Cold cathode x-ray technology developer Micro-X Ltd (ASX:MX1) has successfully completed the first field testing of its Argus IED X-ray camera.
Micro-X has successfully conducted field testing with a pre-production version of the Argus X-ray Camera, which is a complete unit with all elements of this proprietary technology – specialised CNT X-ray tube, high power generator, power componentry and imaging software.
This testing occurred in Adelaide, South Australia, over several days in late May.
The real-world testing focused on capturing images of IED training aids in common scenarios experienced by military and law enforcement bomb technicians and is key to proving the performance of the product.
During field testing, Argus captured useful, high-definition backscatter images of an IED training aid through a car door. Argus was also able to capture backscatter images of a shallow-buried anti-personnel mine, which application has the potential to support military missions such as large area clearance and buried threat detection.
Argus’ robust communications system enabled images to be viewed more than 1500 metres from the target, which is a significant improvement on currently available systems.
Argus is the only portable backscatter system available to bomb technicians capable of remote operation and stand off imaging.
The field tests achieved the planned objectives and demonstrated Argus’ ability to produce high-definition backscatter images to considerably increase the rapid threat assessment capability, and safety, of military and police bomb technicians.