A Drone Fitted With a Magnetometer Detects Landmines

Abstract

Many antipersonnel (AP) and antitank (AT) mines remain in the ground across South Korea; some are partially exposed and remain visible. We used a drone fit with a magnetometer to detect landmines. The magnetic characteristics of landmines were measured, and altitude and flight conditions (altitude < 1 m) required for successful landmine detection were derived. Metallic AP and AT mines, and low metal content AT mines were detected in field tests under the proposed conditions. The drone can be used to aid in the demining of South Korea.