UgCS MagNIMBUS Gradiometer System

UgCS has launched their first UAV gradiometer system. The ultra-sensitive UAV gradiometer system is powered by QuSpin Gen-2 atomic total-field magnetometer sensors. Its unique design enables extremely low surface-to-sensor clearance. The spherical sensor can touch the ground or vegetation without causing the drone to crash.

This capability is extremely important when searching for small UXO items over fields with vegetation. The self-foldable sensor mount allows easy take-off and landing without requiring advanced piloting skills, which operators typically need when using magnetic sensors on suspension cords.

MagNIMBUS comes in two possible configurations

• Vertical UAV gradiometer.
  This configuration greatly simplifies data processing and makes the need for a magnetic base station unnecessary.
• Configuration with a single sensor with a foldable mount.
  Detection capabilities are the same as for the gradiometer setup, but it requires experienced specialists for data processing. A magnetic base station is recommended in case of surveys close to sources of environmental magnetic fields.

Typical Applications

• Searching for UXO (unexploded ordnance) and landmines in metallic casings
• Tramp metals and lost GET (ground engagement tools) detection
• Locating buried infrastructure (metal pipes and shielded cables)
• Archaeology
• Surveying for any metal objects weighing a hundred grams or heavier lying underground

The system can detect a wide range of items, from hand grenades (estimated sensor-target distance for robust detection for targets like F1 fragmentation hand grenades is 1.0 m) to large explosive remnants of war like aerial bombs at a distance of a few metres. While the system is capable of detecting some specific types of landmines (TM-62M, OZM-72 and similar types with a considerable amount of ferrous metal), landmine search is not a primary application of the system, as it can miss many types of low-ferrous landmines. Operators cannot use the system to confirm the absence of landmines and should not rely on it for that purpose.

For further information on this system, click this link: MagNimbus

UK SENSYS Specialist Distributor

JBUAS (UK) and SENSYS (Germany) are pleased to announce that, with immediate effect, JBUAS is the UK specialist distributor of SENSYS’ current and future range of UAV MagDrone magnetometers. The SENSYS’ systems support applications in construction, oil and gas, renewable power and other industries.

UAV Magnetometers

Drone magnetometry is a new innovation which reduces costs and improves the safety and accessibility of surveying sites or infrastructure routes. For example, surveyors can use the technology to quickly and accurately identify the route of existing pipelines and electrical cables. It can also help assess potential obstacles along proposed cable or pipeline routes.

Because magnetometers detect metal and magnetic objects below the ground, drone magnetometers can be used to survey pre-construction sites for hazards, including unexploded wartime bombs. Drones can also effortlessly survey difficult-to-access terrain, such as boggy and rough ground or fields with planted crops. The current SENSYS UAV MagDrone range comprises two market-leading models, the R3 and R4.

MagDrone R3

The MagDrone R3 is a proven solution for a range of applications, including bomb clearance and the detection of pipes and cables. Additionally, it can be applied to mineral prospection, where mineral seams can be accurately mapped. With a sampling rate of 200 Hz, the system can be flown at speed while maintaining the quality of data collected. Measuring 1 m in length, with 2 fluxgate sensors at either end, the system delivers excellent stability across all drones. The MagDrone R3 is widely used with the DJI M300 RTK drone. This system is ideal for small- to medium-sized surveys.

 

MagDrone R4

The MagDrone R4 has 5 fluxgate sensors spaced 50 cm apart to survey a width of 2.5 m. This configuration provides users with the resolution, at low flight heights, to pick up smaller objects than that found with the R3. Like the R3, the R4 samples at 200 Hz, meaning flight speed can be up to 5 m/sec. The system weighs only 1.6 kg, making it ideal for taking full advantage of the long flight time of the DJI M300 RTK.

Both systems are compatible with the UgCS SkyHub with True Terrain Following (TTF), where both the drone’s power and telemetry (RTK data) can be utilised.

With the addition of the UAV MagDrone range, JBUAS can now offer customers complete, integrated magnetometer drone solutions. Furthermore, JBUAS provides demonstrations and trials for interested companies to ‘try before they buy’.

Jonathan Brindley (JBUAS Sensor Solutions Manager) said, “This agreement with SENSYS means we can offer a much better service for UK customers. We provide one-to-one support with an actual system in the UK, so potential users gain a better understanding of the technology, which aids their investment decision-making process. With drone magnetometers able to quickly perform survey work previously carried out by time-consuming and often hazardous physical inspections, the new technology is sparking interest in several industrial sectors.”

 

About JB Unmanned Aerial Systems (JBUAS)

JBUAS is a leading UK-based supplier and integrator of UAV sensor payloads. Working with industry partners, we develop and commercialise drone-based sensor solutions across multiple industrial sectors. We support businesses and organisations to innovate using geophysical sensors such as gas detectors, ground-penetrating radars (GPR), magnetometers and sonar systems. Additionally, JBUAS supports the use of thermal camera systems, including those used for industrial asset inspection, agricultural assessments, and property/people surveillance and security. We are strategic distribution partners for SENSYS, Workswell, and SPH Engineering.