UXO Precise Position Tracking Ranger

ENSCO, Inc. has made a significant technological improvement in position and navigation methodology for unexploded ordinance (UXO) operations, especially in areas where conventional technologies are ineffective. In conjunction with funding from the ESTCP and the USACEHNC, ENSCO has conducted three navigation and geolocation demonstrations at McKinley Test Range/Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama, and at the APG, Aberdeen, Maryland. These demonstrations were conducted between 2002 and 2004 for quantifying the navigation performance of ENSCO, Inc. s Ranger radio frequency navigation system. Quantitative evaluation of the results of this demonstration has been conducted separately by USACEHNC. UXO poses a threat to both human life and the environment. Millions of UXO may be located in the United States on active test and training ranges and on formerly used defense sites (FUDS). There may be as much as 30 million acres contaminated in more than 1,500 sites. Essentially all the project investigations involve the use of digital geophysical mapping (DGM) to detect and locate buried UXO. One of the major challenges with DGM is accurate navigation for sensor position. This is especially problematic in vegetation and under tree canopies. Accurate, inexpensive, and easy-to-use navigation systems with consistent quality are needed for surveys in all terrain and vegetation cover. Navigation accuracy is essential for effective DGM. The demonstrated technology described will support geophysical mapping of FUDS, active Department of Defense (DoD) installations, defense sites identified under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Act, property adjoining DoD installations, and other federally controlled/owned sites that have been impacted by ordnance and explosives (OE) operations.