Unexploded ordnance (UXO) can pose a significant risk in areas previously affected by conflict, military activity, or weapons manufacturing. While traditional UXO detection methods remain vital for certain projects, they can sometimes be labour-intensive and time-consuming.

At Brimstone UXO, we enhance our surveying capabilities by integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for UXO detection, complementing traditional techniques and providing additional efficiency and safety where drones are the most effective solution.

Pioneers in Drone Technology for UXO Surveys

Brimstone UXO was the first company in the UK and overseas to market drone technology for UXO detection.

Our journey began with the 2017 Army Warfighting Experiment, where we showcased the effectiveness of our UAV systems. Since then, we’ve taken this service to market, conducting extensive drone-based UXO surveys across thousands of hectares, utilising modified off-the-shelf drone technology.

Our drone fleet is equipped with cutting-edge sensors and tools, enabling us to detect, map, and analyse potential UXO hazards hidden beneath the surface. Our ability to deliver fast, non-intrusive surveys makes us a trusted partner for projects in diverse environments, from remote military training grounds to construction sites.

Brimstone using drones from UXO detection

How Brimstone UAVs Have Revolutionised UXO Surveys

LiDAR and Photogrammetry

Our drones are fitted with state-of-the-art LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and Photogrammetry systems. LiDAR sends laser pulses towards an object or surface and measures the time it takes for the reflected light to return. This technology is commonly used to create high-resolution maps and imagery and finds applications in various fields such as surveying, archaeology, geology, and forestry.

Photogrammetry captures a series of overlapping photographs to generate 3D models of the landscape. These two technologies give us detailed visual and topographical data, allowing us to identify ground disturbances or features that might indicate the presence of UXO, providing a wealth of data and insights for projects.

Magnetometry

In addition to LiDAR and Photogrammetry, our UAVs are equipped with Magnetometry systems, which are essential for detecting ferrous materials buried beneath the surface.

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.

Data Processing and Analysis

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.

Magnetic field false colour map for UXO detection

Efficiency and Precision: Why UAVs Are a Game-Changer

Utilising drones for UXO surveys has provided a wide range of benefits.

Our UAVs can cover large areas quickly, surveying up to five times more land per day compared to traditional pushcart systems. This accelerates project timelines while maintaining the highest level of data accuracy, an important consideration for construction and land development projects that require UXO risk mitigation.

Our drones also provide access to hard-to-reach or environmentally sensitive locations, where traditional survey equipment may struggle. Whether it’s rugged terrain, remote sites, or protected areas, our drones are equipped to deliver results where others cannot. They are also resistant to adverse weather conditions, making them suitable for use in a range of climates.

Proven Results in Action: Case Studies

Lithuania

One of our largest drone UXO surveys to date is currently underway in the Šalčininkai region of Lithuania, where we are surveying a former military training ground spanning 1,300 hectares. As we are working on a large site in variable conditions, including regular temperatures below zero degrees, the drone was quickly identified as being the best option for this project due to its resistance to rain, wind and cold climates. Using our UAVs, we have identified multiple UXO items on site, including sub-munitions, projectiles, and practice bombs from the former Soviet Union.

Ukraine

Brimstone was invited to Ukraine by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2023 to demonstrate our drone capabilities. Ukraine has been impacted by UXO and explosive remnants of war for decades, and this situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing war. Given the scale of contamination, which could take decades to clear, there was a pressing need to explore alternative ways to accelerate land release in the country.

In just five hours, we completed a detailed 28-hectare survey using a combination of photogrammetry, LiDAR, and magnetometry, successfully identifying anomalies that matched the decoy data we had placed.

Dartmoor, UK

On a 200-hectare site in Dartmoor National Park, a live military training ground, we deployed our UAVs to conduct a UXO survey. Despite challenging terrain and environmental conditions, including bird nesting seasons and difficult weather, we were able to detect several items of ordnance, such as projectiles, mortars, and small arms ammunition.

UXO surveys

Get In Touch

At Brimstone UXO, we continue to push the boundaries of drone technology to deliver innovative UXO detection solutions. Our expertise in utilising UAVs for UXO surveys has earned us a reputation for precision, efficiency, and safety, allowing us to serve clients across a wide range of sectors.

With increasing land development on former military sites in the UK, innovative solutions, like drone technology, are critical to ensuring safety while maintaining project momentum. For more information about how Brimstone can support your project with drone-based UXO detection, contact us today.

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