Yes. UXO detection is a key application. The system can detect magnetic anomalies produced by ferrous ordnance, from relatively small items through to larger UXO at greater distances. However, magnetometry should not be used to confirm that an area is free from landmines or UXO. Detection capability depends on target composition, size, orientation, depth, magnetic background and survey conditions.

MagNIMBUS uses QuSpin atomic total-field sensors, while the SENSYS MagDrone R4 uses five triaxial fluxgate sensors. Both are designed for professional UAV magnetic surveys, but the most suitable system depends on the target, required resolution, survey environment and processing workflow. Need advice on UAV magnetometry?
Contact JBUAS to discuss the MagNIMBUS configuration best suited to your archaeology, UXO, utility, environmental or geophysical survey requirements.

Yes. JBUAS specialises in integrated UAV geophysical sensor systems and can provide the MagNIMBUS alongside compatible drones, SkyHub, terrain-following technology, software and training. JBUAS has also demonstrated MagNIMBUS at its Test & Trial Centre.

Yes. Its combination of very high sensitivity, high sampling rate and extremely low sensor clearance makes MagNIMBUS particularly suitable for detecting relatively small magnetic targets.

For quick or in-field processing, GeoHammer Pro is recommended. For larger projects and more complex magnetic data processing, Seequent Oasis montaj can be used.

The gradiometer configuration can simplify data processing and means a magnetic base station is not required in many applications. The single-sensor configuration may benefit from a magnetic base station depending on the survey and processing requirements.

The standard single-sensor configuration weighs approximately 0.7 kg. The vertical gradiometer configuration weighs approximately 1.2 kg.

The QTFM Gen-2 sensor supports a user-configurable sampling rate of up to 500 Hz in scalar mode.

Yes. The system supports a live data stream to the ground station, allowing operators to monitor magnetic data during a survey.

Yes. The system can be used for geological and mineral exploration to map regional variations in the Earth’s magnetic field.

Yes. High-sensitivity aerial magnetometry can identify magnetic anomalies associated with buried archaeological features and structures.

Yes. Detecting buried metallic infrastructure, including metal pipes and shielded cables, is one of the system’s intended applications.

MagNIMBUS is an airborne magnetometer system designed for professional drone-based magnetic surveys. It uses a highly sensitive QuSpin QTFM Gen-2 laser-pumped rubidium total-field magnetometer and a foldable sensor mount that allows the sensor to operate very close to the ground.

Yes. MagNIMBUS can be integrated with UgCS terrain-following systems to maintain a consistent sensor-to-ground distance during low-level surveys. This is particularly valuable when surveying uneven terrain where maintaining a constant altitude manually would be difficult.

Yes. UgCS SkyHub acts as the onboard computer and data logger for the magnetic sensors and supports terrain-following functionality for compatible DJI drones.

Yes. The current MagNIMBUS specification lists the DJI Matrice 400 as a supported platform.

Yes. The MagNIMBUS is designed to integrate with the DJI Matrice 350 RTK, including SkyHub and terrain-following functionality.

The foldable mount is designed to absorb contact with the ground, vegetation or obstacles without necessarily causing the drone to crash. However, the system should always be operated within appropriate safety limits and according to the terrain and flight conditions.

Yes. The sensor is mounted on a self-folding arm designed to make take-off and landing easier while reducing the risk of the sensor catching vegetation or obstacles.

The closer a magnetometer is to a magnetic target, the stronger the measured anomaly generally becomes. Low-level flying can therefore improve the detection of small or weak magnetic targets.

One of the major advantages of MagNIMBUS is its ability to operate extremely close to the ground. The sensor can be flown with surface-to-sensor clearance starting from a few tens of centimetres, depending on the terrain and configuration. JBUAS describes the system as being designed to fly approximately 20–50 cm above the ground, helping identify small buried pipes, cables and other metallic objects.

MagNIMBUS uses a QuSpin QTFM Gen-2 laser-pumped rubidium total-field magnetometer. It provides very high sensitivity and can sample at up to 500 Hz in scalar mode.

MagNIMBUS can be supplied with one sensor or as a two-sensor vertical gradiometer configuration. The gradiometer configuration can simplify data processing and remove the need for a magnetic base station in many applications.

Typical applications include: UXO and metallic landmine detection Buried pipe and cable detection Archaeological surveys Abandoned well, pipe and storage tank surveys Geological and mineral exploration Detection of buried metallic objects Environmental surveys