TECHNOLOGY
HOW TO DETECT LANDMINES
The technology behind the hunt for hidden explosives
WORDS SCOTT DUTFIELD
A soldier on the hunt for landmines buried beneath the sand
They’re usually found planted beneath the surfaces of fields, forests and pathways in countries in conflict or still affected by the remnants of war: landmines are some of the most sneaky and dangerous weapons around. From triggering ground-based blasts to igniting a fireball at head height, these explosives have been designed to take out their target in many different ways. Most landmines work using a metal or plastic casing that’s filled with an explosive charge. When a person’s foot or the caterpillar tracks of a tank hit a pressure plate at the top of the landmine, it triggers the explosion. As well as being a tool used in active warfare, landmines are often forgotten about by those who plant them. Due to their robust design, they can remain active for decades. Mines aren’t often planted alone, set up in minefields to block enemies from moving through certain areas.