GSTAMIDS FCS
Block 1 Ground Standoff Minefield Detection System (GSTAMIDS)
Ground Standoff Mine Detection System (GSTAMIDS) Block 1 is envisioned as a teleoperated mine detection vehicle (MDV) that will be remotely controlled from another vehicle. The MDV will employ multiple sensors (metal detector, ground penetrating radar, and Quadrupole Resonance) in order to detect all types of mines. Mine detection data will be processed on-board the MDV and sent by way of a data link to the operator display in the control vehicle. The mine detection decision will be automatic and will not require any decisions by the soldier operator. The MDV may have an on-board neutralizer or a different platform may be used to neutralize the marked mines.
GSTAMIDS Block 1 is the second program in a spiral development strategy to field an objective vehicle mounted mine detection system. Block 0 (Production in FY03) provides the basic GSTAMIDS capabilities for support and stability operations. Block 1 (Production originally projected in FY06) is a vehicle mounted system of advanced countermine capabilities that leverages technical successes in other countermine programs. Block 1 is beginning a two and one-half year PDRR phase, followed by a three year EMD phase. Block 1 will be fielded to all Corps wheeled Engineer battalions. Block 2 (Production originally projected in FY11) will provide even better detection and neutralization capabilities with more advanced technologies.
Block 1 will detect, confirm, and neutralize mines on major supply routes. MDVs will be operated in echelon in order to clear an entire roadway. The MDVs will be remotely controlled from other vehicles, which will advance behind the MDVs at a safe distance. It will detect and mark the location of mines for a distance of 20 km in 12 hours (required) and 40 km in 6 hours (desired) in support of route clearance operations. Block 1 will detect the greatest possible number of metallic and non-metallic anti-tank mines (required) plus anti-personnel mines and improved conventional munitions (desired), surface laid or buried, in both daylight and night time conditions.
With the advent of the Army's Objective Force Transformation, the GSTAMIDS Block 1 Program was restructured to meet the countermine requirements for the FCS. GSTAMIDS FCS is an FCS Complementary System, ACAT III, Spiral 3 program that will be fielded as part of FCS Increment I. The April 2003 Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) approved FCS Operational Requirements Document (ORD) includes countermine requirements for mine detection, mine and lane marking and mine neutralization and reporting to the C4ISR network.
In support of the Engineer School's Assured Mobility Concept in forward areas, the Unit of Action (UA) will need to conduct countermine operations. GSTAMIDS FCS will be installed on two Multifunction Utility/Logistics Equipment (MULE) vehicles. GSTAMIDS FCS will detect and mark mines, temporary mark the lane and bypass or neutralize antitank mines along a four-meter path on primary and secondary roads at a speed of 5-15 kph. These unmanned ground vehicles will proceed forward at maximum speed to a region of interest (ROI) as defined by situational awareness. The GSTAMIDS FCS will perform its mission then proceed to the next ROI.
