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On detecting a suspected mine, the Meerkat MDV can be reversed to establish the position and a
marker is laid to identify the approximate position. Thereafter the vehicle is pulled forward to clear the
area.
The clearing of the detected mines can then be effected by the mine disposal team. However, if the
customer requires to handle the detected mines from the confinement of the vehicle, the following can
be made available:
As the Meerkat MDV moves across the ground the Husky T/MDV-MDT combination follows its
tracks at a safe distance. The Husky T/MDV is equipped with the same detection equipment as the
Meerkat MDV and therefore acts as a safety back-up. The purpose of the MDT is to explode mines
which have not been detected by electronic means.
If the MDT explodes a mine, the trailers are released pneumatically from the cab of the Husky
T/MDV. The Husky T/MDV then drives clear of the MDT to allow back-up crews to come forward,
check for further mines and effect any necessary repairs.
At an optimal speed of 35 km/h, the system is capable of covering 200 km per day. Continuous night
time operation is possible for a period of 6 hours before battery charging halts are required.
Damage caused by a mine explosion is easily repaired in the field by operators using Spare Wheel
Modules (SWM) for the vehicles and modular components for the MDT. The system modules can be
returned to mobile service within a limited period of time, typically in under an hour.
(System comprised of items 1 through 7 and 1 Blue Pack for each 2-5 systems)
* Ratio of Blue Packs to systems and actual parts varies with intended use.
The Husky T/MDV is designed with a dual role as a horse to pull the F-MDT and the S-MDT and as a
mine detecting vehicle. Detection pans on each side of the Husky T/MDV are lowered pneumatically
to a horizontal position, when the vehicle is used for mine detection. These are raised and secured if
not operational, as they must not be used as a step for vehicle access.
The body of the Husky T/MDV is constructed of heavy gauge steel, contoured in a "V" shape to
minimize vehicle resistance to an explosion should one occur. The front and rear axles are attached to
the vehicle by steel frameworks. These frameworks are open, and therefore offer little resistance to an
explosive force. The spare wheel for both the Husky T/MDV and MDT vehicles are removed when the
vehicles are in operation.
The front and rear framework modules are easily detached the body and replaced by new modules
(T/MDV-SWM) in the event of damage. The front module comprises axle, wheels, steering gear and
hydraulic, electrical and pneumatic components. The rear module comprises axle, wheels, electrical
and pneumatic components.
The Husky T/MDV is a four-wheel drive mine detection vehicle, designed for both on and off road
use. It is powered by a six cylinder, water cooled, direct injection, turbo-charged diesel engine which
provides the power to tow the MDT vehicles.
Axial power from the six cylinder engine is transmitted via a single dry plate pneumatically operated
clutch. Axial power from the clutch is transferred to a six speed synchromesh gearbox attached directly
to the clutch housing (six forward, one reverse). Gearing can be selected in a high or low range via an
electro pneumatic switch. High range is normally used for on-road and low range for off-road use.
Drive from the gearbox is transmitted via a transfer shaft to a transfer
box where selection of front wheel drive, rear wheel drive or four wheel drive is achieved by means of
a transfer lock. Drive from the transfer box is passed to the front and rear differentials via independent
prop shafts. The differentials can be locked (if required) for off-road use.
The steering of the Husky T/MDV is accomplished mechanically through a steering box, linkages and
universal joints to the front wheels. An interface with the hydraulic system at the steering box provides
power assisted steering.
SWM are usually towed by the support element in the sweep team during high profile operations.
During low profile operations the T/MDV-SWM would normally be kept at the support base in the
vicinity.
The four wheel configuration comprises four main elements. These are the T/MDV front module
frame, the coupling tow frame assembly, the T/MDV rear module frame and the buck-horn two frame
assembly.
When either a front or rear module is removed from the four wheel configuration to repair a mine
damaged vehicle, the coupling tow frame is discarded for later recovery. The buck-horn tow bar frame
is used to convert the remaining spare module into a two wheel configuration.
The Meerkat Mine Detection Vehicle (MDV) is a rear wheel drive vehicle designed for both on and off
road use. The Meerkat MDV is powered by a four cylinder, water cooled, direct injection diesel
engine.
The Meerkat MDV is fitted with mine detection pans on either side which can be raised and lowered
pneumatically. The mine detection pans can be secured in the raised position when not in use and must
not be used as a step for vehicle access.
The body of the Meerkat MDV is constructed of heavy gauge steel, contoured in a 'V' shape to
minimize vehicle resistance to an explosion, should one occur. The front and rear axles are attached to
the vehicle by steel frameworks. These frameworks are open and therefore offer minimal resistance to
an explosive force. All spare wheels are removed from the MDV when in operation.
The front and rear framework modules are easily detached from the body and replaced by new
modules (MDV-SWM) in the event of damage. The front module comprises axle, wheels, steering gear
and hydraulic, electrical and pneumatic components. The rear module comprises axle, wheels,
electrical and pneumatic components.
The power from the four cylinder engine is transmitted via an automatic five-speed transmission, (five
forward, and one reverse) and then transmitted via a prop shaft, drop down box and differential, to the
rear wheels. The differential can be locked (if required) for off-road use.
The steering of the Meerkat MDV is accomplished mechanically through a steering box, linkages and
universal joints to the front wheels. An interface with the hydraulic system at the steering box provides
power assisted steering.
The four-wheel configuration comprises four main elements. These are the MDV front module frame,
the coupling tow frame assembly, the MDV rear module frame and the buck-horn two frame assembly.
When either the front or rear module is removed from the four-wheel configuration to repair a mine
damaged vehicle, the coupling tow frame is discarded for later recovery. The buck-horn tow bar frame
is used to convert the remaining spare module into a two wheel configuration.
Towed by the T/MDV vehicle the mine exploding trailer set First Mine Detonation Trailer (F-MDT),
Second Mine Detonation Trailer (S-MDT) and Third Mine Detonation Trailer (T-MDT) comprises two
four-wheel trailers and one five wheel trailer used in tandem. The MDT set is designed with a mass
sufficient to detonate pressure sensitive explosive devices. Six different axle lengths with off-set
wheels enable the trailers to perform full width proofing of the track the Husky T/MDV has traversed.
The explosion resistant body of each trailer comprises a steel billet chassis frame, rear axle, front axle
and turntable and "A" frame tow bar. A steel box arrangement protects a pneumatic reservoir and the
brake system piping is contained in a channel protector.
Two steel billets are attached centrally beneath the chassis frame to increase the mass of the trailer, but
can be removed when operating in soft sand to make towing easier. A lifting plate is provided for
hoisting purposes.
Spare hubs, spacers, jacking equipment etc. for the MDT's are carried by the support vehicles as part of
the MDV-T/MDV first aid spares pack.
RSD in the Republic of South Africa manufactures the “Chubby System”. The Chubby System has been
sold to many customers as a commercial or “COTS” item. These customers include Australia, France,
South Africa, Uganda, United Kingdom and the United States. The IVMMD System has many
engineering changes incorporated that differentiates it from the original Chubby System. Chubby and
IVMMD are now identical systems. Critical Solutions International (“CSI”) contracted the
engineering changes to the Chubby System with RSD. CSI is the strategic international partner of
RSD that provides the added value of direct customer support i.e. operator and maintenance training
of personnel, engineering and logistics support internationally.
DALLAS, TEXAS
14908 Havenshire Place; Dallas, Texas 254-7649
Tel: (972) 716-4000; Fax: (214) 722-0165
WASHINGTON, DC
12701 Crossbow Drive; Manassas, Virginia, 20112-3670
Tel: (703) 791-4027; Fax: (703) 791-2046