The system was developed in the 1970s for the South African Defence Force to clear military convoy routes of mines in Namibia and Angola. The VMMD system consists of two Husky vehicles. The first one acts as a Mine Detection Vehicle (MDV). In the past, this vehicle was called a Meerkat and wasn't a 4x4. The second Husky in the system tows a set of three Duisendpoots and is known as a towing /mine detection vehicle (T/MDV) The latest version of the Husky, the 2G, has high sensitivity low metal content detectors, ground penetrating radar, powerful air blowers and a robotic arm. This extra equipment has caused the design of Husky to evolve to take a second crew member. The Husky 2G was voted one of the US Army's Top 10 most innovative advances in Army technology.
The Husky MK III VMMD is a single occupant mine-resistant landmine and IED detection vehicle. Combat proven around the world since the early 1980s, the Husky is a unique landmine and IED detection vehicle that is blast survivable, overpass capable and field repairable. Suitable for use in both rural and urban environments, the Husky facilitates fast and efficient route clearance by creating safe passage for military convoys and civilian vehicles.
Each Husky has a detection ground penetrating radar array mounted under the vehicle that is deployed during route-clearance operations. If a suspected explosive is detected, the system marks the spot on the ground for follow-up interrogation by either the Husky, Buffalo or RG-31 MRAP fitted with an interrogation arm.
