First Results From Drone-Based Transient Electromagnetic Survey to Map and Detect Unexploded Ordnance

Unexploded ordnance (UXO), which causes many civilian casualties every year, has become a serious environmental problem. To deal with the problem, we have developed a new drone-based transient electromagnetic (TEM) system, which was designed for the UXO detection through very low altitude measurements. Drone-based TEM system uses the rotorcraft equipped with central loop TEM device to realize the UXO detection. The system was more safe and efficient than a ground-based TEM system in UXO detection. Compared with the airborne magnetic method or helicopter-borne TEM system, it has the advantages of low cost, flight safety, and so on. In this letter, the system characteristics are introduced in detail, providing the theoretical analysis of the system in UXO detection and verification of model data. Finally, through the UXO detection in the former weapon test base, the results show that the system is effective and successful in UXO detection.