Drone-Based LiDAR for Explosive Ordnance Disposal Units: More than Mapping

Drone-based LiDAR systems are being used by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians for 3D mapping, in a successful transfer of technology from DoD laboratories to the field.

“RedTail LiDAR Systems, a leader in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) mirror-based light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology, has delivered six LiDAR systems to the 707^th Ordnance Company stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord,” says a press release.  The deployment will allow the EOD techs to explore how drone-based LiDAR systems can be used to meet their goals.

The testing is focused on using LiDAR to map terrain.  LiDAR produces 3D maps, referred to as point clouds, that allow users to view mapped areas from any perspective, traveling around the models in 3D space using rotation and zoom capabilities in the viewer software.  This functionality will enable the EOD technicians to use the  RedTail LiDAR Systems RTL-450, integrated onto the Teledyne FLIR SkyRaider Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), to perform a broad range of functions: calculating crater volumes from improvised explosive device (IED) blasts, planning routes for unmanned ground vehicles, mission planning, and  surveillance.

MEMS Drone-Based LiDAR for Denser Point Clouds

The  LiDAR technology  in the RTL-450 was developed in the Army Research Laboratory (ARL).  “The MEMS mirror-based design provides enhanced 3D imagery due to the fact that the laser pulses are steered to the ground in a very well-defined and controlled scan pattern,” says the press release.  The high density of the point clouds makes the technology ideal for use with AI and Machine Learning  algorithms, which allow automated target detection and classification.

The system can operate in either a raster scan mode for surveillance missions or a side-to-side line scan mode for area mapping while the UAS is flying.  The intuitive command and control, high-brightness display integrated into the ground control station (GCS), and real time 3D map generation allows operators to begin mission planning and analysis even before the mapping or surveillance missions are completed.

“Delivering these six LiDAR systems to EOD technicians for test and evaluation is a significant step forward in using MEMS mirror-based LiDAR technology to address a broad range of Department of Defense 3D mapping needs.  In addition, this delivery represents a true success story in transitioning a technology out of a Department of Defense laboratory and back into the hands of military operators,” said Brad DeRoos, President and CEO of RedTail LiDAR Systems.

To read more about drone-based LiDAR technology, read these previous articles on coaxial drones equipped with LiDAR, micro LiDAR sensors, the differences between LiDAR and photogrammetry, and how LiDAR is used in commercial drone applications.