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Accession Number:
ADA637446
Title:
2002 Testing of Airborne Vertical Magnetic Gradiometer System. Revision 1
Descriptive Note:
Final rept. 2002-Aug 2005
Corporate Author:
OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LAB TN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES DIV
Report Date:
2005-08-01
Pagination or Media Count:
94.0
Abstract:
Tests of a prototype airborne vertical magnetic gradiometer system were conducted at three sites in 2002 - Pueblo of Laguna NM, Aberdeen Proving Ground MD, and Badlands Bombing Range SD. Analysis of the data showed that the gradient operation attenuated rotor noise by approximately four times and uncompensated maneuver noise by approximately six times as compared to the original total field data. This resulted in overall signal-to-noise roughly five times better than the ORAGS-Arrowhead system. An alternative interpretation of the results is that the Arrowhead detection threshold can be reached at approximately 1.5m higher altitude with the vertical gradient system. The vertical gradient also demonstrated a footprint signature that was 12 to 23 the size of the total field. This creates the opportunity to successfully detect objects within a more cluttered environment. The improved signal-noise and tighter footprint combined to produce a probability of detection that was 20 higher than the total field system with half the false alarm rate. We recommend building a production system which will not require interleaved flight lines that would have a 12m swath with 1.7m horizontal sensor spacing and 0.5m vertical sensor spacing for most survey altitudes. An adaptation of this system for operation at low altitudes 1.0-1.5m should also be built. This would have a 6m swath and closely spaced sensors for projects where conditions require very low flying and required the detection of very small targets. Since electronics and peripherals currently exist to support a full production system, only new booms, FAA approval, and additional magnetometers are required.
Distribution Statement:
APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
