Meet Honey Badger: Brimstone UXO’s Newest CPT Rig

We’re excited to introduce the newest member of our fleet – Honey Badger, a cutting-edge UXO survey rig designed to enhance our intrusive survey capabilities. Fresh from the Netherlands, Honey Badger brings advanced magnetometry technology and impressive power to the field, making it an essential asset in detecting unexploded ordnance (UXO) and ensuring safety on complex sites.

What is Magnetometry and how does it detect UXO?

At first glance, Honey Badger may appear to be a box-like container mounted on a crawler undercarriage, but beneath its rugged exterior lies powerful technology. The rig uses hydraulic pressure to drive a hardened metal cone into the soil, reaching depths of up to 20 metres. Embedded within the cone is a magnetometer – a highly sensitive instrument capable of detecting disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field.

So, how does this help with UXO detection?

Magnetometry works by measuring the strength and orientation of magnetic fields. When the rig penetrates the ground, it identifies even minor deviations from the Earth’s natural magnetic signature. These disturbances are often caused by ferromagnetic materials, which are common in bomb casings and other ordnance.

The magnetometer collects data on these irregularities, which is then analysed using specialist modelling software. This software allows us to:

• Map the magnetic anomaly
• Estimate the size and shape of the object
• Determine the orientation of the item below ground

By interpreting this data, we can identify whether the disturbance is likely caused by UXO or another form of subsurface anomaly. This method provides a highly accurate assessment, reducing uncertainty and helping us make informed decisions about the next steps.

If you would like to learn more about the science of magnetometry, we explored the topic on our blog here.

Why Honey Badger is a game-changer for UXO surveys

Honey Badger significantly enhances our intrusive survey capabilities. With its ability to penetrate deep into the ground, it is particularly effective on sites where conventional surface detection methods fall short.

Unlike standard UXO detection techniques, which are often limited to shallow depths, Honey Badger is designed to reach buried threats that lie deeper underground. This makes it especially useful for:

• Pre-excavation surveys on large-scale construction sites
• Assessing landfills and reworked soil, which are often unsuitable for surface detection methods
• Surveying disused or derelict sites, where the ground conditions are challenging

One of Honey Badger’s key strengths is its ability to operate in rough or uneven terrain, including sites with soft or unstable ground. Its crawler undercarriage allows it to navigate difficult conditions with ease, ensuring comprehensive coverage of even the most complex landscapes.

The story behind the name: honouring a military hero

You might be wondering – why name a UXO rig Honey Badger? The name is actually a tribute to Captain Phil Nolan, a former Royal Engineer search advisor. During his military service in Afghanistan, Captain Nolan fearlessly hunted for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) with the same relentless determination and tenacity that the real honey badger, a small but famously fierce animal, is known for.

Since leaving the military, Captain Nolan has become an inspiring fundraiser and adventurer, climbing the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each continent, to raise money for The Soldiers’ Charity. His bravery and dedication to helping others made him the perfect namesake for our new rig, which carries out its own courageous mission: seeking out hidden dangers and making land safe for development.

Honey Badger in action

Since arriving from the Netherlands workshop, Honey Badger has already been hard at work. For over four months, it has been deployed on several intrusive survey projects, helping us clear sites safely and efficiently. With its 10-tonne rated cone, the rig delivers exceptional performance, providing accurate and reliable data that is vital for making informed safety decisions.

Our clients have already seen the benefits of deploying Honey Badger on their projects. Its deep-penetration capabilities and adaptability ensure that sites are properly cleared before excavation or development work begins.

Trust Brimstone UXO for professional UXO risk mitigation

At Brimstone UXO, we are committed to using the latest technology and expertise to deliver comprehensive UXO surveys and risk mitigation services. With Honey Badger now in our fleet, we can offer even more accurate and reliable surveying solutions, helping to protect your project from the hidden dangers of unexploded ordnance.

To learn more about our services, visit our website or contact us to discuss your UXO risk mitigation needs.

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