|
TODS was developed for and tested by the US
DoD Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program. The US DoD has found TODS
suitable for use in Humanitarian Demining Operations.
DEPLOYMENT AND NAVIGATION
TODS is deployed to a work
site using a trailer or similar transportation. TODS is based on a commercial skid loader
and weighs approximately 4000 lbs. A containerized remote control site is set up at a safe
location and is powered by a vehicle alternator or generator. The operator installs the
desired tooling (backhoe, vegetation cutter, flail) for the task at hand. TODS’
remote functions are controlled via a portable controller with switches and joysticks. The
operator monitors vehicle mounted cameras on a video monitor at the control site. Video
feedback and Global Positioning System (GPS) allows navigating to physically or
electronically marked targets or borders.
VEGETATION CLEARANCE
The first and most
dangerous task associated with land mine and UXO remediation is the clearance of
vegetation to allow detection and excavation. TODS can be configured with a front or boom
mounted vegetation cutter. The boom cutter allows cutting vegetation lanes without running
TODS over potential ordnance.
LOCATION, IDENTIFICATION AND
EXCAVATION
TODS is then configured
with the backhoe. The operator utilizes two joysticks on the portable controller that
mimic a manual backhoe’s controls. The backhoe can include a mine/metal detector and
a compressed air excavation subsystem. The operator drives TODS to a target site utilizing
visual feedback or GPS information. A mine/metal detector can assist in pinpointing and
paint marking buried ordnance. The compressed air excavation system is used to gently
uncover buried land mines or is used in conjunction with the backhoe to uncover deeper
ordnance. This process is used to locate ordnance, identify its type and plan subsequent
backhoe excavation or prepare for blow in place activities. The backhoe can then excavate
the exposed ordnance. The backhoe bucket removes allowing a gripper installation which
transforms the backhoe into a manipulator. Therefore, the UXO can be transported for final
disposition using the bucket or a gripper. During testing, TODS was subjected to a 12 lb.
TNT blast replicating an Anti-Tank (AT) detonation. TODS drove away with field repairable
damage.
ANTI-PERSONNEL (AP) CHAIN FLAIL
A flail attaches to safely
detonate AP mines. TODS has proven effective in detonating M14 AP mines and is survivable
through repeated 1.0 lb. TNT detonations. Blast armor minimizes fragmentation damage.
Visit OAO’s website for more information and pricing on TODS and other OAO products.
Further information can be provided to request field testing and US foreign assistance to
procure TODS. OAO Robotics provides products or services establishing indigenous UXO and
land mine remediation capabilities.
The TODS configured for AP
chain flail operation can process 17,000 square meters of ground in a typical working day.
The flail detonates mines or proofs grounds deemed cleared.
|
