Underground Tunnelling Techniques
Underground tunnelling presents an array of opportunities and challenges, so the MoD would like to know how technologies and capabilities in this area could be better harnessed for future operations. In particular there is an interest in how to better access hostile and constrained subterranean environments. The latest HMGCC Co-Creation challenge is to demonstrate ways of producing subterranean pathways, preferably greater than 60mm diameter, with minimal chance of being detected. Organisations are being asked to apply if they have the capability / technology to contribute to early and ambitious concept demonstrators in a 12 week project. HMGCC Co-Creation will provide funding for time, material, overheads and other indirect expenses.
Opportunity
Challenge opens
08/07/2024
Challenge closes
15/08/2024
Benefit
Selected solution(s) will be trialled in pilot studies with single organisation funding of up to £60,000 available, with the possibility of further adoption upon successful trials, co-developed with the challenge holder.
Background
There is a long history of industry, civil authorities and military using underground access to their advantage. The MoD is interested in using novel, automated methods to produce underground tunnels, opening new routes of access into otherwise difficult to reach locations. It is critical that any methods to produce these have a low probability of detection from adversaries.