Husky VMMD

The Husky VMMD (Vehicle-Mounted Mine Detection) is a configurable counter-IED MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle, developed by South African-based DCD Protected Mobility and American C-IED company Critical Solutions International. Designed for use in route clearance and de-mining operations, the Husky is equipped with technologies to help detect explosives and minimise blast damage.[1][2]

Husky VMMD
TypeMRAP
Place of originSouth Africa
Service history
In service1970s–present
Production history
ManufacturerDCD Group
Critical Solutions International
Produced1970s–present
Specifications
Mass18,408 to 19,841 lb (8,350 to 9,000 kg) curb weight, 20,282 to 25,022 lb (9,200 to 11,350 kg) gross weight
Length24 ft (7.34 m)
Height10 ft (3.14 m)
Crew1
2 (G2 variant)
EngineMercedes-Benz OM906LA 6.4L turbo diesel
Transmission5-speed automatic
Maximum speed 45 mph (72 km/h) top speed

The Husky VMMD detects and identifies land mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) using sensors and imaging systems. The Husky is equipped with countermeasures like jamming systems and smoke generators that can be used to neutralize or disrupt IEDs.[1] The Husky VMMD's armour can withstand the effects of most land mines and IEDs, while its suspension system enables it to navigate rough terrain while maintaining crew safety.

Development

The Husky traces its lineage to the Pookie, a Rhodesian mine clearance vehicle.

Originally used as the lead element of a mine removal convoy, the Husky was employed as part of the Chubby mine detection system. The early Chubby system comprised a lead detection vehicle (the Meerkat), a second proofing vehicle (the Husky) towing a mine detonation trailer, and a third vehicle carrying spare parts for expedient blast repair.

The Husky was initially deployed in the 1970s. During the South African Border War, the South African Defense Force used the Husky extensively to clear mines from military convoy routes in Namibia and Angola.

In the mid-1990s, DCD Group and Critical Solutions International planned to bring the technology to the U.S. and underwent a two-year foreign comparative test program with the United States Department of Defense and follow-on modifications and testing. In 1997, CSI was directed to produce and deliver production systems under the U.S. Army Interim Vehicle Mounted Mine Detection Program.

Over the next twenty years, the Husky underwent several iterations and upgrades. U.S. military clearance units currently train on and employ Husky vehicles as detection assets and clearance vehicles.[3]

Design

The Husky is part of a class of MRAP vehicles developed from South African blast protection designs.[1]

The sharp V-hull of the Husky helps reduces blast effect by increasing ground clearance and standoff from the blast, increasing structural hull rigidity, and diverting blast energy and fragmentation away from the platform and its occupants.[1]

The Husky is designed to break apart in a blast event, allowing energy to transfer to the detachable front and rear modules rather than the critical components of the vehicle or the occupants located in the cab. Its three main components (a center cab with front and rear wheel modules) are connected by shear pins.

Critical components are engineered to break apart predictably, preventing catastrophic damage and enabling users to quickly replace modules on site. This approach increases the lifespan of the vehicle and limits the need for recovery teams to evacuate the vehicle to maintenance facilities.

The cabin of the Husky is fitted with bulletproof glass windows. There is an entry hatch on the roof.[1]

The Husky Mk III and 2G are powered by a Mercedes-Benz OM906LA turbo diesel engine coupled with an Allison Transmission 2500 SP 5-speed automatic transmission. It can reach a maximum speed of 72 km/h and has a range of 350 km.[4][1]

Variants

Husky Mk I

First Husky production model. Replaced by Husky Mk II.

Husky Mk II

Second Husky model. Replaced by Husky Mk III.

Husky Mk III

Modern single-occupant Husky model. The platform is integrated with pulse induction metal detector panels and overpass tires that enable operators to regulate tire air pressure in order to reduce the risk of initiating land mines without causing detonation. The Mk III, like other Husky models, is engineered in a modular, frangible configuration.

Project Type

- Mine clearance vehicle

Manufacturer

- DCD Protected Mobility

Crew

- Two

Operating Weight

- 9,200kg

Husky 2G is a two-seat variant of Husky MK III vehicle mounted mine detector (VMMD) designed and manufactured by South African firm DCD Protected Mobility (DCD PM). Equipped with a number of sensors, the vehicle is ideally suited for mine-clearing operations including detection, identification and destruction of improvised explosive devices (IED), landmines and other explosive materials.

Development of the Husky 2G was prompted by the need to conduct longer missions and employ multiple detection systems. The Husky 2G was designed with added high sensitivity detectors, ground-penetrating radar, video optics suites, and remote weapon stations. These additional components required a second operator to manage the additional workload, hence the required two occupants.

Equipment

The Husky is capable of carrying the following equipment and payloads:

Operators

Husky Mk III

Husky 2G

Recognitions

The Husky was listed on the U.S. Army’s Top Ten inventions of 2010.[7]

References
  • Stiff, Peter (January 1986). Taming the Landmine. ISBN 0947020047.
  • Camp, Steve; Heitman, Helmoed-Römer (19 September 2014). Surviving the Ride: A Pictorial History of South African-Manufactured Mine-Protected Vehicles. ISBN 978-1928211174.
  1. "Husky Vehicle Mounted Mine Detector".
  2. Siemandel, Joseph (25 May 2021). "National Guard Engineers train on Husky Mine Detection Vehicle". www.army.mil. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
  3. "National Guard Engineers train on Husky Mine Detection Vehicle". www.army.mil. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  4. "Husky 2G Mine Detection Vehicle - Army Technology". www.army-technology.com. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  5. "Engineers look for trouble on Kandahar roads". Toronto Star. 27 September 2007.
  6. "Spain buys 6 Husky 2G for deployment in Afghanistan". 19 November 2012. Archived from the original on 21 January 2013. Retrieved 20 November 2012.
  7. David McNally, RDECOM, "Army Announces Top 10 Greatest Inventions of 2010", Militaryspot.com, 12 September 2011
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