The present invention relates to an area denial, in particular, but not limited to, a dynamic minefield system.

Background of the Invention

Area denial systems, such as minefields, have long been used to protect important military and/or civilian assets. Typical mines comprise an explosive charge and a detector configured to detect the presence of a person, vehicle, ship or other target.

The inventor has found numerous drawbacks with prior art systems. In order to be effective, the mines must be placed at a sufficient density (i.e. such that the target cannot merely pass through). For a large boundary or asset (e.g. an airfield), this may require hundreds or even thousands of mines. This is both resource and time intensive. Furthermore, each mine in the minefield must be tracked to ensure that the mine can be removed at a later date. With a large minefield, the likelihood of a mine not being adequately tracked increases. Additionally, the mines are unable to discriminate between “friend” or “foe”, thus increasing the likelihood of friendly fire or civilian death or injury. The mines are also static, thus providing a fixed area of protection once laid.

Prior art solutions may include detonators which become inoperable through planned degradation over time. However, the degradation process may take several years or may fail with the result that the mine remains active leading to continued significant danger to life. Rapid recovery of mines during or post combat is time consuming and costly.

The present invention aims to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above problems, particularly, to provide an area denial system less likely to cause friendly fire, civilian injuries and/or other collateral damage. Statement of Invention

According to a first aspect, there is provided: an area denial system comprising: a conduit configured to be provided on the ground, or at least partially submerged therein; and a vehicle receivable within the conduit and movable between plurality of positions therein, the vehicle comprising an independent propulsion means; and where the vehicle comprises an explosive device configured to provide the area denial effect.

The system may provide a vehicle area denial system.

The conduit may be branched and/or form a network having a plurality of pathways.

The conduit may comprise a switching mechanism configured to selectively allow transfer from one conduit to a further conduit.

The switching mechanism is configured is configured to parasitically draw power from the vehicle to effect movement thereof. The switching mechanism may comprise an inductor. The switching mechanism may comprise a sensor to detect position of the vehicle. The switching mechanism may be movable to a position where the conduits are fluidly separated from adjacent conduits.

The conduit may comprise one or more pressure relief valve and/or pressure control valve (e.g. a Tesla valve). The valve may vent to ambient atmosphere. The valve may comprise one or more of: a rupturable/frangible valve; a biased closure; and/or a tesla valve. The valve may be uni-directional. Pressure relief valves may be provided in a secondary conduit extending to or above the ground surface (i.e. a branch of the conduit).

The conduit may comprise an upwardly extending opening in which the vehicle and/or a payload thereof can egress in use. The opening may comprise a hole or tube. The conduit may comprise a storage area or bunker. The conduit may comprise a communications interface. The conduit may comprise a wireless communications interface. The communications interface may act as a relay.

The vehicle may comprise one or more sensor to detect and/or identify a target. The sensor may comprise one or more of: optical sensor; thermal imager; vibration/sensor; or magnetic/metal sensor. The sensor may detect the presence of a vehicle.

The vehicle may comprise a position sensor. The position sensor may comprise one or more of: an optical or mechanical position sensor to sense position within the conduit; odometer; inertial navigation system; satellite positioning system. The conduit may comprise a marker or indicator to indicate a position or length thereof.

The vehicle may comprise a material sampling and/or analysis system (e.g. soil, air or water).

The vehicle may comprise a target identification system. The system may comprise one or more predetermined parameter of a target to provide identification thereof. The target identification system may be configured to prevent detonation of the explosive upon detection of personnel. The target identification system may be configured to detonate upon detection of a target vehicle.

The vehicle or a housing thereof may conform to the shape of the conduit.

The vehicle may comprise a launch mechanism configured to launch a payload provided thereon.

The launch mechanism may comprise a housing portion containing or supporting a munition. The launch mechanism may comprise a spigot or pin. One of the vehicle or the housing portion may comprise a spigot or pin configured to be held received in the other on the vehicle or the housing portion. An explosive charge/propellant may be provided to effect movement thereof. The propellant may be operatively provided between the spigot or pin and housing/vehicle. The payload may comprise a munition. A propellant charge may be provided between the payload and a piston. Upon detonation of the propellent piston, the piston may be driven downwards effecting movement thereof. The piston may be captive.

The spigot may be operatively connected to a thrust place mounted to the vehicle. The thrust plate may be configured to engage the conduit during movement of the housing. The thrust plate may be resiliently mounted to the vehicle. The thrust plate may be biased toward the vehicle.

The housing is received within an enclosure and/or sleeve. The housing may comprise a detonation initiator switch. The switch may be activated upon release of the housing from within the sleeve.

The launch mechanism may comprise a rotatable support, rail or tube (i.e. relative to the vehicle). The conduit comprises a notch or groove configured to receive the rotatable support, rail or tube. The support, rail or tube is mounted to the vehicle via a recoil mechanism. The recoil mechanism may comprise a resilient means (e.g. a spring).

The vehicle may comprise a wireless communications interface. The wireless communications interface may comprise one or more of: Wifi; Bluetooth (RTM); or NFC.

The vehicle may be configured to transmit sensor data and/or position data to a remote device. The sensor data may comprise images and/or video (e.g. in realtime). The vehicle may be configured to receive command for a mission profile. The vehicle may be programmed with said commands. The vehicle may receive said commands remotely.

The system may comprise remote device. The remote device may comprise a mobile computing device. The vehicle may be controllable via the remote device.

According to a further aspect, there is provided: a method of providing area denial comprising: providing a conduit on the ground, or at least partially submerged therein; and receiving a vehicle within the conduit and moving the vehicle between plurality of positions therein, the vehicle comprising an independent propulsion means; and detonating an explosive device on the vehicle to provide the area denial effect.

According to further aspect there is provided, a vehicle suitable for use with the system of a previous aspect, comprising: a housing or chassis configured to be received within a conduit; and an independent propulsion means.

The vehicle may comprise a wired or wireless communication interface.

According to a further aspect, there is provided: a system comprising: a conduit configured to be provided on the ground or at least partially submerged therein; and a vehicle receivable within the conduit and movable between plurality of positions therein, the vehicle comprising an independent propulsion means.

The vehicle may comprise a payload. The payload may comprise an explosive device. The payload may comprise a further vehicle. The further vehicle may comprise a drone (e.g. an aerial drone). The pay load may comprise one or more sensor. The payload may comprise a material sampling and/or analysis system

Any optional or preferable features described in relation to any one aspect of the invention may be applied to any further aspect, wherever practicable.

Detailed Description

Practicable embodiments of the disclosure are described below in further detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 shows a sectional side view of a conduit system;

Figure 2 shows a sectional top-down view of the conduit system;

Figure 3 shows a sectional side view of a switching mechanism;

Figure 4 shows a sectional side view of a first embodiment of a conduit pressure relief system; Figure 5 shows a sectional side view of a second embodiment of a conduit pressure relief system;

Figure 6 shows a sectional side view of a third embodiment of a conduit pressure relief system;

Figure 7 shows a sectional side view of a fourth embodiment of a conduit pressure relief system;

Figure 8 shows a schematic side view of the vehicle of the conduit system; Figures 9-12 show a sectional side of first and second embodiments of a launch mechanism;

Figure 13-16 show a sectional side of a third embodiment of a launch mechanism;

Figure 17 shows a schematic overview of the conduit system;

Figure 18 shows a schematic use case of the conduit system.

An area denial system 2 is shown in figures 1 and 2. The system 2 comprises a plurality of conduits 4. In use, one or more movable explosive devices 6 are configured to traverse the conduits. The conduit 4 thus provides a dynamic minefield 8 in which the position of the mines can be adjusted in a predetermined or ad hoc basis.

The conduit 4 comprises a pipe, channel, tube, trench, duct etc. The conduit 4 is enclosed, thereby protecting the mine 6 and/or preventing debris etc. entering the conduit 4. The conduit 4 may be submerged (i.e. under the ground/floor 10). The conduit 4 may be submerged at any suitable depth. Typically, the submerged depth may be a compromise between protecting from artillery fire or the like, and allowing the explosive device to have effect on the surface. Typically, the conduit is submerged at a depth between 10cm and 100cm. Some portions of the conduit 4 may be provided a at greater depth. For example, portions 4A outside of the desired minefield area may be deeper to protect added protection. Portions 4B within the desired may be shallow accordingly.

In some embodiments, the conduit 4 may be only partially submerged, or may be provided on the ground. For example, the conduit 4 may be laid on the ground where there is not sufficient time to bury the conduit 4. The conduit 4 may be laid on the ground of a trench or the like.

The conduit 4 may comprise any shape or structure as necessary. The conduit 4 may be branched. The conduit 4 may comprise a web or network. A plurality of conduits 4 may be provided in parallel. The conduit 4 may be tortuous or curved (e.g. to reduce shrapnel damage). The conduit 4 may comprise an interchange area 12 to provide a connected between conduits 4. This may allow the mines 6 to manoeuvre with the conduit. The conduit may comprise a diameter between 5cm and 50cm, preferably, between 10cm and 30cm. It can be appreciated the exact form of the conduit is not pertinent to the invention at hand.

In some embodiments, the conduit 4 may form part of conventional infrastructure. For example, the conduit 4 (at least in part) may be provided by one or more of: water pipe (e.g. mains water or runoff water); sewage drain; gas pipe; telecommunications or other utility conduits, etc. Such conduits may therefore be repurposed. The conduit 4 may be provided under or alongside critical infrastructure, for example: roads; bridges; railways; power infrastructure; government buildings, etc.

The conduit 4 is generally watertight to prevent ingress of water/debris etc. The conduit 4 may be constructed from one or more of: polymer/plastic; metal; ceramic; steel; concrete; and/or composite materials.

In some embodiments, the conduit 4 provides a fixed/permanent installation (e.g. where submerged). In some embodiments, the conduit 4 may provide an ad hoc, temporary and/or portable configuration. For example, the conduit 4 may comprise a lightweight material suitable for manual transportation. The conduit 4 may comprise a plurality of detachable sections. The conduit 4 may comprise a plurality of push-fit sections. The conduit 4 can then be assembled in the field. The conduit 4 may be manually pushed over the ground toward an enemy entrenchment or the like. Alternatively, the conduit is laid next to a road/railway/landing strip in preparation for an ambush. The conduit 4 is operatively connected to a storage area 14. The mine devices 6 may be stored in the storage area 14 until needed. The storage area 14 may be reinforced to provide a bunker or the like. The storage 14 may be provided a deeper location than some or all of the conduit 4.

The conduit 4 may comprise an opening 16. This allows the mine 6 to enter/exit the conduit 4 as required. For example, the user may simply insert the mine 6 into the opening only when required (i.e. in response to an incoming threat). The opening 16 may allow the mine 6 to discharge a portion thereof through the opening 16 and/or provide a line of sight to an enemy combatant.

Referring to figure 3, the conduit 4 may be provided with a switching portion 18. This allows the mine 6 to switch between different branches or lines of the conduit 4. The switching portion 18 is rotatable between a position where a cavity 20A in the conduit 4 is aligned with a cavity 22 provided in the switching portion 18. This allows the mines to pass into the switching portion 18. In this position, the switch portion is aligned with a cavity 20D of the conduit branch, thereby allowing transfer thereinto (see figure 3B). Similarly, the switch 18 may rotate to a second position where the cavities 20B and 20C are aligned (figure 3C). The switch 18 is rotationally mounted about a central portion thereof (e.g. to provide symmetric rotation). The switch 18 may be provided in the interchange area 12.

In some embodiments, the switch 18 may be used to switch from a single cavity to a plurality of different cavities. For example, cavity 20A may be operatively connected to either cavities 20C or 20B. In such embodiment, the switch 18 is rotationally mounted toward an axial end thereof, such that the switch 18 provides a swinging/pivoting movement.

The switch 18 may allow transfer between side-by-side conduits 4. The switch 18 may therefore rotate about a vertical axis. Additionally or alternatively, the switch 18 may allow transfer between vertically arranged conduits 4. The switch 18 may therefore rotate about a horizontal axis accordingly. The switch 18 may be movable to a “null” position. In this position, the switch 18 effectively blocks/obscures the conduit 4. This helps to prevent shrapnel or blast wave, etc from travelling down the conduit 4. Such an arrangement is shown in figure 3. The cavity 22 in the switch 18 is misaligned with both cavities 20A and 20C in the conduit 4. It can be appreciated that such an arrangement can be provided where one or both cavities 20 in the conduit 4 are misaligned. For example, the switch 18 provides a swinging motion, the switch 18 can be moved to position where a first cavity 20 in the conduit 4 is aligned, but the other cavity 20 in the branch conduit 4 is misaligned.

The switch 18 may also act as turntable. For example, the mine 6 may stop with the switch 18 and the switch 18 rotates 180 degrees to face to the mine 6 in the opposing direction.

The switch 18 is configured to draw power from the mine 6 (i.e. the switch 18 parasitically draws power therefrom). This mitigates the need to individually power the switch 18, reducing infrastructure costs and making a system more resilient (i.e. not dependent on external power source). An inductor 24 or the like is provided adjacent the switch 18. The inductor 24 is configured to intercept wireless power transmitted by the device 6. Additionally or alternatively, a physical electrical contact may be provided to provide power transfer. The induced/provided power than powers the actuator to drive the switch 18. This provides an additional benefit of also detecting the mine device, thus ensuring the switch 18 is provided in the correct position. The switch 18 may comprise a communications interface. The device 6 may communicate to switch 18 to provide an indicated of the desired position of the switch 18. A similar indicator 24 or contact may be provided on the opposing side of the switch 18, thereby allowing the switch 18 to move once the mine 6 has passed and/or to sense the passing thereof.

In some embodiments, the switch 18 may be selectively moved by the user as required. The switch 18 may be manually moved and/or may be remotely operated. In some embodiments, the switch 18 may be independently powered.

The inductor 24 and/or contact may therefore merely act as a sensor to detect the mine 6.

Referring to figures 4-7, the conduit 4 may comprise a pressure relief system. The pressure relief system dissipates or relieves an overpressure or pressure wave within the conduit (e.g. due to an explosion) to prevent damage thereto. The pressure relief system comprises a relief valve 26 configured to open or otherwise let airflow therethrough in response to an overpressure. The valve 26 comprises a vent or like. In some embodiments, the valve 26 comprises a burst valve. The burst valve is configured to burst or otherwise rupture in the event of an overpressure. The burst valve may comprise a predefined weakness or frangible portion.

In some embodiments, the valve 26 may comprise a closure configured to open in response to an overpressure (see figure 7). The valve 26 may be hingedly attached to the conduit 4. The valve 26 may be biased into the closed position (e.g. via a torsion spring or the like). In other embodiments, the valve 26 comprises any suitable one-way valve, for example, a ball valve, diaphragm valve, lift valve. The burst valve may be provided in combination with the closure valve.

The valve 26 may be provided in an auxiliary conduit 28. The auxiliary conduit 28 may branch from the main conduit 4. The auxiliary conduit 28 may comprise a smaller diameter than the main conduit 4. The auxiliary conduit 28 extends to the external environment. For example, the auxiliary may extend toward the ground surface 10, into a trench/ditch 30, and/or embankment 32 etc.

In some embodiments, a unidirectional flow valve 34 may be provided in the main conduit 4. The unidirectional flow valve 34 may comprise a Tesla valve. A Tesla valve provides a substantially unimpeded path within the conduit 4, but allows air to flow in one direction. A plurality of unidirectional flow valves 34 may be provided. The valve 34 may prevent air flow in opposing directions, thus limiting all air flow the in conduit. In some embodiments, the auxiliary conduits 28 may be provided alone (i.e. without the pressure relief valves 26). The auxiliary conduits 28 may therefore act to divert or dissipate the pressure wave. In some embodiments, baffles or diverts etc may be provided to dissipate a pressure wave.

The conduits 4 may comprise markers or indicators (not shown) to indicate a position within the conduit 4. The mine 6 is configured to be read, interrogate or otherwise sense the indicators. The mine 6 can therefore determine its position within the conduit. The indicators may comprise one or more of: a barcode; a QR code; machine readable optical code; radio-frequency ID (RFID); or a mechanical actuator. The indicators may be provided at fixed intervals. This may provide a simple mechanism for the device 6 to determine a position and/or distance travelled. The indicators may comprise location data (e.g. GPS coordinates), thus allowing the mine 6 to determine a specific position.

The mine device 6 is shown in schematically in in figure 8. The mine comprises a chassis 36. One or more wheels or rollers 38 provide mobility of the device 6. The wheels 38 may support tracks or the like. The wheels 38 are driven by an electric motor (not shown). In alternative embodiments, the device 6 comprises a combustion engine and/or fuel. The device 6 comprises a power supply 40 or fuel tank. The power supply typically comprises a battery. The battery may be rechargeable. Additionally or alternatively, the device 6 may receive power from the conduit 4. The device 6 may comprise a pantograph 42 configured to engage a wire/rail in the conduit 4.

The device 6 provides a vehicle or carriage. The vehicle 6 is movable under its own propulsion means (i.e. is not driven by external force). The vehicle is therefore selectively movable and/or controllable by the operator. The vehicle is driven by traction or other mechanical means. In some embodiments, the vehicle could be propelled by other means, for example, rocket or jet engines, air pressure or the like. However, it can be appreciated that traction means provide a simple and cost- effective solution. Typically, the vehicle is remotely operable (i.e. under direct control of the operator). This may be achieved wirelessly or via a wire configuration. In some embodiments, the vehicle 6 may be autonomous. The vehicle 6 may be programmed to move a certain distance or move to a certain location. The vehicle 6 may be programmed with a specific targets or target profile, and the vehicle 6 may seek the target accordingly. In some embodiments, the vehicle comprises an interface to allow direct programming thereof (e.g. a touchscreen).

The device 6 may comprise an antenna 44 and/or communication interface. The device 6 may therefore communicate with a further device 6 or an operator. The device 6 comprises a processing system 46. The processing system 46 comprises a processor, RAM, memory etc. The processing system 46 may be provided by an SoC, or smart phone. Suitable software may be provided.

The device 6 may comprise one or more sensors 48. The sensors 48 may comprise one or more of: optical sensor (i.e. camera); thermal imager (i.e. infrared camera); vibration sensor; acoustic sensor; magnetic/metal sensor; barcode reader; NFC or RFID reader/interrogator; optical or mechanical position sensor (e.g. to sense position within the conduit). The device 6 may comprise a navigations system, allowing determination of the position thereof. The navigation system may comprise one or more of: odometer; inertial navigation system; satellite positioning system (e.g. GPS). The sensors may be configured to detect a vehicle.

The vehicle 6 may comprise an immobiliser to prevent unauthorised movement of the vehicle. The immobiliser may physical and/or electronic.

The processing system 46 may be configured to discriminate between targets using one or more of the sensors. For example, the sensors may be used to discriminate between a heavily armoured vehicle, a light armoured vehicle, or infantry. The system 46 may use machine learning and/or artificial intelligence. One or more sensor parameter may be programmed into the device 6 to aid with discrimination. For example, a heavily armoured vehicle has a different vibrational or acoustic profile to a profile for infantry. This may allow the operator to detect the number and/or type of enemy combatants. The system may be configured to prevent detonation of the device 6 in response to detection of personnel, to prevent civilian or other casualties. Similarly, the system may only detonate in response to detection of a vehicle. The device 46 may communicate to the operator an indication of the detected combatant. The device 6 may therefore be used to collect intelligence. The device 6 may be configured to target certain types of enemy combatant to increase efficacy (e.g. only target high-value vehicles).

The device 6 is configured to support a payload 50. The device comprises a bed, mount or support 52 for the payload 50. The load may depend on the requirements of the user. Examples are provided as follows:

• A demolition load. The load comprises a large load of high explosive design to destroy hard infrastructure. For example, it may be used to destroy an air field to prevent capture by enemy forces.

• An anti-armour or anti-vehicle load. The load may comprise a conventional or directional charge (e.g. shaped charge). The load may comprise a HEAT charge. The directional charge may be directed in an upward position (as shown in figure 8). In other embodiments, the directional charge may be configured to extend in a horizontal direction (e.g. to attack side armour).

• Thermobaric load. The load comprises a mixture of a dispersible fuel and an explosive configured to detonate the dispersed fuel. Such arrangements may be useful in confined spaces, such as bunkers or trenches.

The payload 50 may be integral with the vehicle 6. The vehicle may therefore be destroyed in use. In other embodiments, the payload 50 could be released, fired or otherwise detached, thereby allowing re-use of the vehicle 6.

As previously discussed, some or all of the mine devices 6 may provide ancillary functions: • Surveillance. Sensor data from the device 6 may be recorded and/or transmitted back to the operator. The camera may be used for remote observation. This may be performed in real time.

• Sampling. The device 6 may be configured for remote collection and recovery of air or soil samples to identify potential nuclear, biological and/or chemical warfare agents. Analysis may be performed with onboard sensor from a stand-off position, or returned for subsequent laboratory analysis.

• Communication. The device 6 may be used to provide real-time or offline communications. For example, the device 6 may act as a relay or the like. The device 6 may communicate by wired, wireless, and/or optical means (e.g. laser or infrared).

• Target identification. The device 6 may detect and/or discriminate between targets are previously discussed. The drone may then provide targeting. For example, the device 6 may comprise laser designator configured to guide laser guided munitions. Additionally or alternatively, the device 6 may act as a beacon or like to guide guided munitions. The device may use “friend or foe” identification to help prevent friendly fire.

• Transport. The device 6 may transport any suitable goods, for example, small arms, ammunition, messages, food, medical supplies etc.

The mine 6 may comprise a casing or housing. The casing/housing may encase some or all the vehicle. This may protect components thereon. The casing may be shape or size in accordance with the shape/size of the conduit 4 (e.g. cylindrical).

A launch mechanism 53 is shown in figures 9 and 10. The launch mechanism 53 is used to launch the payload 50 into the air and/out from the conduit 4 (i.e. via the outlet 16). The launch mechanism 53 may be fixed to the chassis 36 and/or payload area 52 of the vehicle. The launch mechanism 53 allows the vehicle 6 to be reusable.

The launch mechanism 53 comprises a spigot 54 received within a housing 56.

The housing 56 comprises a cavity 58 to receive the spigot 54. The housing 56 may contain or support the explosive munition. The spigot thus provides a guide or the like. A propellant charge 60 is provided between the captive piston 68 and the cavity 58. Thus, detonation of the charge 60 drives the captive piston 68 down the cavity 58, exerting a force on spigot 54. This drives the housing 56 upwards. Thus, any load on or within the housing 56 is driven upwards accordingly.

The cavity 58 comprises a rim/flange/stop member 61 configured to retain the captive piston 68 within the cavity 58. The housing 56 and the piston 68 are thus relatively movable but not separable. As the explosion is retained within the cavity 58, the risk of damage to the vehicle is reduced, and the noise lessened.

The spigot 54 is mounted to a thrust plate 62. The thrust plate 62 is configured to engage the conduit 4 in use, thus limiting movement of the spigot 54. This provides a reaction force, thus ejecting the housing 56 upward at a greater velocity. The thrust plate 62 is mounted via a spring arrangement 64 configured to bias the thrust plate into/toward the chassis 36. This ensures that plate 62 does not contact the conduit 4 when not in use. The spring arrangement 64 also helps to increase the reaction force. A sleeve or casing 66 at least partially surrounds or encloses the housing 56. This helps to prevent damage to the explosive charge and/or retains the trigger 70 until launch.

A second embodiment of a launch mechanism 52 is shown in figures 11 and 12. The piston 68 comprises an aperture 69 therein. A propellant charge 60 is provided in cavity 58. Between the propellant charge and the spigot 54 is a piston 68. Thus detonation of charge 60 drives the piston down the cavity 58 on the spigot 54 driving the housing 56 upwards accordingly.

The propellant charge is detonated by a primer (not shown) housed in aperture within 69 by a firing pin assembly (not shown) in spigot 54.

A detonation switch 70 is provided to initiate detonation of the munition. The switch 70 is rotatable. The switch 70 is held in position in the “off” position by the sleeve 66. Upon ejection of the housing 56 from the sleeve 66, the switch 70 rotates to an “on” position (figure 12) to detonate the munition. The switch 70 may be operatively connected to a delay fuse. The switch 70 is held captive in the housing 58.

A third embodiment of the launch mechanism is provided in figures 13-15. The vehicle 6 comprises a launch support 76. The launch support 76 comprises a platform, rod, rail, tube or other support. The support 76 is configured to support or receive a launchable drone or missile. The support 76 is rotatable relative to the vehicle. This may allow the support to protrude out from the conduit 4 or into an opening 16. The support 76 engages a slot or groove 72 provide on the conduit. This prevents excessive recoil on the vehicle 6. The support 76 is rotatable via motor. Alternatively, a cam or lever is moveable to engage the end of the support 76 to effect rotation thereof.

The support 76 may comprise a launch mechanism to launch a drone or the like. The launch mechanism may comprise a tensile spring/compressed gas, or the like. The launch mechanism comprises a release mechanism to release the drone and drive the drone under the tensile force of the tensile spring.

As shown in figure 16, the support 76 comprises a recoil mechanism 78. The recoil mechanism 78 prevents excessive recoil between the support 76 and the vehicle 6 (e.g. the chassis 36 thereof). The recoil mechanism 78 comprises a spring or other resilient means. The spring may comprise a flat spring or torsion spring.

The conduits 4 may comprise a telecommunications network. In some embodiments, the conduits 4 may comprise relay devices or the like to allow the relaying of signal between the mines 6 themselves and/or an operator. In some embodiments, the conduits 4 may comprise a network node. For example, the conduit 4 may communicate with the mine 6 and transmit to the data to an operator, another mine 6 and/or a central location. The conduit 4 may be used to transmit commands to one or more mines 6. The network may be wireless (e.g. Wifi or Bluetooth (RTM)), and/or may use electrical contacts or the like. The conduits 4 may operatively connect to nodes on one or more further conduit 4. The conduits 4 may provide a mesh network or the like. An operator may connect to the network and/or the vehicle via a remote device. The remote device may comprise a mobile computing device, for example: a mobile/cellular phone; laptop computer; tablet computer etc. The remote device may comprise hardware/software suitable for interfacing with the vehicle. The remote device may receive data from the sensors on the vehicle 6. The remote device may receive video or image data therefrom. The operator may control movement of the vehicle 6 from the remote device. The operator may initiate a detonation of the munition from the remote device.

As shown in figure 17, the network allows transmission of sensor data or other data back to the operator or a control centre. Data may then be provided to a logistics centre and/or to a drone-arming centre. Commands (e.g. a mission profile) may be issued from an operator and/or the control centre to drone-arming area. In the drone-arming centre, the vehicles 6 are armed or otherwise prepared for combat use. The vehicle 6 may then access the combat area. The vehicles 6 are armed or primed in accordance with the provided commands. Munitions may be stored in a separate area to prevent unintended detonations, etc. The munitions may be manually affixed to the vehicles.

Software/hardware on the vehicle 6 may determine if the vehicle 6 is suitable for use with the mission profile. The vehicle 6 may run a self-diagnostic routine. For example, the vehicle may determine if one or more parameter is within predetermined criteria: a battery charge; a carried munition; a maximum load; presence of an appropriate sensor.

A drone disarming area may be provided in which vehicles 6 returning from the combat area are disarmed or otherwise rendered non-combat ready. The drones may then proceed to a maintenance or storage area. The munitions may be removed from the vehicle and stored in the munition storage area. The vehicles 6 can then be re-armed when necessary. Some or all of the assets within the system (e.g. vehicle 6 or conduit 4) may be tracked. The assets may comprise a marker or identifier (e.g. RFID or QR code). The identifier for each asset may be recorded at manufacture, procurement, storage, and/or in use. This ensures that the location and/or state of the assets are monitored, for example, to prevent theft or other corruption. Usage data from the vehicles and/or operator may be provided to ensure logistics flow. For example, the number of vehicles and/or munitions used can be logged. The logistics system may then ensure supplies are replenished accordingly.

A specific ambush scenario using the present system is shown in figure 18. Conduits 4A and 4B are provided below and beside a road 80 respectively. The conduits 4A, 4B are operatively connected to a bunker, foxhole, trench 82, or the like. Before or during detection of one or more target vehicle 84, the mine vehicles 6 are moved into the conduits 4A, 4B. The mine vehicles 6 may be spaced and/or positioned to ensure maximum effect on the target vehicles 84. The mine vehicles 6 may use onboard sensors to detect and/or follow the target vehicles 84. Alternatively, the vehicles 6 are manually positioned. The mine vehicles 6 may then detonate their explosive charge to destroy the target vehicles 84.

A first mine vehicles 6 may detonate in a first conduit (e.g. conduit 4C), thus forcing the target vehicles 84 to stop. This may be detonated manually to ensure friendly vehicles are clear. Once the target vehicles 84 have stopped, further mine vehicles 6 may use a second conduit (e.g. conduit 4A or 4B) to position themselves beneath/adjacent to the stopped target vehicles 84.

The present system provides a dynamic minefield. This reduces the overall number of mines required, providing a flexible configuration and also decreasing the total number of mines required. This significantly reduces the chance of collateral damage and risk to civilians. The mines are tracked and/or recorded, easing the recovery thereof. The minefield also provides a “smart” system allowing target discrimination, reducing collateral damage or friendly fire. The dynamic nature of the system allows force concentration and provides unpredictability for enemy combatants. The conduits provide protection for the mine system, while also allowing rapid travel therein. The conduits are low cost, and may be assembled quickly and easily in an ad hoc fashion. The system may be used for ancillary purposes such as intelligence gathering or sampling.