Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Based Magnetic Anomaly Detection (MAD) for Small Submarine Hunting in Shallow Water and Over-the-land Reconnaissance

The Principal Investigator has shown that it is feasible to fly aMagnetic Anomaly Detection (MAD) system on a unmanned aerialvehicle (UAV) in tests already conducted. The present effort isdirected to the flight demonstration of a near real-timetransmission of a MAD sensor suite installed on a UAV to a groundcontrol station where the advanced signal processing will processand analyze the data resulting in a new real-time graphicaldisplay identifying possible target locations. The investigatorhas already explored a number of approaches to install a selectedcommercial off the shelf low cost MAD onto various UAVplatforms. A preliminary design has been completed to meet theperformance requirements suitable for both military andcommercial applications.BENEFITS: A MAD-equipped UAV with near real-time processing and display would be a significantintelligence and targeting tool for the Navy. Over-the-land reconnaissance would enabledetection of concealed armor in revetments, command bunkers, andC4Iburiedand concealedenemy assets. Improved Battle Damage Assessment capability. Technology spin-offs fromthis effort would have immediate application in thecommercialgeoprospectingexplorationindustry.