The Husky Vehicle Mounted Mine Detector (VMMD), previously known as Chubby, is a wheeled landmine detection and route clearance system produced by DCD Protected Mobility (DCD), a part of DCD GROUP.
The vehicle was originally developed for the South African Army in the 1970s. The Husky VMMD can detect both metal and non-metal buried explosives but can also be customised to detect user-defined threats. It can clear a path of three meters at a maximum speed of 50km/h. The Husky VMMD vehicle is marketed in the US by Critical Solutions International (CSI), who are also responsible for the international marketing and field support of the vehicle.
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Husky mine detection system history of orders and deliveries
The Husky VMMD vehicles are operational with several countries across the globe.
The US Army awarded $200.2m contract to Chemring Sensors and Electronic Systems for delivering kits, spare parts, maintenance and training for Husky VMMD in May 2020.
The Latvian Home Guard received three Husky VMMDs, personnel training and technical support from the US under the US foreign military financing programme in October 2019.
CSI was awarded a $132m contract by the US Army Contracting Command Warren to deliver 41 Husky 2G vehicle systems and payloads for multiple FMS customers in March 2017. A two-year contract extension for additional vehicles and payloads was awarded in October 2020.
Other orders include a $20m contract from the Spanish Army in January 2013, for the supply of Husky VMMD systems for landmine and improvised explosive devices detection in Afghanistan. The Turkish army received four Husky VMMD systems in 2013.
The US Army awarded a $13.6m contract to CSI for the delivery of 20 Husky VMMD systems, in September 2010.
In June 2010, CSI received a $40.6m contract from the US Army for 21 Husky VMMD systems.
Husky Vehicle Mounted Mine Detector (VMMD) variants
The Husky Mk I was developed in the 1970s, for land mine detection. DCD introduced Husky Mk II and Husky Mk III as upgraded versions of the basic variant.
Husky 2G, the latest VMMD variant, is a two-seat vehicle accommodating a driver and a sensor operator.
Husky VMMD design details
The Husky VMMD incorporates a V-shaped hull offering optimum protection against blasts. The cabin is fitted with a bullet-proof glass window and a single hatch is provided on the top.
The vehicle has a length of 7.34m, width of 2.53m, and an overall height of 3.54m. The operating weight of the Husky VMMD is 8,350kg.
A front-mounted 4-jet marking bar is installed at the front of the vehicle, and a centre body-mounted 12-jet marking bar is also installed for marking the threat location.
The vehicle is designed to detect landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) with high probability of detection (Pd) and low false alarm rate (FAR). The height of the sensor installed on the Husky can be controlled automatically to adjust in various terrains. The Husky is also attached with the Mine Detonation Trailer (MDT) set to detonate any left out mines.
The Husky VMMD can run over pressure-fused anti-vehicle landmines without exploding them.
Sensors aboard Husky VMMD system
The Husky vehicle is equipped with NIITEK’s VISOR™ 2500 Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), with four panelled 3.2m array at the front. The GPR detects the mines and explosives by using hydraulically-controlled deploy and retract modes.
The GPR can be optionally installed with EMI Coils three-meter Wide Scan for See-Deep Metal Detector Array. The vehicle is fitted with automatic target recognition algorithms for GPR and MD data processing.
The vehicle’s navigation system includes NGC LN-270 INS with GPS, SAASM anti-jamming module, and Starfire DGPS module.
Husky VMMD self-protection features
The v-shaped hull of Husky VMMD can protect the vehicle and crew from blasts. It can withstand up to STANAG 4569 level 4a & 4b blasts on field and is also capable of withstanding STANAG 4569 level 3 (standard) ballistic explosion. The vehicle is designed to withstand high detonation and can be brought to operating conditions within two hours after an explosion.
Engine details of Husky mine detector
The power plant of the Husky VMMD includes a Mercedes Benz OM 906 LA 6.4L six-cylinder turbo diesel engine coupled with an Allison 2500 SP 5-speed automatic transmission.
The engine can generate a maximum power of 201hp (150kW) and torque of 750Nm at 1,250rpm.
Husky mine detector mobility
The Husky VMMD vehicle can cruise at a maximum speed of 72km/h and can reach a speed of 50km/h in just 16 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum range of 400km, and a range of 200km when attached with MDT.
The vehicle can negotiate side slopes of 22°. The maximum gradient of the vehicle is 70%. The maximum gradient is 20% when accompanied by MDT.
The Husky VMMD system can operate at a minimum operating temperature of -26°F and a maximum temperature of 135°F.
