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

GS Engineering has invented a novel, lightweight mine and IED neutralizing device that will make the current heavy roller technology obsolete. The GSE countermine system will allow lightweight vehicles to become capable of mine and IED clearing. This research effort has focused on innovative materials/designs to minimize its weight, provide system modularity, increase survivability, and maximize blast stand-off distance. GSE is refining several variants of this invention with unique design features. GSE has developed this novel solution to support the Army’s future vision. This invention will be modular, scalable, and adaptable to a wide variety of future and existing vehicles. This will aid the “Assured Mobility” future operational approach, in which forces will have the ability to deploy & maneuver without interruption, to achieve their mission. The Army continues to strive for reduced operating costs, while optimizing performance of various systems. A lightweight, modular countermine and IED device will offer benefits such as reduced fuel costs, reduced shipping costs, increased aircraft payload capacity, simplified logistics, and reduced maintenance. It will allow for more efficient vehicle operation, and improved vehicle mobility by reducing the tractive effort required for mine clearing.