The new ERA mine detector was originally developed for the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and uses metal detector and ground probing radar technologies. Although originally intended specifically for humanitarian demining its success on trials suggests wider use in military applications. It has been specifically developed to lower the false alarm rate associated with finding minimum metal anti personnel mines using a metal
detector alone. This is achieved by using the GPR as a confirmatory sensor, as it will only respond to objects with appreciable radar cross section.

The detector is a fully portable standalone unit for use by a single operator. It is similar in form, fit and function to a standard metal detector. Taking into account the need for robust, simple and easy-to-use equipment, the design minimises the need for changes to established standard operating procedures for mine clearance, which are currently used by de-mining organisations.

The ERA detector is hand held, weighs just 7½ kg, and runs off batteries (with about 2 hours reserve when fully charged). It gives an audible indication when mines are detected - with the pitch of the tone indicating depth. Although the system contains a high capacity computer, all the operations and controls are analogue and designed to be straightforward to use with minimum training. Visits to extensively mined areas and discussions with de-miners have also shown the need to make it affordable.

Operation
Surveys are conducted as normal using the metal detector mode and when a metal object is found, the ground probing radar mode is used to confirm the presence of a target below the surface. The ground probing radar is designed not to respond to very small metallic fragments such as shrapnel or bullet cases, which usually give rise to false alarms, but will respond to minimum metal AP mines.

Tests in Bosnia
Trials in Sarajevo utilised the facilities of Norwegian Peoples' Aid, a non-governmental organization that has a particular interest in de-mining issues. The tests consisted of surveys of a number of test lanes in which were buried some minimum metal antipersonnel mines. The test lanes also contain false alarms such as used bullet cartridges and other metal fragments. The detectors were used both by local staff and SFOR officers who attended the trials.

Trial 1
Using experienced de-miners, after just one hour's training, they had a 100% detection rate in the first trial, where even a type PMA-2 plastic mine, with minimal metal content, was easily detected.

Trial 2
At another trial, with officers from SFOR present, a particularly difficult test was set. Amongst a random grouping of metal objects, the ERA system detected every mine, and was able to discriminate mines from most of the other metal objects. It was even able to detect successfully a totally metal-free mine.

For further information contact: david.daniels@era.co.uk