Researchers from Binghamton University’s Geophysical Laboratory and Ukrainian Multirotor Technologies LLC (“Joint Research Team”) completed the first phase of a collaborative research project into the development, testing and field trials of a UAV-based aeromagnetic survey system integrating the UMT Cicada hybrid-powered UAV platform and the Geometrics MFAM Microfabricated Atomic Magnetometer system.

As a result of this collaborative effort, the Joint Research Team developed the integrated Cicada-M aeromagnetic platform, capable of conducting autonomous, long-range, high-accuracy surveys targeting detection and identification of anthropogenic magnetic anomalies associated with Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) objects. High-resolution magnetic surveying capabilities allows the Cicada-M to be used in humanitarian demining efforts, as an element of wide-area technical surveying, consistent with International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) guidelines. Following extensive internal trials and calibration efforts, the Joint Research Team submitted the Cicada-M system for IMAS certification at the Ukrainian Armed Services Demining Center.

Following extensive trials, at the Demining Center, the Cicada-M was approved and certified for deployment as an IMAS 5.1 technical survey platform, capable of producing actionable aeromagnetic survey data outputs consistent with IMAS guidelines 5.1, parts a, b, c, and d, as defined below:

IMAS 5.1. General The outputs from a technical survey include:

a) definition of any area containing mine/ERW contamination;

b) additional information for planning the initial clearance of any area identified as containing mine/ERW contamination;

c) evidence (gathered through all reasonable effort) which may be sufficient to determine and demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the land users, that an area is free of mine/ERW contamination;

d) additional information for the establishment of priorities for future action.

The full Demining Center Report is available upon request from representatives of the Joint Research Team in English and Ukrainian and can be provided in digital form, with an accompanying multimedia presentation.

Some additional information you can find in this PDF file where descirbe reserch tests of “Long-range Hybrid Drone CICADA with using atom magnetometer for detection and identification Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)”.

The Joint Research Team will continue further research and development of innovative UAV-based geophysical solutions and will seek to publicize its results in peer-reviewed scientific journals, technical journals, conference presentation, and in popular media.

Thanks for the active action of all involved person. Especially thanks for support by:

Alex Nikulin, PhD 
Assistant Professor of Energy Geophysics Director

Puliaev Andrii, CEO
Ukrainian Multirotor Technologies, LLC

Timothy De Smet, PhD
Director of Geophysics & Remote Sensing Laboratory

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