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The Husky Vehicle Mounted Mine Detector (VMMD) is a blast-survivable and mission-configurable detection and interrogation vehicle platform originally developed by the DCD Group in the 1970s. The Husky is marketed and supported by Critical Solutions International (CSI) in the United States and overseas.

The Husky VMMD is suitable for counter-IED efforts (C-IED) in both rural and urban environments and facilitates fast and efficient route clearance by creating safe passage for military convoys and civilian vehicles. Whether operating on main supply routes (MSRs), city streets, or rocky trails, the Husky’s radar and sensor systems are world renowned for countermine and non-conventional explosive detection.

Development[edit]

The Husky VMMD was first used as part of a mine removal convoy, previously deployed as part of the Chubby mine detection system, and was developed by DCD Group in Gauteng. The early Chubby system was comprised of a lead detection vehicle (such as the Meerkat), a second proofing vehicle (the Husky) towing a weighted mine-detonation trailer, and a third vehicle carrying spare parts for repair.

The Husky VMMD was initially deployed in the 1970s and used by the South African Defence Force to clear military convoy routes of mines in Namibia and Angola during the South African Border War. The Husky was later deployed in Rhodesia during the Rhodesian Bush War, and it was during these first vehicle deployments that much of the early V-hull and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) technology evolved.

As the prime contractor of the Husky VMMD, CSI principles would later successfully navigate a two-year foreign comparative test (FCT) program as well as follow-on modifications and testing. In 1997, in an announcement given by the US President Clinton, CSI principles were directed to produce and deliver production systems under the US Army Interim Vehicle Mounted Mine Detection (IVMMD) Program. CSI, in collaboration with strategic manufacturing partner DCD, delivered the IVMMD systems to the United States for incorporation of the U.S. technology.

Over the next twenty years, the Husky VMMD went through a number of iterations and upgrades to evolve into the modern Husky Mk III and Husky 2G currently offered by CSI. Today, U.S. clearance units primarily apply the Husky as a detection vehicle.

Modern Production Variants[edit]

Husky Mk III[edit]

A current evolution of early Husky iterations, The Husky VMMD Mk III is the modern single-occupancy Husky model. Unlike other combat vehicles, the current Husky vehicles were designed to be able to pass over pressure fused anti-vehicle landmines without causing detonation. Modern Husky components have also been engineered in a unique modular, frangible configuration. In the event of an improvised explosive device detonation, components will break apart in a predictable fashion, facilitating fast in-field repairs.

Husky 2G[edit]

A two-crew version of the Husky MK III vehicle. Development of the Husky 2G was prompted by the need for longer missions and advanced detection systems. The Husky 2G was designed with the same protection, survivability, and mobility characteristics as the original Husky MK III, but sophisticated high sensitivity detectors, ground-penetrating radar, and video surveillance equipment created the need for a second operator.

Design[edit]

The current iteration of the Husky VMMD is part of a class of MRAP vehicles developed from South African technology. The basic v-hull concept of modern MRAP vehicles, and by extension the Husky, was an architectural innovation that fundamentally recast the nature of the vehicle’s resistance to threats.

The Husky VMMD Mk III and 2G are powered by a Mercedes Benz OM 906 LA 6.4L six-cylinder turbo diesel engine coupled with an Allison 2500 SP 5-speed automatic transmission. The operating weight of vehicle is 8,350kg, and the Husky can reach a maximum speed of 72km/h and has a maximum range of 400km or 200km when equipped with mine-detection trailer (MDT). The cabin of the Husky is fitted with a bullet-proof glass window and a single entry hatch on the roof.

Payloads[edit]

The Husky VMMD’s versatility comes from both vehicle design innovations and the add-on payloads employed. CSI develops and markets many of the payloads highlighted below, but operators around the world have jumped on the modification bandwagon to create their own payload add-ons.

Protection[edit]

The Husky VMMD can be equipped with protective payloads to help mitigate damage done by outside forces during combat.

RC-PACK: The Route Clearance Platform Autonomous Control Kit (RC-PACK) is an add-on autonomous capability for the Husky vehicle and other Route Clearance platforms. Offers the full functionality of an autonomous vehicle with no interference to manned operations.

EFP armor: Explosively formed penetrator (EFP) armor is designed to mitigate damage done by EFP munitions.

RPG netting: The Q-Net is an add-on armor kit developed by QinetiQ to counter the threat of rocket propelled grenades.

RPG bar armor: Bar armor, also known as slat armor, cage armor, and standoff armor, is a type of vehicle armor designed to protect against RPG attacks.

Smoke launchers: An add-on payload capable of launching smoke grenades designed to obscure enemy line of sight and provide cover.

ECM: Electronic countermeasures are an electrical or electronic device designed to trick or deceive radar, sonar or other detection systems, like infrared (IR) or lasers. They may be used both offensively and defensively to deny targeting information to an enemy.

RDWS: CSI's Rollover Detection Warning System (RDWS) advises the user of impending dangerous vehicle rollover conditions based on terrain, operation, and vehicle limitations. Weatherproof components and rugged construction ensure suitability for commercial and military vehicles.

Detection[edit]

The Husky VMMD can be equipped with detection payloads to assist in route clearance of IED threats.

PI metal detectors: Pulse induction (PI) metal detectors send short, powerful bursts of current through multiple coils to create magnetic fields and provide increased detection sensitivity.

Ground-penetrating radar: The 3D-RADAR ground-penetrating radar system provides an alternative detection solution for roadway and airfield inspection, tunnel detection, and route clearance patrols. The system utilizes a combination of commercial off-the-shelf GPR components and custom software as the building blocks to achieve robust metallic and non-metallic object detection performance. The Husky has deployed with various radar solutions like forward-mounted, side-mounted, and standoff GPR.

Electric junction detectors: Copy

Gunshot detection: Provides the Husky operator with feedback signaling the vehicle has sustained small arms fire.

Interrogation[edit]

The Husky VMMD can be equipped with interrogation payloads to assess and interrogate IED threats.

Interrogation arm: CSI’s Interrogation Arm is a vehicle-mounted crane system designed to investigate and remove IEDs. Designed as an independent component, the Interrogation Arm can be attached to most vehicles already in theatre

Blowers: Copy

Water jets: Copy

Thermal cameras: Thermal cameras form an image using infrared radiation, providing the Husky operator with increased visibility and threat detection capabilities.

360-degree situational awareness kit: The 360 SA (situational awareness) video cameras provide increased visibility around the vehicle. The 360 SA system consists of four fixed cameras in addition to a single pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) camera. Two fixed cameras are placed on the rear corners of the vehicle providing coverage to the rear and two cameras attached to the side, providing coverage of the sides and front of the vehicle.

Disruption[edit]

The Husky VMMD can be equipped with disruption payloads to interfere with IED threat initiators.

Forward-mounted electrostatic discharge: CSI and its partner Xtreme Alternative Defense Systems (XADS) developed the Xap C-IED technology. Xap is designed to conduct a high-energy electrical pulse to the explosive initiator of any IED.

Launched line charges: Add-on payload capable of launching line charges similar to CSI's Bandolier lightweight clearing charge. ^[1]

Neutralization[edit]

The Husky VMMD can be equipped with neutralization payloads that limit enemy vehicle capabilities.

UGV/UAS Deployment System: Facilitates the deployment of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Mitigation[edit]

The Husky VMMD can be equipped with mitigation payloads designed to limit the severity of damage caused by IED threat contact.

Forward-mounted Mine Roller: Mine rollers are pushed in front of armored vehicles to pre-detonate pressure activated mines and improvised explosive devices from battlefield areas.

Forward-mounted IR Disruption: Copy

Rake: A proprietary grasping rake attachment enables the operator to safely dig up and remove mines, IEDs, and other explosive anti-personnel devices.