Advanced mine detection equipment

Founded in 1951 in Austria, Schiebel has developed into a high-tech company well known across the world as a specialist in advanced mine detection equipment and the revolutionary rotary wing UAV system CAMCOPTER S-100.

Development of the AN-19/2 Mine Detecting Set for the Swedish Army marked the company's entry into the international market. Further orders from various NATO countries followed, strengthening Schiebel's global market position. The major breakthrough and global market leadership were achieved in 1991, when Schiebel won the contract for the AN-19/2 Mine Detecting Set, designated AN/PSS-12, as standard equipment for the US Army. As a consequence, the company has built an excellent international reputation for the development and production of quality products for military and counter-mine use.

Using this proven technology as a starting point, Schiebel has gone on to produce a variety of mine detectors to fit specific requirements. One such innovation is the foldable MIMID Miniature Mine Detector.

Introduction to the MIMID

The MIMID Miniature Mine Detector is a pulse induction metal detector based on the proven technology of the AN-19/2 Mine Detector, which has been the worldwide standard for minimal metal detection in both military and humanitarian de-mining for the past 20 years. The MIMID was developed to meet the specific operational requirements of the US Army's humanitarian de-mining team and has been in service since 1997. The detector is waterproof to 30m (100ft) and is suitable for use both on land and by divers in underwater operations.

The lightweight, one-piece, foldable design makes it suitable for use by special forces or anyone likely to come into contact with mines. The folded unit can be carried on a belt, in a trouser pocket or in a rucksack, a unique feature that allows operators immediate access to the unit. The MIMID can be set up for operation in 30 seconds. Controls are within easy reach of the operator and are similar to those of the AN-19/2. The length of its telescopic pole can be quickly adjusted for operation in the upright, kneeling or prone positions.

Furthermore, the MIMID reduces the need to probe for mines in an emergency or rescue situation by providing individuals with a reliable means of quickly selecting a safe path through the mined area. It is a valuable asset to de-mining and humanitarian operations for both specialists and occasional operators.

As a result of these capabilities and its ability to detect mines with only minimal metal content, the MIMID is ideally suited for special military operations where soldiers need to carry heavy equipment loads in remote areas with little, if any, logistic support. The MIMID is powered by four standard AA-size batteries. The recommended alkaline batteries provide around seven hours of operation. Similar rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries provide approximately five hours. All recommended batteries are available worldwide as are suitable automatic chargers. Rechargeable batteries last for at least one year if correctly used/charged.

The MIMID can also be part of the standard equipment issued with vehicles, like a first aid kit. Its design permits easy operation by all personnel working in countries where mines are a constant threat to personal safety. Except in the case of its use by military special forces, the MIMID is not intended to replace the proven AN-19/2 Mine Detecting Set or ATMID (all-terrain mine detector), but to supplement mine detection capability in the theatre. It provides all military and civilian personnel with a practical and easy-to-use means of enhancing safety in mined areas. More than 5,000 MIMID detectors have been sold since 1997. They are used by a number of armed forces, for example those of Israel and the US.

The ATMID and the VAMIDS

The ATMID All Terrain Mine Detector, which is engineered specifically to detect low-metal-content mines in all types of soils and terrain conditions, and the vehicle-based search-and-mark system VAMIDS complete the product range of Schiebel mine detectors.

The VAMIDS Vehicular Array Mine Detection System is a versatile, cost-effective system which can quickly locate mines on roads, tracks and in open country. The system is capable of operating at speeds of up to 10km/h while providing real-time detection. It is ideally suited to flat, open terrain, including desert, steppe, grassland and bushland.

The segmented flexible array can be arrayed in 1m steps to a maximum of 4m. Its control unit is housed in a watertight, hardy case, with a 19in anti-vibration mounted military rack. It is ideal for vehicular operations and can withstand harsh environmental conditions. A system console is the operator interface, enabling the user to quickly and easily set up and operate the system. The marker system has eight spray nozzles per metre, plus two lane marker nozzles at the outer edges, and accurately marks the location of targets and the scanned lanes.

Depending on the power sources available on the carrier vehicle, such as compressed air, electrical supply, hydraulic supply and/or auxiliary drive, additional equipment, such as paint pump, paint and water tanks, electric power generator and air compressor, may be needed in order to operate the VAMIDS marker system.

The VAMIDS can be mounted on a variety of off-road vehicles, preferably on a medium-to-heavy MPV (mine-protected vehicle). The VAMIDS draw bed is mounted on a rugged outrigger construction, which assures ground contact of the array in uneven terrain. The typical layout incorporates front arm(s) which can be moved both horizontally and vertically and allow for the draw bed to be turned around a vertical axis as required. Another option is a rear arm, drawing a draw mat behind.