Airborne multisensor system for the autonomous detection of landmines

A concept of a modular multisensor system for use on an airborne platform is presented. The sensor system comprises two high resolution IR sensors working in the 3 μ-5 μ and 8 μ-12 μ spectral regions, a RGB video camera with its sensitivity extended to the near IR in connection with a laser illuminator, and a 10 GHz radar. The sensor concept emerged from the evaluation of comprehensive static and airborne measurements on numerous unburied and buried mines. The system has an on-board real time image processing capability and is intended to operate autonomously with a data link to a mobile ground station. Integration of the sensor system into a manned airborne platform is also considered. It is planned to realize an experimental system by 1999