Minelab Mine detectors have been evaluated by numerous reputable organisations from around the globe. Here you can read unbiased evaluations of Minelabs' flagship mine detector, the F3 which is the best detector in its field at finding mine and UXOs in demining operations.
Read below excepts from the test reports, or view to find out more about the F3 and F3 UXO mine detectors.
The F3 was launched in 2003 and was designed "from the ground up" taking into account invaluable feedback provided by many demining and countermine agencies. Additionally, Minelab's engineers visited operators in the field to assess F3 prototypes and make improvements where necessary.
As a final phase of pre-production evaluation, the F3 was evaluated by six highly regarded demining organisations located in six different regions of the world.
Due to the success of the F3, its technology was also selected for inclusion into the US Handheld Standoff Mine Detection System (HSTAMIDS). This revolutionary detector combines Ground Penetrating Radar and Metal Detection sensors to significantly reduce the number of false alarms (false positives) normally associated with stand alone metal detectors.
The HSTAMIDS program underwent the most rigorous of trials before being accepted into service with the US Department of Defense. Consequently, through its inclusion in the HSTAMIDS program, the F3 electronics and coil have been extensively evaluated and validated.
Details regarding evaluations are available on request.
Review extracts from selected evaluations below.
The UNDP Mine Action Program in Egypt was launched in January 2007. The ECTEMUD assessed five leading manufacturers to determine the most suitable detector for use in demining operations.
"We know that when searching for mines, F3 has the highest probability of detection..."
For further information view the full report.
The purpose of this STEMD evaluation was to assess the suitability of commercial off-the-shelf detectors for humanitarian demining in South East Europe.
Sisak Soil Results - "The two Minelab detectors [F3 and F1A4] had the highest POD and lowest FAR in the trial"
Obrovac Soil Results - "An obvious ideal choice for demining operations in this soil type would be Minelab F3 or Minelab F1A4"
Benkovak Soil Results - "Again the two Minelab models would be the best choice for this type of soil"
For further information view the full report.
This STEMD evaluation updates the data provided in the IPPTC evaluation that was conducted in 2001. In particular, the evaluation seeks to determine to what extent a detector's sensitivity is detrimentally affected due to the type of soil it encounters. The latest detectors from all major manufacturers were evaluated. Whereas the report shows that some detectors exhibit a substantial loss of sensitivity (increasing the risk of missing minimum metal mines) in mineralised soils, the following quote illustrates the advantage of Minelab technology:
"The exceptional behaviour of the Minelab detectors is due to their good soil compensation and also because of the design philosophy adopted, which is to optimise for equal performance in all conditions....."
For further information view the full report.
The most significant mine threat faced by CMAC is the Type 72 mine which is extremely difficult to detect in mineralised soils typical of the environment in Cambodia. The F3 was compared against three other brands of detectors and it was confirmed that the F3 detected the Type 72 mine at the greatest depth.
For further information view the full report.
Against four other well known brands of detectors, the F3 was evaluated in a comparative trial comprising:
Using the above criteria, the F3 was given the highest overall rating and was subsequently purchased by the US Marine Corps.
For further information view the full report.
