In 2000 Mineseeker trialled an airborne radar solution in Kosovo. These trials demonstrated that airborne radar could produce the necessary data from a survey to map probable ordnance. The quality of information is good enough for trained personnel to be able to identify the different kinds of ordnance (type, manufacturer, live or neutralised etc). To quote from the conclusions of the report:
“The Mineseeker Airship arrived in Kosovo on 4th October 2000 and departed on 16th November 2000. During this time the airship flew for 103.2 hours, performing crew and operator training, surveying 30 sites of interest to the MACC (producing 30 hours of video tape and 500 still pictures) and performing radar tests against a fully ground truthed live mine test site and other test areas.
The survey pictures have been delivered, along with a survey report for each site, to the MACC for entry into the IMSMA database. The radar trial clearly demonstrated ability to image surface laid and buried mines and UXO.”
Mineseeker airship performing field trials in Kosovo
Sample output from Kosovo Trial showing presence of anti tank mine
