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Mark Franklin

Neil Manchester

16th March 2011

SAAB Training &

Simulation Systems

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Aim

The aim of this presentation is to show how

SAAB Training Systems UK can help to

resolve safety issues relating to

humanitarian demining and so significantly

reduce deminer injuries and deaths.

Outline

• Current Humanitarian Demining Safety Issues

• SAAB Training Solutions

• SAAB HMA Training System

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Humanitarian Demining

Humanitarian Demining Accidents

• Database of Demining Accidents

(DDAS)currently holds almost 1000 records of

injuries and fatalities to deminers

• Changes in metal detector design circa 2000

• New detectors in widespread use by 2005

• Still several hundred recorded accidents since

2005

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Excavation Accidents

• Occur when excavating a

suspicious area found:

• with metal detector

• by mine dog

• during wide area

excavation

• Almost half could have been

avoided with better metal-

detector procedures

• Many of the other 53% could

have been avoided with safer

excavation procedures

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Missed-Mine Accidents

• 58% missed whilst using a

metal detector

• 42% missed using

procedures without

detectors

• In all but one case accident

could have been avoided if

detector used correctly

Reasons for Missed-Mines

The detector was not set-up properly and so could

not have signalled on the target no matter how well

it was used

Search pattern was erratic and the entire area was

not searched

Detector search-head was used too high above the

ground and so did not search deeply enough

Search head sweep speed was inappropriate and the

detector did not signal

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Conclusions

• Evidence to show that improved metal-detector training could have prevented almost 40% of demining accidents since 2005

• Improved excavation training could have prevented around 30%

• When mines are missed it is usually the end user of the land that will find them. Improved metal-detector training can reduce accidents for these people as well as deminers

Training Solutions

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Training Solutions

• Training Delivery

– UK or In-Theatre

– Train The Trainer

– Train The Humanitarian Deminer

• Training Tools

– Ability to aid self-assessment and correction

– Systems tailored and supported to meet your

needs

Example Training Delivery• One week course covering:

– Objective assessment of current procedures

– Tailored training on:

• Detector set up

• Use of correct test targets

• Ground sign awareness

• Appropriate search patterns and overlap

• Accurate pin-pointing

• Safe signal excavation

– Objective testing on post-training:

• Mine-detector procedures

• Excavation procedures

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Training Tools

• Provision of testing systems to support your

instructors

• Unique systems allows for objective testing on

critical procedures

• Empowers trainees with the ability to self-

assess and self-critique

The SAAB HMA Training System

Designed to empower deminers and

reduce deminer injuries

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Current Projects

• £30m contract with UK Ministry of Defence

providing 5 fully supported and manned systems

• Modular systems from individual training up to

large group training

• Record of success training and supporting British

Armed Forces during pre-deployment training

and on operations in Afghanistan

• Training delivery to Danish Army, Afghan National

Army (ANA) and USMC

The Current System

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Exercise Control

Exercise Control

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Metal Detector

Sensor (MDS)

Head Camera

Vest

Metal Detector Sensor (MDS)

• Instrumented to measure:

– Sweep speed

– Height above ground

– Swoop faults

– Rate of advance of the searcher

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Reasons for Missed-Mines

The detector was not set-up properly and so could not have signalled on the target no matter how well it was used – FUNDEMENTAL ELEMENT OF SAAB TRAINING COURSE

Search pattern was erratic and the entire area was not searched – RECORDED BY MDS

Detector search-head was used too high above the ground and so did not search deeply enough –RECORDED BY MDS

Search head sweep speed was inappropriate and the detector did not signal – RECORDED BY MDS

200m

400m

600m

IED

116 mins

130 mins

105 mins

113 mins

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Objective Analysis of Group

Future Developments

• Excavation Testing - Prototype instrumented “mine” which augments our system to objectively test the efficacy of mine excavation procedures that incorporates non-pyrotechnic simulated explosives

• 3 designs will be based on M14, VS-50 and PMN with “protective ring” to fit each

• Enhanced Detector Testing - Ability to track specific path of mine-detector head

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SAAB prides itself on the employment of

technology to assist people to train more

effectively. We use our equipment to accurately

record individual and collective performance.

We then use the playback of this recording using

visual media to let individuals understand how

and where they can improve to benefit the

collective organisation. No matter what an

individual's background or culture "a picture will

always paint a thousand words". Indeed a

picture can transcend language.

The Way Forward

• We have the funding to deploy and conduct

R&D to further improve capability

• We would welcome the opportunity to work

with a partner within the humanitarian

demining community to facilitate a trial

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QUESTIONS?

Mark Franklin

mark.franklin@saabgroup.com

+44 7795 471528

Neil Manchester

neil.manchester@saabgroup.com

+44 7799 234836