The German Army’s Technical Center for Weapons and Ammunition based in Meppen, Germany has published their final results of trials with the 8.1 metric ton remote-controlled “Mini MineWolf” against simulated AP and live AT mines with explosive yield up to 13.5 kg TNT.

Both the tiller and flail working tools were tested for effectiveness in clearing AP mines and survivability against 7 different AT mine types, including stacked mines.

The results of the trial were excellent, with the Mini MineWolf demonstrating survivability of both tiller and flail working tools against heavy AT mine detonations. It also achieved impressive results close to 100% with both flail and tiller attachments against simulated AP mines. All damage was repairable in the field with the prime mover suffering no damage, underscoring the economic viability of mechanical demining in high-threat environments.

According to Colonel Radlmeier, Chief Development Division of the German Army Engineering School. ”The ability to provide safe clearance capabilities in areas contaminated with explosive remnants of war is becoming increasingly significant to the future tasks of the German Army's Corp of Engineers. To improve the protection of soldiers in conflict scenarios we need a reliable, quickly deployable mechanical mine clearance tool. The Mini MineWolf is, based on real-world tests and its convincing results, a very interesting option to fill this gap."

AP mines were simulated using computer-controlled “WORM” mines (Wirelessly Operated Reproduction Mine) developed by the Canadian Centre for Mine Action Technologies (CCMAT). They are able to detect and report damage inflicted by the machine to a remote computer via a wireless link. The purpose of the trial was to determine the capability of the Mini MineWolf to clear (i.e. detonate or destroy) mines at different depths in different types of soil: gravel, sand and topsoil, as well as to survive large AT blasts with minimal damage, repairable in the field.

MineWolf
02.03.2008