Investigation into Novel Approaches to Maximize the Performance of Lightweight Vehicular Mechanical Countermine Equipment

Due to the widespread use of landmines in past and current conflicts, effective mine-clearing systems are in ever-increasing demand in today's military and humanitarian efforts around the world. GS Engineering (GSE) has invented a unique system that will greatly advance the current state of the art in mine-clearing. Existing mine-clearing systems require significant tractive effort, thus forcing them to rely on large prime movers such as tanks, or other specialized vehicles. This new invention will allow lightweight vehicles to become mine-clearing capable, thus greatly increasing the capabilities and safety of deployed ground forces. This new device will be portable, modular, lightweight, scalable and adaptable to a wide variety of future and existing vehicle platforms. This countermine device will offer additional benefits such as reduced fuel costs, increased aircraft payload capacity, simplified logistics, reduced maintenance, and reduced shipping costs. GSE's new technology would also increase mine blast survivability and durability by increasing the stand-off distance from detonated mines. This will be achieved by innovative new techniques for mine neutralization, coupled with the use of advanced materials to provide increased durability.