Husky Metal Detecting and Marking Vehicle

The Husky Metal Detecting and Marking Vehicle is part of a larger system called the Vehicle Mounted Mine Detector (VMMD). The VMMD is a mine protected, vehicle mounted mine detection and proofing system which is capable of finding and marking metallic explosive hazards. VMMD consists of two mine detection vehicles and three detonation trailers. Early versions of the VMMD consisted of a Meerkat and a Husky, while more recent procurements consist of two Husky vehicles.

Husky acts as the prime mover for the full width mine proofing/detonation trailers and redpack. It can also serve as an alternate detection vehicle with two detector panels that raise and lower depending on terrain. Additional detection and protection improvements are being incorporated into the system in response to the changing threat and technology advances.

Husky Metal Detecting and Marking Vehicle
Husky Metal Detecting and Marking Vehicle.

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Husky Metal Detecting and Marking Vehicle

The Husky a single occupant four-wheel drive vehicle designed for mine blast protection and rapid field reparability using a "redpack" of replacement items that travel with the VMMD. An upgraded version of the Husky has two seats for driver and operator.

On 23 June 2005, Critical Solutions International Inc., Dallas, TX, was awarded a $16,597,676 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for the Interim Vehicle Mounted Mine Detection Systems, Husky mine detection vehicles and associated spare parts, maintenance, new operator training, and field and logistics support services. Work will be performed in Dallas, TX (9.6 percent), and Pretoria, South Africa (90.4 percent) where the system was designed originally.

By 2010, the U.S. Army had 180 Huskies deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. In June 2010, the service bought 76 additional one-seat Huskies for $106.5 million.

Two-seat Husky Mine Detection System

In October 2010, the Army began testing a two-seat Husky Mine Detection System in Afghanistan. Two test units were deployed to assess performance that may lead to contracts for more units if successful.

In the two-seat Husky version, the driver is joined by an operator who monitors NIITEK VISOR ground-penetrating radars and metal detectors mounted to the vehicle’s front arm. In addition, the improved Husky equipped with a CROWS II remote weapon system that allows the operator to fire a defensive machine gun from his seat. Other upgrades include integrated SINCGARS, inter-vehicle communication system, and driver's vision enhancement with back-up camera.

The crowded interior of the two-seat Husky is entered through a roof hatch.

Husky Metal Detecting and Marking Vehicle belonging to the 141st Engineering Battalion, clearing a section of Highway 1 outside Ad Dujayl, Iraq, 2004. The 141st, out of Dickinson, ND, is at Forward Observing Base O'Ryan supporting the 1st Infantry Division
Husky Metal Detecting and Marking Vehicle belonging to the 141st Engineering Battalion, clearing a section of Highway 1 outside Ad Dujayl, Iraq, 2004. The 141st, out of Dickinson, ND, is at Forward Observing Base O'Ryan supporting the 1st Infantry Division.

Husky Metal Detecting and Marking Vehicle towing Interim Vehicle Mounted Mine Detection System trailers, from C Company, 27th Engineer Battalion out of Fort Bragg, NC, photographed in Afghanistan.
Husky Metal Detecting and Marking Vehicle towing Vehicle Mounted Mine Detection System trailers, from C Company, 27th Engineer Battalion out of Fort Bragg, NC, photographed in Afghanistan.

Husky Metal Detecting and Marking Vehicle towing Interim Vehicle Mounted Mine Detection System trailers
Husky Metal Detecting and Marking Vehicle towing Interim Vehicle Mounted Mine Detection System trailers.

Two-seat Husky Mine Detection System, Redstone Arsenal, AL, 28 June 2010
Two-seat Husky Mine Detection System, Redstone Arsenal, AL, 28 June 2010.