MK Manta 2022-02-25T13:28:46+00:00

MANTA

MINE KAFON DETECTION DRONE

When entering areas affected by landmines and other remnants of war, deminers constantly put their own lives at risk in locating and deactivating or detonating individual UXOs. In the past decades, many have been seriously injured or killed while practicing their profession, with deminers making up to 2% of total landmine victims. In addition to the inherent risk of these remnants of war, clearing efforts across numerous countries are also often affected by difficult climate conditions and/or challenging terrain, posing even greater complications. These risks and difficulties that come with manual demining, along with the required reliability of the process make the detection and deactivation of landmines time consuming, expensive and hard to standardise.

How it works

The Manta drone is specially designed for the demining purpose. It is an autonomously-flying detection and detonation system, operated by a specialized deminer from a safe distance. This ensures that deminers do not need to approach the danger zone themselves, but can instead remotely monitor the clearing process using systematic scanning and identification techniques. Manta offers a safer and faster demining process than traditional techniques. It operates in two steps:

Step 1: Based on 3D maps created by the Destiny drone, the Manta systematically moves across the hazardous area. It is capable of carrying a variety of mine detection sensors including a metal detector, ground-penetrating radar and a sample collection device for chemical analysis. Data from the detection sensors is processed using data fusion algorithms to obtain precise position information.

Step 2: Depending on the surroundings and identification data, the UXOs are either detonated using a remotely positioned explosive charge, or disarmed by a human deminer. Non-explosive detonations can likewise be performed using equipment manufactured in-house by Mine Kafon. Either method has to be performed by professionals in the field of explosive ordnance disposal.

The MK Manta can carry a variety of MK robotics, depending on its current task.

The MK Manta’s attachments can also be monitored in real-time from the MK Ground Station.

Software and robotics integration

Manta’s eight powerful motors and 30-inch propellers in coaxial configuration enable the heavy-lifting drone to carry demining robots and sensors of up to 30 kg overall weight. It is powered by eight 6s batteries, giving it an impressive maximum flight time of 60 minutes. Manta is a flexible platform designed to be compatible with all MKD demining robotics, which can be switched in seconds – thus allowing Manta to be used for a variety of operations. Manta also communicates with the Mine Kafon Ground Station, which in addition to the functionalities common to all drones, also provides specific interfaces for each of the robotic add-ons.

  • Autopilot function available from the base

  • Laptop acts as the base station

  • 13 inch laptop included in package

  • Transmitter included in package

  • Lipo battery set included in the package

Customised according to your needs

As mines are located in many different places around the world, our drones are built to resist various weather conditions. The MK Manta does its job regardless of temperature, wind or humidity. And since we have experience designing art pieces, the looks of our drones are just as important as their functionality. You can choose your favourite design based on the type of terrain it will be operating in – and, of course, personal preference as well.

Black

White

Forest Camo

Desert Camo

AttributeSpecification
BodyworkCarbon fibre
Size125 x 125 cm (height depends on add-on)
Propellers78 cm
Weight15 kg
Flight time50 minutes
Hovering time60 minutes
BatteryLipo (mixed topology)
Motors8 brushless motors
PayloadMax 30 kg
CameraFull HD 1080 P, 60 FPS, 10 x zoom, 3 axis gimball
Top speed75 km/h
Wind resistence88 km/h
Water resistenceSplash proof
Temperature range-40 to 60 °C

“The landmine cannot tell the difference between a soldier or a civilian – a woman, a child, a grandmother going out to collect firewood to make the family meal… once peace is declared the landmine does not recognize that peace. The landmine is eternally prepared to take victims”.

Jody Williams