DCD Protected Mobility - Landmine Detection Vehicles and Route Clearance Systems

Since its inception in 1911, the Rolling Stock and Defense division of Protected Mobility (a division of DCD GROUP (Pty) Ltd), has established itself as a fully accredited, socially responsible, international systems house, providing sustainable products and solutions for the transport and defence sectors by developing intellectual property in partnership with governments, customers, suppliers and communities.

Landmine detection systems

DCD Protected Mobility designs and manufactures the world's leading landmine detection system, which has been tested to international standards in the USA, France and South Africa. This is our flagship defence product and is also known as the Vehicle Mounted Mine Detector (VMMD).

Since the early 1980s this system has been successfully deployed in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Balkans. It successfully completed arduous and comprehensive testing in South Africa, at the US Army's Yuma and Aberdeen Proving Grounds, and the White Sands Missile Test Range.

Working with our US-based international partners, Critical Solutions International, we have been successful in type classifying the VMMD system on a US Government Program of Record acquisition.

Blast-survivable vehicle for detection of landmines, IEDs and EFPs

The combat-proven Husky vehicle, which is the core of the system, is a unique landmine detection vehicle that is blast-survivable, overpass-capable and field-reparable.

Operations in Afghanistan and Iraq expanded the Husky's role beyond detecting and marking landmines to the detection of IEDs and EFPs. The system facilitates fast and efficient route clearance, creating safe passage for military personnel and civilians.

What makes the Husky unique is its ability to pass over pressure-fused anti-vehicle landmines without detonating them. In the event of a detonation, the components have been engineered in a unique modular configuration and break apart in a predictable fashion, facilitating fast in-field repairs. The system clears a 3m wide path travelling at speeds between 15km/hr and 50km/hr, depending on terrain. The systems in service have collectively been subjected to thousands of detonations.

Landmine detection vehicle for two operators

With the increasing length of route clearance missions, the need was identified for a vehicle that can carry two occupants, splitting tasks between the driver and operator of the detection equipment. Ground penetrating radar (GPR), blowers and robotic arms have been operationalised on Husky vehicles. This has prompted an evolution to a two-operator variant known as the Husky 2G, which retains the majority of features and components of the current Husky MK III.

Armoured utility vehicles for multiple battlefield roles

Based on the Husky's success in service, and through observing the heavy MRAP vehicles' restricted mobility in urban areas and arduous terrain, DCD Protected Mobility has developed a revolutionary new armoured utility vehicle called 'The Mountain Lion'. This versatile vehicle is capable of fulfilling multiple roles on the battlefield. Engineered for demandingly high payload while ensuring crew survivability, the Mountain Lion extends expeditionary capabilities and can be transported in a C-130 aircraft.

The Mountain Lion is ideally suited for peacekeeping and policing operations. Its unique design incorporates a single piece v-shaped armoured hull, ensuring maximum protection from blast threats. Superb ballistic protection (also from IEDs and EFPs) is achieved. Enclosure of all sub-systems within the hull ensures protection of critical components. The vehicle can carry a crew of up to two, plus eight soldiers complete with kit.

Armoured utility vehicle with unique four-wheel steer system

The Mountain Lion is equipped with a unique four-wheel steer system, independent suspension, and intelligent damping, which dramatically reduce the turning circle and enhance crew comfort and endurance. Blast-attenuating seats and energy-absorbing floor panels enhance crew protection. A 570A alternator, delivering 14kW, supplies power through a unique power management system and an AFES provides fire suppression capabilities in the crew and engine compartments, fuel tank and tyres. A ring mount which can carry a main weapon station of the customer's choice is fitted to the vehicle.