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Mini Mine Detector (MIMID)

The Mini Mine Detector (MIMID) is a battery powered handheld compact metal detector that fits into a belt-carried pouch and can be readily used for emergency extraction from mined areas. The MIMID can be set up for operation in less than thirty seconds. It is designed to detect buried minimum metal AT and AP mines. Its performance is comparable to the U.S. Army standard PSS-12 metal detector.

The small, collapsible frame of the MIMID makes it ideal for a light engineer or light fighter to have it readily accessible. Unfolding up to four feet in length, the six-pound device is powered by four AA batteries that are located in the handle. An individual soldier can probe a one-meter area 180 degrees in front of him with the MIMID's hollow-rectangular search head. The (electronics control unit) is the brains of the MIMID. The older mine detector had the ECU separate from the probing device. The new device is a single unit, which creates 50 percent less weight, and will allow a soldier to comfortably crawl on the ground to elude enemy fire. A light-emitting diode atop the ECU allows a light fighter to see whether he is hot or cold when it comes to mine detection, Sullivan said. The flashing red six-level meter goes from top to bottom to inform a soldier of a metallic presence the MIMID has discovered.

All controls are within easy reach of the operator and similar to those of the AN-19/2. The length of the telescopic shaft can be adjusted for operation in upright, kneeling or prone positions. The unique shape of the search head allows for better use in confined areas around buildings and in heavy vegetation.

In laboratory and field tests in Bosnia, Jordan, and Namibia, the MIMID has demonstrated nearly identical sensitivity and detection capability as the AN-19/PSS-12 metal detector in sandy, rocky, and highly magnetic soils. An advantage for deminers is the ease with which the MIMID can be transformed for use in the standing, kneeling, or prone positions by collapsing shaft sections. With a system weight of only 1.2 kg (3 lbs.), the unit can be carried easily at all times. The MIMID has a built in speaker, so that it can be used with or without headphones. The unit includes a visual display of light emitting diodes indicating intensity and providing a constant readout of the detection signal strength. This feature is useful for center determination of large metallic objects. The MIMID nominally operates 30 hours on 4 AA batteries. In laboratory tests the MIMID operated an average of 5 hours on four alkaline AA cells at maximum current draw before activating the low voltage alarm. The MIMID can accept auxiliary power input for operation from external supply, such as vehicle power, batteries or a solar panel. The MIMID units do not have mutual interference when they are operated 7.5 cm or more apart. The units maintained consistent detection sensitivity when tested for operation from +51°C to -32°C in high humidity, high altitude, and immersed operations in fresh and salt water.