MagNIMBUS
Ultra-Sensitive Airborne Total-Field Magnetometer
MagNIMBUS is an integrated airborne magnetometer system powered by QuSpin Gen-2 atomic total-field sensors in a vertical gradiometer configuration. A foldable mount and ground-contact-safe design allow it to fly just centimeters above terrain — ideal for UXO detection, buried infrastructure, and high-resolution geophysical survey on Harris Aerial Carrier airframes.
Built to Hug the Ground
A foldable, ground-contact-safe gradiometer engineered to fly closer to the survey surface than conventional airborne magnetometers. Click the image to enlarge.
Atomic Sensitivity, Ground-Level Resolution
QuSpin Gen-2 atomic sensing in a vertical gradiometer, flown low and safe over the survey area for clean, high-resolution magnetic data.
QuSpin Gen-2 Atomic Sensing
Optically pumped total-field magnetometer sensors deliver scalar sensitivity below 3 pT/√Hz with sample rates up to 1000 samples per second.
Vertical Gradiometer
A dual-sensor vertical separation isolates shallow, near-surface anomalies while suppressing regional gradients and diurnal magnetic drift.
Ground-Contact-Safe Clearance
Fly the sensor just tens of centimeters above terrain. If it brushes the ground or vegetation, it will not bring the aircraft down — critical for small UXO over vegetated fields.
SkyHub Computer & Altimeter
An onboard SkyHub computer logs data and drives terrain-following with a laser or radar altimeter, holding a consistent sensor height across the survey.
Where MagNIMBUS Flies
Unveiling the Power & Performance Details
| Sensor Type | Optically pumped atomic total-field (scalar) magnetometer |
|---|---|
| Operating Range | 1,000 – 150,000 nT |
| Scalar Sensitivity | < 3 pT/√Hz |
| Vector Sensitivity | < 0.1 nT/√Hz (optional add-on) |
| Max Sample Rate | 1,000 samples/sec |
| Bandwidth | 500 Hz |
| Heading Error | < 3 nT (uncompensated) |
| Dead Zones | Axial only, < ±7° cone about Earth’s field (typ. < 5°) |
| Operating Temp | −15 to +55 °C |
| Configuration | Vertical gradiometer (QuSpin Gen-2) |
|---|---|
| Onboard Computer | SkyHub |
| Altimeter | Laser or radar (terrain following) |
| Mount | Foldable |
| System Weight | 570 g |
| Dimensions (folded) | 640 × 180 × 75 mm |
| Dimensions (unfolded) | 1100 × 310 × 75 mm |
| Sensor Power | 5 V (via SCB) or 10–12 V — 2.5 W (3.5 W startup) |
| Min. Ground Clearance | From a few tens of cm (ground-contact safe) |
At a Glance
- QuSpin Gen-2 atomic total-field sensing
- Vertical gradiometer configuration
- SkyHub onboard computer
- Laser or radar altimeter
- Foldable mount, 570 g system
- Ground-contact-safe low clearance
*Sensor performance figures are QuSpin QTFM Gen-2 specifications; vector output is an optional add-on. System weight and dimensions are for the MagNIMBUS assembly. Designed for integration on Harris Aerial Carrier airframes.
Contact Us for a Free Quote Today
Pair MagNIMBUS with the right Harris Aerial Carrier for your survey area, endurance, and operating environment.