In 1999, Minelab was selected to develop the metal detector sensor for the US Army’s revolutionary Handheld Standoff Mine Detection System (HSTAMIDS) which combined metal detection and ground penetration radar.
Following extensive trials, HSTAMIDS entered into service with the US Army under a Full Rate Production contract that resulted in more than 15,000 systems being manufactured.
With improvements in technologies and the increasing complexities of explosive threats, the US Army has commenced investigation into the Next Generation Handheld Multisensor Detector. In collaboration with US based NIITEK, Minelab will develop multi-frequency metal detection technology to complement ground penetrating radar provided by NIITEK.
Minelab has been awarded a US$1.35m development contract to submit an advanced prototype within three years. If successful, Minelab and NIITEK will have the opportunity to continue development and ultimately secure the contract to replace the existing US Army’s HSTAMIDS fleet.
