www.sea-technology.com March 2015 / st 15
sensors) and the inline gradient (difference between sub-
sequent records throughout time). The combination of the
above results in a powerful tool for the detection of the
most subtle targets.
Using specialized instrumentation, such as redundant
altimeters (laser and radar), the platform can be towed as
low as 6 feet above the water or
land to maximize the detection of
nearby targets. The lateral spacing
of a survey can be adjusted to ac-
commodate the target size of inter-
est. The system also is equipped
with high-precision RTK position-
ing, with centimeter accuracy and
a tri-axis digital attitude sensor.
Typical survey speeds range
from 30 to 50 knots, and the system
can handle up to 30-knot winds
with no degradation of data quality.
This results in a much larger survey
window (less down time) and far
higher production rates, especially
when compared to water towed
systems.
Case Studies
Recent studies conducted with
this exact platform highlight the
major benefts of using airborne
magnetic surveying for UXO detec-
tion, especially in marine environ-
ments. The following examples illustrate the impressive de-
tection range of the system and the enhanced data quality
gained from potassium sensor technology, and provide a
direct comparison with waterborne surveys.
Case Study One: Waterborne Versus Airborne Magnet-
ics. When compared to a waterborne magnetic survey, the
Airborne comparison test over known UXO site.