http://www.gichd.org/fileadmin/pdf/publications/MDE_Catalogue_2006/MDE_Cat_2006_Section_2.pdf (page 8)
The Oracle demining system was first developed in Sweden in 1994. It is based on an armoured
Caterpillar 973 TTL MCAP. The main mine clearance tool on the Oracle is a three-segmented,
rotating tiller drum fitted with replaceable tungsten steel teeth, called Spitfire. If one of the
three segments of the roller is seriously damaged, it can be replaced independently of the other
two.
Two types of tiller axle assemblies are available. The depth at which mines are expected to be
found and local soil conditions will dictate the choice of axle. Depending on the axle selected,
the manufacturer claims that the system will clear to a depth of 300mm to 450mm.
Spitfire features three different types of carbide bits. Depending on the configuration chosen,
the number of bits mounted to the tiller drum will be 126, 168 or 252. The staggered positioning
of the digging tools on the rotor is designed to prevent anti-personnel mines passing between
them.1 The Spitfire tiller unit is powered by a commercial Caterpillar diesel engine and hydraulic
pump system (HPU), towed behind the prime mover on a trailer armoured to the same
specification. It features a standard Caterpillar track system.
The combined weight of the Oracle system is 53 tons, making it difficult for use in swampy/wet
terrain.1
Other attachments for the Caterpillar dozer, such as a demolition bucket and a mine clearance
rake, can be fitted. The Caterpillar mine rake is standard equipment to the U.S. Army. Designed
to rip mines from the soil, the rake has a clearance width of 366cm down to an average depth of
30cm. The rake uses 35° tines, replaceable when damaged. The upturned soil and hopefully any
mines within it, are pushed to the right side of the unit in a windrow.
The Oracle system can be operated either by VHF remote control or driven directly by an
operator.
Manual control of the vehicle is reckoned to be physically taxing.1
Countermine Engineering AB is developing a new series of mechancal demining machines. The
company website said:
“The Spitfire is a product for clearing mines placed both in and on the ground. The tool has a
unique and patented design that destroys a mine before it detonates. Development in cooperation
with Caterpillar Inc. has resulted in a complete demining system — ORACLE, Obstacle Removal
and Clean Land Equipment. The Spitfire tool is mounted on a Caterpillar and can clean up to
5,000m2/h with a clearance rate of 99%.