Meerkat Interim Vehicle Mounted Mine Detector [IVMMD]
The Interim Vehicle Mounted Mine Detector [IVMMD] is a vehicle-mounted metallic mine detection system. IVMMD will support contingency operations, and will provide the maneuver commander a partial Ground Standoff Minefield Detection System (GSTAMIDS) capability.
The lead vehicle (Meerkat) is a single-occupant two-wheel drive vehicle, and serves as the primary mine detection vehicle. The vehicle’s manufacturer is the Johannesburg, South Africa-based RSD, a division of Dorbyl Ltd. The Meerkat mine detection vehicle resembles an oversized, armored dune buggy. It features a three-meter-wide array, which uses both metal detection and ground penetrating radar sensors. Should a blast occur, a V-shaped undercarriage directs the blast away from the vehicle, protecting the driver. The vehicle is designed to withstand the blast of an anti-tank mine, or 15 pounds of TNT.
The trailer system (Husky) is a single occupant four-wheel drive vehicle that serves as the prime mover for the full width mine proofing/detonation trailers. It can also serve as an alternate detection vehicle.
Both vehicles are anti-tank mine overpass-capable, and feature “frangible” components which support quick repair of the vehicle, within two hours of a mine blast. Both vehicles are blast protected (15lb TNT equivalent). Teleoperation capability is being developed to remotely control the Meerkat to provide a stand-off distance to soldiers using the system to detect larger mines or during operations in an unknown mine threat environment.
The Interim Vehicle Mounted Mine Detector is a vehicle-mounted metallic mine detection system that was built for the South African National Defense Forces. The system is composed of mine, a detection vehicle, detonation trailers with prime mover and support packages. The lead vehicle (Meerkat) is a single-occupant two-wheel drive vehicle that serves as the primary mine detection vehicle. The trailer system (Husky) is a single occupant four-wheel drive vehicles that acts as the prime mover for the full width mine proofing/detonation trailers. It can also serve as an alternate detection vehicle.
A complete IVMMD consists of one mine-detection vehicle (MDV), one towing/mine-detection vehicle (T/MDV), three mine-detonation trailers, a spare-wheel module for the MDV, a spare-wheel module for the T/MDV, and a container of spare parts.
The MDV's only mission is to detect mines. It can negotiate vertical slopes up to a 20 percent grade. The MDV employs a 4-cylinder engine and a manual transmission to propel the 4.8-ton vehicle with a 3-meter-wide detection array. The detection array consists of two separate induction coils (one for the left side and one for the right side) that detect magnetic fields below the vehicle. The detection array is suspended between the two axles of the vehicle. When the detector encounters a metallic object, the operator is notified by an audible signal in the earphone and a visual signal on the dashboard that denotes which side array detected the object. The operator then stops the vehicle, backs it up, and reencounters the metallic object. (The MDV has two detection modes—the locate mode is used to identify the metal object, and the pinpoint mode is used to find the center of the object.) When the operator encounters the strongest signal, he activates the marking system (a nozzle mounted on the rear frame and centered on each detection array) that deploys a water-based ink onto the roadway.
The MDV is designed to produce very little ground pressure; however, it may detonate pressure-fused mines, depending on their fuse sensitivity. The MDV produces 27.9 pounds per square inch (psi) of ground pressure when the tires are inflated to 14.5 psi and 21.8 psi of ground pressure when the tires are inflated to 8.7 psi.
The T/MDV has a 6-cylinder engine and the same detection and marking system as the MDV. The T/MDV produces 49.8 psi of ground pressure when the tires are inflated to 29 psi and 23.4 psi of ground pressure when the tires are inflated to 8.7 psi. The T/MDV tows three mine-detonation trailers, and the recommended maximum operating speed while towing the trailers is 20 kph. The T/MDV (with trailers) can negotiate vertical slopes up to a 20 percent grade; however, going down such slopes is difficult. The T/MDV must be in first gear, and the trailer brakes must be deployed to decrease the speed of the vehicle when going down a slope.
The mine-detonation trailers are very heavy and specifically designed to apply heavy ground pressure that initiates pressure-activated mines. Each trailer has two axles of different lengths so that the three trailers provide a full 3-meter-wide proofing capability behind the T/MDV. If a mine detonates underneath the trailers, the wheel bolts are designed to sheer so that repair is limited to replacing a single wheel.
The IVMMD is used to support route-clearance operations. Clearance operations ensure that LOC are safe for the passage of personnel and equipment. The IVMMD should not be used during hours of limited visibility, because it hampers the operator's ability to see surface-laid mines and visual signatures that indicate mining activities.
The main purpose of the IVMMD is to provide an interim vehicle mounted capability from a non-developmental source until GSTAMIDS, the ground standoff mine detection system, can be fielded. The vehicles, Meerkat and Husky, are overpass capable and include full vehicle width mine detectors. They are mine-resistant and can be repaired following a mine blast in the field. The detonation trailers provide the route proofing capability.
The employment strategy for the IVMMD involves the leading vehicle, Meerkat, searching for antitank mines. Upon detection, the Husky moves forward towing the detonation trailers. A squad of engineers can then neutralize the mine or the trailers can detonate the mines in place. Both vehicles are blast protected (15lb TNT equivalent). Tele-operation capability is being developed to remotely control the Meerkat to provide a standoff distance to soldiers using the system to detect larger mines or during operations when the mine threat is unknown.
First Unit Equipped was FY98. Ten systems have been procured. Nine systems will reside at Sierra Army Depot as contingency items. One system resided at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. IVMMD fielding (10 systems) is complete. The Vehicle Teleoperations (VT) kit completed testing in February 2000.
2006 Request for Information
In January 2006 the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center (TARDEC) on behalf of the Product Manager, Bridging-Countermine Division solicited informational white papers for procurement of Interim Mounted Mine Detection Systems used in point, route and area clearance of mines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). The IVMMD system is a blast protected vehicle mounted mine detection and lane proofing system that will operate in explosive hazardous environments. It will support Future Engineer Force (FEF) Clearance companies in route and area clearance operations, and Explosive Hazards Teams in explosive hazards reconnaissance operations.
The primary function of the IVMMD is to detect metallic explosive hazards and protect Soldiers and equipment conducting explosive hazard missions to assure the mobility of the force at the strategic through tactical level. The IVMMD will enable maneuver and movement in the battle-space, capitalize on integrated joint capabilities to expand mutual support across expanded areas of operation, and allow units to conduct relatively independent non-linear operations within contiguous or non-contiguous areas of operations. This request for information (RFI) is issued to identify the availability of candidate systems capable of meeting specific requirements and assess production capabilities, logistical supportability, and post production support for your products. The objective of this request is to primarily focus on non-developmental vehicle solutions that will meet the Army’s requirements. Addendum A contains a detailed description of required IVMMD capabilities.
The description of the system should include, but is not limited to: availability or production schedule; cost; mine blast protection under tire and hull; ballistic protection from direct and indirect fire; nuclear biological and chemical (NBC) protection; detection and marking capability; curb weight; payload; range; length; width; height; ground clearance; air conditioning; speed; vertical step; engine model; engine horsepower; engine torque; tire type; design considerations that lead to quick repair after a mine/IED strike; vehicle repair manuals; tactical lighting; E3 Effects, air transportability; communication systems; logistics support; and operation in various climatic conditions.
The data received in response to the RFI was used for informational purposes only and does not, in any way, mandate or impose requirements. PM Bridging does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or otherwise pay for information solicited herein. The U.S. government requests unlimited rights to the data provided, however, recognize that proprietary data may be included with the information provided. If this is the case, proprietary data must be clearly marked as such and separated from the unrestricted information as an addendum. Proprietary information will be protected. All responses to this request for information shall be submitted by COB 20 January 2006.
- Operator to survive AT Mine Blast; Ballistic Protection; IED Protection
- Locate > 86% of on-route surface laid AT mines and provide visual and audio displays to the onboard operator in near real time
- Locate > 86% of buried AT mines on secondary and unpaved roads buried in accordance with threat doctrine (no deeper than 5 in. from top of mine to ground surface)
- 100% of communication interfaces; services; policy enforcement controls; and data correctness available. SINGCARS included as part of baseline configuration
- Transportable by rail, sealift, highway, air (C-5, C-17, C-130) without disassembly
- False alarm rate must be less than 100 per linear kilometer
- Initial maintenance provided through CLS. Battle damage repair kits and detailed manuals need to be provided. Manuals need to go thru full VAL/VERA
- Markers must be accurate enough to mark a mine within 1 meter of the edge of the nearest mine and marker must be visible from 5 meters during daylight hours
- Tactical lighting system inside and outside of vehicle with blackout capabilities
- Must be safe to store, transport, operate and maintain subject to the precautions and limitations noted
- Shall not be operationally degraded or fail due to electromagnetic environmental effects. Radio frequency dependent components must not produce electromagnetic emissions that interfere or degrade the performance of Soldier instrumentation, weapons, sensors, or communication systems
- Upgradeable to provide NBC protection and operate in MOPP 4 conditions
- Equipped with an interior climatic control system to provide heating and cooling / Capable of operating in hot and basic MIL-standard climatic conditions
- Mean Miles between System Abort > 1500 miles and Maintenance Ratio < 0.23
- System must survive the INWE of High-Altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP)
