State Science Research Institute of Armament and Military Technology Testing and Certification
- CISR
- JMU
- unmanned aerial systems
- UAS
- humanitarian mine action
- unexploded ordnance
- UXO
- Other Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration
- Peace and Conflict Studies