Sensors for C-IED. Final report 2016-2018

On behalf of the Armed Forces, FOI has carried out the project Sensors for C-IED, with the overall aim of achieving improved detection and localization of IEDs and associated components. During the term of the project, the focus has shifted towards the national threat picture. Two threat scenarios have been developed: (i) Intruder on fixed installations and (ii) IED attacks against road transport. A workshop has been conducted to select some detection techniques to focus on in the project, based on the strengths, weaknesses and development potential of different sensors. The development and use of EO sensors have focused on a proprietary hyperspectral camera and polarimetric cameras, in the visible and LWIR wavelength regions, respec-tively. Three methods have been developed for analysis of sensor data in order to find areas of interest in imaged scenes: change detection, anomaly detection and signature matching. The methods can be used to highlight areas that are interesting for investi-gation in a next step with high reliability. For example, an image may be presented to an operator where areas of interest are augmented and marked or used to que a preci-sion system for explosive detection. Today, however, the methods can not point out po-tential threats with sufficient reliability, but in the long run automated search for speci-fied objects is possible. Reflection spectroscopy in SWIR provides some ability to penetrate through textiles, which, in combination with a clear chemical signature, makes the technology interest-ing for detection of explosives. Initial experiments with a miniature laboratory set-up are presented. The project includes the task of monitoring international trends in the development of sensors for C-IED. A wide international network of contacts has been maintained and expanded through participation in a number of international forums, such as NATO STO Working Groups and the EU-US Explosive Detection Dog Work Group (EU-US EDD WG). This summary report briefly describes the activities of the project during the three-year period 2016-2018 and the most important results are highlighted.