| Research and Development |
|
USA uses a formal and proven "review process" that identifies, analyzes, and tests proposed innovative solutions for safety, field-worthiness, and effectiveness. USA has performed research and development (R&D) both under contract and with internal funds. Below are a few R&D examples of USA’s innovative solutions.
 The Range Master is a remotely operated mechanical excavation and sifting system that removes surface and near surface munitions, in a single pass. USA, with Timberline Environmental as subcontractor, received a contract from the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) for the development and demonstration of the system. Range Master is an armored remote-controlled Caterpillar 633D Scraper. It has an integrated power screen and hopper with dump control for faster, safer excavation of the top 6 to 12 inches of heavily contaminated UXO sites (e.g. target centers). Sifted soil is returned to the site while screened objects are dumped for UXO identification and disposal. The remote control range is 5,000 feet. During Phase I, Range Master was successfully demonstrated at Ft. Ord, CA in February 2004. The armored Phase II Range Master successfully demonstrated its remote control capabilities at the former Lowry Bombing and Gunnery Range, CO in June 2006. Excavation results indicated that an experienced primary excavator operator is required.
 For the EE/CA project at the Waikoloa Maneuver Area, HI, USA evaluated the multi-gate EM basalt discrimination developed for the EM63 in support of the EM61 MK2 Waikoloa Phase III Geophysical Prove-Out (GPO). Reliably detecting all near-surface seed items, this technology is now being integrated into industry-standard software.
|