Husky Mk.III VMMD with GPRS

Plastic model kit to build a Husky Mk. III VMMD with GPRS (Vehicle Mounted Mine Detector)

• Scale 1:35
• Clear and photo-etched parts included
• Vinyl tires
• Not built, not painted
• Paint and glue not included

The Husky Mk. III VMMD equipped with GPRS (Ground Penetrating Radar System) is an advanced version of the proven South African Husky Mk. III mine detection vehicle. While the standard version relies primarily on electromagnetic metal detection sensors, the GPRS variant combines these with a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) system. This enables much more reliable detection of not only metal-cased landmines but also plastic mines and deeply buried improvised explosive devices (IEDs). This capability made the vehicle an indispensable asset for the route-clearance units of the US Army and other NATO forces, particularly during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The GPRS consists of multiple radar antennas mounted beneath a wide boom positioned in front of or under the vehicle. As the vehicle moves, the radar transmits electromagnetic pulses into the ground and records changes in its structure. Specialized analysis algorithms compare the measurement data against the natural soil profile to identify anomalies indicative of buried explosive devices or other foreign objects. Radar data is combined with input from the metal detection sensors, significantly reducing the number of false alarms while increasing the probability of detection.

Like the standard model, the Husky Mk. III GPRS features a centrally located, heavily armored driver's cabin with a V-shaped blast-deflecting floor, as well as a modular design incorporating predetermined break points at the front and rear axles. In the event of a mine detonation, the axle modules are designed to sustain controlled damage or detach, leaving the protected cabin largely intact. Damaged components can subsequently be replaced relatively quickly in the field, allowing the vehicle to return to operational status rapidly.

The Husky Mk. III is powered by a high-performance diesel engine coupled with an automatic transmission. It reaches a top speed of approximately 72 km/h and is typically operated by a single soldier. As its mission is exclusively the detection of mines and IEDs, the vehicle typically carries no fixed armament. Upon detecting suspicious objects, the sensor systems mark their location before follow-on combat engineering vehicles or explosive ordnance disposal teams take over the task of investigation and clearance.

The Husky Mk. III VMMD with GPRS is considered one of the most capable mine-detection vehicles of its generation. The combination of ground-penetrating radar, metal detection technology, and superior mine protection significantly enhanced the safety of military convoys and played a key role in reducing the threat posed by modern landmines and improvised explosive devices along operational routes.