Evaluation of Aardvark Mk IV Flail - gichd

7 Conclusions
7.1 The test track at Bagshot proved to be an adequate site for the trial. However, there are
certain limiting factors involved in carrying out a trial on one site only over a short time
period, such as only being able to flail in one type of soil (flint/sand/clay mix). A large
amount of data was gathered from the inert minefield clearance tests, although due to
the small sample size less emphasis can be placed on the statistics of this test. Aardark
was weighed using portable vehicle load cells. Certain inaccuracies were encountered
because the vehicle exceeded the maximum readable load on one of the wheel stations.
7.2 The Aardvark Mk IV is easily transportable, has a good turning circle for the size of the
vehicle and has good manoeuvrability that is only limited by the skill of the operator. It is
air portable when the flail and air filter are removed. Detracting from its transportability is
its weight. At over 15 tonnes and 3505mm wide, certain limitations of where Aardvark
can be transported on land must be accepted. If the role of the Aardvark Mk IV is
predominantly clearance of anti-tank mines then this should not be a problem since it has
the capability of going where a tank can go and therefore where anti-tank mines would
most likely be laid. Aardvark has adequate approach and departure angles for most
transporter trailers.
7.3 From the Forward speed/Flail depth plot (Fig 6.8) it can be seen that the optimal speed
to reach a depth of 300mm (NATO quoted average depth to base of a buried anti-tank
mine) was between 150 & 200m/hr on this terrain.
7.4 Although the driver’s view of the road was adequate looking towards the flail, it was
greatly reduced by the engine cowling and the flail unit on the front. This drawback is
partly overcome by having a crewmember sitting opposite the driver who is able to look
down the other side of the vehicle.
7.5 Aardvark proved its worth as a brush and vegetation clearer. It was able to clear through
dense shrub and knocked over a tree of diameter 350mm and 7m high. However, it did
throw a lot of debris (of greater than 250mm major dimension) over a large area. This
raises the issue of contamination of areas that either have been cleared already or
weren’t contaminated in the first place.
7.6 Aardvark performed well clearing the inert mines from on the flat and on slopes. The
overall percentage clearance rate was in line with the UN expected standard of
clearance. Due to the small sample size less emphasis can be put on the
7.7 statistics of this test: if Aardvark had missed one mine the clearance rate of 100% would
have dropped to 97.7%, below the UN standard. Since the main aim of the trial was to
evaluate the increased power of the Mk IV it can be said that there was no noticeable
drop in flail performance between flailing on the flat and on the steepest hill at DERA
Bagshot (1 in 2.7).
7.8 The water obstacle test was an interesting test and, although not conclusive, showed
that Aardvark Mk IV had the power and potential to clear mines in water 450mm deep.
7.9 During the trials maintenance checks were carried out and two sets of chains and a set
of track pads were removed and changed with ease. It is evident that a lot of effort has
been directed toward making the Mk IV maintenance friendly, with the inclusion of an air
compressor for power tools and cleaning of the machine and easily accessible parts
such as radiators and air filters.
Page 70 of 77
DERA/LWS/LSAA/TRD000603/1.2