Aerial electronic detection of surface and underground threats

US7336079B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Larry G. Stolarczyk · Rio Rancho, US
• Tito Sanchez · Raton, US
• John A. Myers · Raton, US
• Chance Dain Valentine · Raton, US
• Gerald L. Stolarczyk · Raton, US
• Robert Troublefield · Raton, US
• Igor Bausov · Raton, US
• Laxmi Narayana Botla · Raton, US
• Beaux L. Beard · Raton, US
• Richard Brewster Main · Elk Grove, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 17, 2006
• Grant date: Feb 26, 2008
• Expiry date: Apr 17, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01V3/17
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An aerial electronic system for detection of surface and underground threats comprises an electromagnetic (EM) gradiometer flown aloft over the possible ground and underground threats to a convoy. The EM gradiometer is disposed in a Styrofoam torpedo shaped pod that is towed in flight behind an airplane. An illumination transmitter and loop antenna mounted to the airplane radiate a primary EM wave that travels down to the ground surface and penetrates beneath. Frequencies of 80 KHz to 1 MHz are selected according to whether the targets are laying on the surface or deeply buried. Detonation wire pairs, buried cables and pipes, and other conductors will re-radiate a secondary wave that can be sensed by the EM gradiometer. A reference sample of the transmitter signal is carried down a fiberoptic from the airplane to the towed pod. This signal is used in the synchronous detection to measure the secondary EM wave phase.