Brimstone’s approach

Over a 16-month period, Brimstone deployed engineering teams to Eastern Europe to use our state-of-the-art UAV technology to carry out non-intrusive surveys on the land, detecting buried ferrous objects that could be unexploded ordnance. Our UAVs are equipped with cutting-edge LiDAR, Photogrammetry, and Magnetometry systems to capture detailed data on potential hazards. These systems enable our team to identify anomalies across the expansive site with high precision, even in the most challenging weather conditions. With our team regularly working in temperatures below zero, this was another key area where the drone excelled.

To support field operations, our team relied on Starlink internet technology, ensuring real-time data transmission back to our UK-based geophysics team for analysis. This efficient setup allowed for seamless monitoring and timely decision-making.

Sub-munitions, projectiles and practice bombs

Throughout the UXO survey, our data resulted in the identification of various UXO items, including several sub-munitions, projectiles and large former Soviet practice bombs. These items were identified using the UAV’s magnetic anomaly detection capabilities.

Magnetometry is a fundamental technique that measures the Earth’s magnetic field, its strength, and variations caused by the presence of ferromagnetic materials. These variations, or anomalies, can indicate the presence of objects such as iron, steel, and other magnetic materials buried beneath the surface. By mapping magnetic signatures, we can locate potential UXO hazards that lie up to 4 metres underground, with slightly greater depths possible for large ordnance. Once a survey is completed, the collected data is processed by our in-house geophysics team at Brimstone’s Head Office. Multiple steps are taken to reduce noise and improve survey quality before a magnetic field false colour map is generated, highlighting any ferrous anomalies.

Our team then uses a specialist computer model to look at these anomalies and compare them against a bank of known UXO signals. Using our bespoke software, our team can make estimations of the depth and mass of any suspected item, along with its location in coordinates accurate to 5 centimetres.

Once the UXO survey results have been reviewed, we provide our clients with a detailed report outlining the survey findings and any recommended further action.

In Eastern Europe, our survey data identified 8,500 targets. The UXO discovered included:

• FAB (Fugasnaya Aviatsionnaya Bomba) 500 airdropped high explosive bombs
• RBK 250 cluster bombs
• AO 2.5 submunition HE-Frag grenades.

Client testimonial

“Brimstone has delivered an unexploded ordnance (UXO) survey service for our project in Eastern Europe. This project was organised by the in-country MOD – 1300 hectares of new polygon territory. After the survey, Brimstone provided us with a detailed report and clearance strategy for the whole site. With this report, we investigated a vast number of different items, but mainly four types of aviation bombs: ŠOAB-0,5; AO-2,5; FAB 100; P50Š.”

Martynas Knyzelis, Director at TAIKLU

Training and collaboration

Brimstone’s commitment to enhancing expertise in UXO safety formed a key part of the project. As part of the contract, we trained a team of in-country military personnel in the techniques required to safely locate, expose and manage UXO. This hands-on training provided the Armed Forces with the skills and knowledge needed for ongoing UXO management.

The project also attracted interest from senior stakeholders, including the UK Defence Attaché and regional political representatives, who were hosted on site. Brimstone engineers were also interviewed by both regional and international press.

Following the success of this project, Brimstone has secured additional contracts elsewhere in Eastern Europe and continues to deploy teams to new sites using the same UAV technology. Our experience delivering large-scale, non-intrusive UXO surveys is supporting continued work across the region.

Leading UXO Surveys

Brimstone UXO was the first company in the UK and overseas to market drone technology for UXO detection. Our use of UAVs has transformed UXO surveying, particularly across large and difficult-to-access sites such as this military training ground in Eastern Europe. By combining advanced technology with expert analysis and training, Brimstone ensured the site could be progressed safely while supporting the long-term UXO management capability of the in-country Armed Forces.

For more information on our services or to discuss a potential UXO survey, please get in touch with our dedicated Commercial Team.