Drone positioning, robot bomb disposal

◎Our reporter Zhang Qiang

Communicator Song Qiang and Huang Zihan

Unmanned detection, precise positioning, rapid bomb disposal… Recently, a real-combat comprehensive drill is underway at a certain unit of the 71st Group Army. Soldiers operate drones and bomb disposal robots to quickly and accurately clear multiple unexploded ordnance in complex terrain, successfully completing the pathway opening mission.

With a command from the command post, operator Wang Yikun decisively deploys a drone to scout the target area, using a magnetic detection system at low altitude to scan and identify metallic unexploded objects, marking their locations. High-definition images and positioning data are transmitted back to the large screen in real time, making the originally complex battlefield situation clear and visible.

“Compared to traditional manual reconnaissance, using drones is faster and covers a wider area,” said Biyongkang, platoon leader of the explosive disposal team, during a break in the drill. He pointed to the screen and explained that in previous operations, manual reconnaissance not only had low efficiency but also posed potential dangers to personnel.

This drill marks the first time that drones and bomb disposal robots are used together to destroy unexploded bombs. “The location of the unexploded ordnance has been confirmed, and a bomb disposal robot is dispatched to clear it,” said Sergeant Major Hu Qianghui with focus. He remotely controls the robot to investigate the specific situation of the unexploded bomb, using a mechanical arm with a brush to clear soil covering the device. Meanwhile, the drone continuously circles overhead, providing real-time positioning and environmental monitoring for the robot. Once ready, Hu Qianghui remotely operates the bomb disposal robot, setting up a contactless energy-focused destruction device with the drone’s assistance. With a loud explosion, the unexploded bomb is successfully destroyed, and the pathway opening task is completed smoothly.

Hu Qianghui said, “Traditional bomb disposal methods require personnel to approach the unexploded objects, which takes a long time, involves many steps, and has high safety risks. Any mistake could cause accidents.”

Today, intelligent unmanned equipment has become an important part of modern warfare. The unit has innovated to address key difficulties in bomb disposal, developing a new collaborative tactic of “drone positioning and robot bomb disposal,” effectively solving the problems of manual bomb disposal. This remote, contactless method can handle complex terrains and harsh weather conditions, significantly improving safety and efficiency.

“This new tactic can better adapt to complex combat environments, producing effects greater than the sum of ‘1+1’,” said a leader of the unit about the new training approach. To quickly translate technological innovations into combat capability, they carefully plan and select technical and professional backbone personnel to form teams for tactical and technical breakthroughs. From familiarizing with equipment to integrating tactics, from theoretical simulations to field testing, soldiers work tirelessly to incorporate new equipment into tactical training and exercises, exploring and innovating multiple new tactics and training methods.

Biyongkang, a member of the explosive disposal team, stated that this drill helps explore the practical application of unmanned equipment in combat operations and supports the continuous improvement of the unit’s ability to accomplish diverse military tasks.

Tactical and training methods must not only be innovative but also battle-tested. During the exercise, the unit arranged personnel to collect training data and evaluate the practicality of the tactics. Next, the unit will focus on over ten projects, including rapid pathway construction with drone cooperation, to conduct collaborative research and development.