The Army is helping to develop a new robotic platform that will shield personnel from the dangers of clearing minefields. Named Weevil, the prototype currently uses a Warrior chassis fitted with a mine plough, a remote-control system and various cameras.
This allows the device to be operated by a single person from several miles away. And in future it may be engineered for use on other platforms too.
Weevil uses sheer force to plough a path through minefields, pushing them aside and opening a safe route for troops and vehicles to move faster and more securely, outpacing current kit such as Trojan, which is crewed by three people.
The war in Ukraine is showing that landmines are making a comeback, with both Russia and Ukraine relying on anti-tank and anti-personnel devices for defensive and area-denial purposes.
With many tactics now reliant on formations being highly mobile, clearing minefields efficiently has become a major priority, explained Maj Andrew Maggs (RTR), a military advisor to the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.
“By enhancing existing vehicles with new capabilities, we’re able to maximise their potential and give our troops a much-needed advantage, particularly in missions where time and safety are critical,” he said.
“The concept is now being passed for further development to the British Army.”
