Objective:
The Airborne Multisensor Towed Array Detection System (AMTADS) technology has rapidly evolved to become an important tool in the wide area assessment (WAA) process used to characterize munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) contamination at former and active military bombing ranges. During the course of prior demonstrations, several opportunities for improvements in the efficiency, applicability, and MEC detection capabilities of the helicopter-borne AMTADS technology (HeliMag) were identified. The objective of this project is to further evaluate, develop, and implement various HeliMag technology improvements. Technology Description: HeliMag technology is used to detect and map the density and distribution of MEC at specific sites within the larger footprint of each military facility. Several innovations to the existing AMTADS helicopter-based MEC characterization technology will be demonstrated, including (1) improved helicopter deployment capability in terms of power, lift, and maneuverability using a McDonald-Douglas MD530F helicopter; (2) configurable sensor deployment capabilities through a new sensor boom design; (3) increased data quality (data resolution and timing accuracy) via a new state-of-the-art data acquisition system (DAS); (4) improved productivity and quality through real-time data telemetry; and (5) increased efficiency and automation from real-time processing of survey data. Expected Benefits: Presently, HeliMag technology can sustain survey rates of approximately 300-500 acres per day, is limited to areas without significant vegetation or geologic complications, and is mainly applicable for general site assessment but not for comprehensive target detection. Through implementation of various innovations, the HeliMag technology could be advanced to survey more than 1,000 acres per day, perform more effectively over a wider range of sites, have improved capability in challenging geologic conditions, and have increased rates of unexploded ordnance (UXO) detection. These technology improvements will benefit the Department of Defense’s military munitions response mission by decreasing unit costs for WAA through greater speed and efficiency, reduced labor needs, and increased data accuracy and quality. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2009) Principal Investigator: Dr. Jack Foley Sky Research, Inc. 445 Dead Indian Memorial Road Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone: (978) 458-9807 Fax: (720) 293-9666 E-mail: jack.foley@skyresearch.com DoD Liaison: Mr. Scott Millhouse U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville 4820 University Square Huntsville, AL 35816-1822 Telephone: (256) 895-1607 Fax: (256) 895-1602 E-mail: scott.d.millhouse@hnd01.usace.army.mil | 
