Method and apparatus for the clearing of minefields

Abstract

Clearance of a minefield is effected using first and second ground-engaging drive units ( 63 and 64 ), each of which includes a milling or grinding drum ( 6 ). The first drive unit ( 63 ) is connected to the front of a multi-purpose vehicle or tractor ( 62 ) and the second drive unit ( 64 ) is connected to the rear of the vehicle or tractor ( 62 ) to form a mine clearance apparatus which can be driven over the land to be cleared of mines with the vehicle or tractor ( 62 ) supported clear of the ground by the first and second drive units ( 63 and 64 ). The milling or grinding drum ( 6 ) of the first drive unit ( 63 ) grinds up the surface vegetation and the milling or grinding drum ( 6 ) of the second drive unit ( 64 ) grinds up a layer of soil and any anti-personnel mines contained therein.

1 . A method for the clearance of anti-personnel mines, the method comprising: 
 a) providing a first ground-engaging drive unit which includes a milling or grinding drum,    b) providing a second ground-engaging drive unit which includes a milling or grinding drum,    c) connecting the first drive unit to the front of a vehicle and the second drive unit to the rear of the vehicle to form a mine clearance apparatus, and    e) driving the mine clearance apparatus over the land to be cleared in such manner that the milling or grinding drum of the first drive unit grinds up the surface vegetation and the milling or grinding drum of the second drive unit grinds up a layer of soil and any anti-personnel mines contained therein.    
     
     
         2 . Apparatus for use in the clearance of a minefield, the apparatus comprising first and second ground-engaging drive units each of which includes a milling or grinding drum, and each drive unit being provided with connector means such that the first drive unit can be connected to the front of a vehicle and the second drive unit can be connected to the rear of the vehicle to form an apparatus which can be driven over the land to be cleared in such manner that the milling or grinding drum of the first drive unit grinds up the surface vegetation and the milling or grinding drum of the second drive unit grinds up a layer of soil and any anti-personnel mines contained therein.  
     
     
         3 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  or apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , in which the vehicle is connected to the first and second drive units in such manner that, when the apparatus is being driven over the land to be cleared of mines, the vehicle is supported clear of the ground by said first and second drive units.  
     
     
         4 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  or apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , in which the first drive unit includes a detector for the detection of buried objects larger than anti-personnel mines.  
     
     
         5 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  or apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , in which the first drive unit includes blockage prevention means to prevent clogging of the milling or grinding drum due to excessive vegetation, wet soil or other adverse conditions.  
     
     
         6 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  or apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , in which the first and second drive units each include a blast damage reduction device to obviate damage due to blast energy from exploding anti-personnel mines.  
     
     
         7 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  or apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , in which the second drive unit includes a soil filtering device for preparing the de-mined soil for agricultural seeding.  
     
     
         8 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  or apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , in which an integrated drive and governor system is provided for moving the apparatus over the ground to be cleared under the power of the prime mover of the vehicle.  
     
     
         9 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  or apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , in which an integrated steering and fixing system is provided for controlling movement of the apparatus over the ground to be cleared under the power of the prime mover of the vehicle.  
     
     
         10 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  or apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , in which means are provided on the first drive unit for projecting ground-up vegetation upwardly and rearwardly so that it is applied on top of ground-up soil discharged from the second drive unit.  
     
     
         11 . A drive unit which includes a milling or grinding drum, connector means for connection of the drive unit to the front or rear of a vehicle so that, when driven over the land to be cleared, the milling or grinding drum grinds up either the surface vegetation or a layer of soil and any anti-personnel mines contained therein, and a blast damage reduction device to obviate damage due to blast energy from exploding anti-personnel mines.  
     
     
         12 . A drive unit as claimed in  claim 11 , which includes blockage prevention means to prevent clogging of the milling or grinding drum due to excessive vegetation, wet soil or other adverse conditions.  
     
     
         13 . A drive unit as claimed in  claim 11  or  claim 12 , which includes a detector for the detection of buried objects larger than anti-personnel mines.  
     
     
         14 . A drive unit as claimed in  claim 11  or  claim 12 , which includes a soil filtering device for preparing the de-mined soil for agricultural seeding.