Objective: Previous tests have demonstrated the potential for improved sensitivity of vertical magnetic gradiometers over total field magnetometer systems for unexploded ordnance (UXO). The objective of this project is to assess the performance of two new airborne vertical magnetic gradient systems for wide area assessment and to support other participants in wide-area assessment projects. During the demonstration, improvements in the new vertical gradient (VG) systems over the predecessor system (ORAGS-Arrowhead) will be documented and validated. Technology Description: The first system is designed to attain maximum sensitivity to individual ordnance items, including items smaller than those effectively detected with predecessor total field systems. This system, a high-density array, will have additional vertical magnetic gradiometers (composed of two magnetometers) distributed in the forward boom. The second system is designed for operation at higher altitudes and improved wide-area site characterization. It will have a 12-meter swath width with eight gradiometer pods. Both systems will have improved attitude measurement systems, altitude sensors, and other upgrades. The demonstration will provide a basis for evaluating the benefits of the VG system, particularly as they relate to detection of individual small ordnance of a size that was not reliably detected in previous airborne system demonstrations. Expected Benefits: Airborne magnetic systems have proven to be effective in wide-area reconnaissance surveys of large UXO sites and in mapping and detecting individual ordnance items at many of those sites. To provide the most cost- and time-effective means for reconnaissance, detection, and mapping of diverse ordnance and ordnance-related artifacts under widely varying field conditions, it is important to develop systems that can detect smaller ordnance in an efficient manner and to develop airborne systems that can operate at greater standoff distances. Both of these factors will be addressed in this demonstration of the enhanced vertical magnetic gradient system. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2008) Principal Investigator: Dr. William Doll Battelle Memorial Institute 105 Mitchell Road, Suite 103 Oak Ridge, TN 37830 Telephone: (865) 483-2548 Fax: (865) 483-2548 E-mail: dollw@battelle.org DoD Liaison: Mr. Scott Millhouse U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineering and Support Center Huntsville CEHND-ED-CS-D 4820 University Square Huntsville, AL 35816-1822 Telephone: (256) 895-1607 Fax: (256) 895-1602 E-mail: scott.d.millhouse@hnd01.usace.army.mil | 
