Portable unmanned helicopter to hunt mines.

• Author: Foster, Sharon
• Position: Tech Talk - Camcopters - Brief Article

The Countermine Division of the U.S. Army has bought three unmanned helicopter systems to detect mines.

The systems--called Camcopters--are built by Schiebel Technology Inc., of Warrenton, Va. Each system includes a helicopter, a control station, associated antennae and support equipment, including an optional support vehicle, explained Hans G. Schiebel, the firm's managing director.

Two of the Army's Camcopters are dedicated towards conducting experiments leading up to an Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration for Joint Area Clearance to be held this summer. They carry a down-looking IR sensor to detect the presence of landmines and other obstacles in roadways. The third one currently is being used to carry an experimental Synthetic Aperture Ground Penetrating Radar, developed by Mirage Systems, Inc. to locate buried landmines.

Like traditional helicopters, the Camcopter can rake off and...