On 29^th October 2014 Astri Polska team realized one of the most relevant parts within organization of first full-scale demonstration of the D-BOX project and its solutions for humanitarian demining. The event took place in Szczytno (Poland)- city that will be a host of D-BOX demonstration in May 2015, when consortium partners and invited guests will use new methods, procedures, software and tools developed during the project to  demonstrate the demining process on artificial mines  sown on and buried in the ground of specially arranged test site. The main goal for this last October visit in Szczytno was to prepare first part of the demonstration test site by installing all required constructions and placing mines simulants. Five different types of artificial mines, including  those made of plastic and wood, were prepared in such a way to properly represent physical parameters of anti-personal and anti-tank mines used in military conflicts. Nevertheless, not only realistic mines simulants are relevant for such demonstration, but also how and in what pattern these mines will  be laid. To ensure that prepared mines are placed in a way that really represent actual demining situations, Astri Polska invited to Szczytno a representative of BACTEC - British company and D-BOX project partner with great experience in humanitarian demining all over the world. In co-operation with BACTEC, Astri Polska team prepared several minefield rows with realistic minefield indicators.

Preparation of mines and minefield rows (source: BACTEC, Astri Polska)

To complete each minefield in a realistic way, minefield fences have been added. These types of minefield indicators are very relevant for the concept of the D-BOX project as they could be identified by the long-range detection methods which  aid the on-field close-range analysis. 

Artificial minefield prepared for D-BOX demonstration in Szczytno with minefield fence (source: Astri Polska)

After this mining campaign now is the time for a grass to grow, spread and cover all  surface laid and buried mines. It also simulates real conditions where mined  land is left dormant by local citizens as it poses a threat to their lives and naturally in time it gets covered by  grass and bushes.

Thanks to all these preparations Astri Polska ensures that first full-scale D-BOX demonstration will show the effectiveness of technologies provided within the project, which  may improve their attractiveness in the eyes of  active deminers and their possible future users  who will come to Szczytno in May 2015.