An Assessment of Technical Factors Influencing the Potential Use of RPVs for Minefield Detection

摘要

An assessment is made of the use of television and FLIR sensors carried on RPVs as remote minefield detection systems, based on four major scenarios for Soviet mine warfare operations involving the use of TM-46 metallic and PM-60 plastic anti-vehicular mines. The RPV system minefield detection capability, response time and search rate are functions of the sensor resolution, field of view and sensitivity capabilities; the obscuration due to vegetation, atmospheric attenuation, terrain and weather; the radiance contrast existing between mines and background; the airborne platform characteristics; data link characteristics; the man/machine interface; and command, control and communication system characteristics. These factors are considered in this study to initially define the minefield detection capability of currently planned RPVs, to indicate areas where additional data is needed to provide a better definition of RPV minefield detection capabilities and to indicate parameters for an improved next generation sensor system. (Author)