US Army’s R2TD detects deeper tunnels
The Rapid Reaction Tunnel Detection (R2TD) system, developed by the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center's (ERDC), has the ability to ferret out enemies hiding below the tunnels, it was announced on 21 June.
The R2TD system detects the underground void created by tunnels and the sounds of people or objects like electrical or communications cabling inside tunnels. It is equipped with ground penetrating radar using an electromagnetic induction system.
The system also features a variety of sensors to detect acoustic and seismic energy.
The detection equipment data can then be transmitted remotely to analysts who view the data in graphical form on computer monitors. The system can be carried by a soldier or used inside a vehicle to scan suspected tunnel areas.
ERDC has upgraded the system to a higher power cable-loop transmitter to send signals deeper into the ground. The improvements have resulted in the ability to detect deeper tunnels and underground heat and infrastructure signatures, which can discriminate from the normal underground environment.
Besides the active tunnelling detection system, a sensing system employs a linear array of sensors just beneath the surface of the ground to monitor and process acoustic and seismic energy. These can be monitored remotely.
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