Design and build of an autonomous hovercraft for landmine detection

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Design and build of an autonomous hovercraft for landmine detection

Maziar Arjomandi

Reuben Alexander A. Brown, Paul Ryan R. Hocking, Beau Krieg, Rahim Nazmudin N. Kurji, Adrian McLay and Jarrad Norton

(Commenced: 01-Jan-2009, Concluded: 30-Nov-2009)

Maziar Arjomandi

Reuben Alexander A. Brown

Paul Ryan R. Hocking

Beau Krieg

Rahim Nazmudin N. Kurji

Adrian McLay

Jarrad Norton

The aim of this project was to develop a prototype vehicle that would provide a proof of concept for the application of hovercraft to mine detection. The scope of this project included an extensive manufacturing effort ranging from woodworking to composite manufacture. Design, construction and testing were undertaken by a group of six
final year engineering students from the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Adelaide, during 2009. This manufacturing was partaken by the group, and supported by the Mechanical Engineering Workshop.

The application of a hovercraft to mine detection offers several advantages over established mine detection methodologies. The low pressure footprint of a hovercraft minimises the probability of detonation. The application of autonomous features to the platform, including way point navigation and automated mine detection and marking, removes the operator from the
field and hence from the hazard.

This unique solution however, raises a series of challenges, including the minimisation of metallic components, designing a highly controllable yet manoeuvrable craft and successfully integration of sensitive sensor con
figurations. To meet these challenges, a hovercraft configuration with a axial fan lift system feeding a segmented skirt and a differential and vectored thrust system mounted on a composite base structure, was designed. Autonomy was incorporated by adapting a commercially available autopilot for use as a two-dimensional planar control system which was integrated with the hovercraft's actuation systems via a microcontroller.

Off the self metal detector coils integrated into the hull provided detection capabilities for the platform. The output from each coil was extracted and processed to provide a signal that could be used to actuate a physical marking system, specifically designed to paint the ground with a high visibility mark within a one metre halo radius of the target. This sensor configuration had a tested accuracy of 68% in detection of a representative target.

Performance testing of the hovercraft confirmed that design specifications were met. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, full autonomy was not realised, however the detailed design and integration provides promising groundwork for future work, with active yaw control implemented. Testing of all other systems confirmed their suitability for the application; however the complete prototype was not tested under the entire operational scenario at the completion of this project and is reserved for future work.

Project Sponsors

· Defense Science and Technology Organisation

· AMCOR

· Soil Testing Services

Project Deliverables

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