The Demining Process: Our team at Armtrac provides demining robots and other equipment for landmine clearing operations. We offer a wide range of demining machines, bolt-on toolkits and related products to choose from, including the A20T Robot, A75t-230, A100-350, A400, Sifter, Mine Comb, Strimmer, and C-IED Mine Roller.
All of our demining products are constructed of high-quality materials and have been rigorously tested to ensure that they are safe, reliable and effective. We also offer a comprehensive range of customer support services, including training on using our machines and their long-term maintenance.
Here we cover some of the most frequently asked questions about our demining machines, tools and equipment:
What is demining?
Demining is the process of removing and disarming active landmines that have been placed on or have been buried beneath the ground. Landmines are explosive devices designed to injure or kill people or destroy vehicles. They are often placed in areas where people are likely to be, such as roads, fields, and villages.
Why is demining necessary?
Unfortunately, landmines are a significant problem in many parts of the world. An estimated 110 million landmines are still active in the world, and they kill or injure an estimated 20,000 people yearly. Many of these landmines were laid decades ago, during wars or conflicts that are now over. However, the landmines remain a deadly threat to civilians, who often do not know their location.
How does the demining process work?
International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) set out the full phases of the demining process. It starts off with Non - Technical Survey (NTS) of mine affected areas to allocate where the Suspect Hazardous Areas (SHA) are concentrated using local information and intelligence. When the initial mapping of areas is complete, Technical Survey (TS) is conducted within the SHAs to establish the exact landmine and other explosive ordnance threats. Once confirmed as hazardous several different methods can be used to detect and remove landmines, including:
- Manual demining involves using metal detectors and other tools to search for landmines by hand.
- Mechanical demining involves using mechanical equipment to clear large areas of land. Automated demining machines are remotely controlled so that crews can operate them from a safe distance. This significantly reduces the risk of injury or death. However some demining machines have armoured cabins fitted so that operators can take direct control of the demining machine to get a better view of the operation and topography.
- Olfactory Search and demining. This can involve using specially trained dogs or rats to sniff out landmines followed by demining personnel to neutralise the detected landmines.
How has technology changed mine clearance techniques?
Advances in technology have had a significant impact on landmine clearance techniques. In the past, demining was a slow and dangerous process often only done by hand. However, new technologies like Ground Probing Radar detectors, remote-controlled vehicles, and trained dogs have made demining more efficient and safer.
What maintenance and training are needed?
Demining equipment must be regularly maintained to maintain good working order. Deminers must also be trained in using demining equipment and safely handling and disposing of landmines.
What are the benefits of an Armtrac remote-controlled demining machine?
Our remote-controlled demining machines offer several benefits to the demining process. Our crewless machines can provide fast and efficient Technical Survey of dangerous areas. They can also be used to clear large Suspect Hazardous Areas quickly and efficiently particularly when the threat and location of landmines is not well understood.
For example, the Armtrac 20T C-IED Robot is a versatile, cost-effective crewless ground vehicle (UGV) used for various demining and counter-IED (improvised explosive device) operations. It can be fitted with multiple toolkits, including a demining flail or tiller and a rear robotic arm equipped with different attachments. It can also have a detector system that can be mounted on the front or rear and an IED disruptor that can be fitted on the rear robotic arm.
How have Armtrac mine clearance machines changed demining?
Developing our comprehensive range of mine clearance machines has revolutionised the demining process. Using our machines has made demining faster, safer, and more efficient. They have also helped to make demining more accessible to remote and difficult-to-reach areas.
How does Armtrac help with demining?
Armtrac is a leading international manufacturer of demining equipment. We offer a wide range of demining machines, including the Armtrac 20T Robot and the Armtrac 400. Our machines are used by demining organisations worldwide to help save lives and make land safe for development. Armtrac machines have been used in, or supplied to the following Countries; Albania, Angola, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Chad, Croatia, Colombia, Egypt, Falkland Islands France, Iraq, Kosovo, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, the US and Ukraine.
We hope these FAQ,s have answered your questions about demining. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
