The Husky VMMD (Vehicle-Mounted Mine Detection) is a configurable counter-IEDMRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle, developed by South African-based DCD Protected Mobility and American C-IED company Critical Solutions International. Designed for use in route clearance and de-mining operations, the Husky is equipped with technologies to help detect explosives and minimise blast damage.[1][2]
The Husky VMMD detects and identifies land mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) using sensors and imaging systems. The Husky is equipped with countermeasures like jamming systems and smoke generators that can be used to neutralize or disrupt IEDs.[1] The Husky VMMD's armour can withstand the effects of most land mines and IEDs, while its suspension system enables it to navigate rough terrain while maintaining crew safety.
Development
The Husky traces its lineage to the Pookie, a Rhodesian mine clearance vehicle.
Originally used as the lead element of a mine removal convoy, the Husky was employed as part of the Chubby mine detection system. The early Chubby system comprised a lead detection vehicle (the Meerkat), a second proofing vehicle (the Husky) towing a mine detonation trailer, and a third vehicle carrying spare parts for expedient blast repair.
In the mid-1990s, DCD Group and Critical Solutions International planned to bring the technology to the U.S. and underwent a two-year foreign comparative test program with the United States Department of Defense and follow-on modifications and testing. In 1997, CSI was directed to produce and deliver production systems under the U.S. Army Interim Vehicle Mounted Mine Detection Program.
Over the next twenty years, the Husky underwent several iterations and upgrades. U.S. military clearance units currently train on and employ Husky vehicles as detection assets and clearance vehicles.[3]
Design
The Husky is part of a class of MRAP vehicles developed from South African blast protection designs.[1]
The sharp V-hull of the Husky helps reduces blast effect by increasing ground clearance and standoff from the blast, increasing structural hull rigidity, and diverting blast energy and fragmentation away from the platform and its occupants.[1]
The Husky is designed to break apart in a blast event, allowing energy to transfer to the detachable front and rear modules rather than the critical components of the vehicle or the occupants located in the cab. Its three main components (a center cab with front and rear wheel modules) are connected by shear pins.
Critical components are engineered to break apart predictably, preventing catastrophic damage and enabling users to quickly replace modules on site. This approach increases the lifespan of the vehicle and limits the need for recovery teams to evacuate the vehicle to maintenance facilities.
The cabin of the Husky is fitted with bulletproof glass windows. There is an entry hatch on the roof.[1]
This section needs expansion with: more information about each variant, especially the Mk I and Mk II. You can help by adding to it. (October 2020)
Husky Mk I
First Husky production model. Replaced by Husky Mk II.
Husky Mk II
Second Husky model. Replaced by Husky Mk III.
Husky Mk III
Modern single-occupant Husky model. The platform is integrated with pulse induction metal detector panels and overpass tires that enable operators to regulate tire air pressure in order to reduce the risk of initiating land mines without causing detonation. The Mk III, like other Husky models, is engineered in a modular, frangible configuration.
Husky 2G
Project Type
- Mine clearance vehicle
Manufacturer
- DCD Protected Mobility
Crew
- Two
Operating Weight
- 9,200kg
Husky 2G is a two-seat variant of Husky MK III vehicle mounted mine detector (VMMD) designed and manufactured by South African firm DCD Protected Mobility (DCD PM). Equipped with a number of sensors, the vehicle is ideally suited for mine-clearing operations including detection, identification and destruction of improvised explosive devices (IED), landmines and other explosive materials.
Development of the Husky 2G was prompted by the need to conduct longer missions and employ multiple detection systems. The Husky 2G was designed with added high sensitivity detectors, ground-penetrating radar, video optics suites, and remote weapon stations. These additional components required a second operator to manage the additional workload, hence the required two occupants.
Equipment
The Husky is capable of carrying the following equipment and payloads:
The Husky was listed on the U.S. Army’s Top Ten inventions of 2010.[7]
References
Stiff, Peter (January 1986). Taming the Landmine. ISBN0947020047.
Camp, Steve; Heitman, Helmoed-Römer (19 September 2014). Surviving the Ride: A Pictorial History of South African-Manufactured Mine-Protected Vehicles. ISBN978-1928211174.
