The Stitcher Difference

The specialist rig for deep, high-resolution UXO detection, designed for unparalleled precision

We assess, detect, and remove UXO-safely, expertly, and without delay

BACTEC

INTRODUCTION

The Stitcher Difference

When it comes to certain things, depth matters!  Unexploded ordnance (UXO) is no exception.

On large sites or soft ground, munitions can penetrate far beyond the reach of standard detection methods, and missing them can mean project delays, safety risks, or worse.

That’s why we use The Stitcher: a specialist tracked rig for deep, high-resolution UXO detection.  It’s the only one of its kind operating in the UK, and it’s changing the game for large-scale and time-sensitive projects.

If you need certainty at depth, speed across scale, and confidence in your clearance, this is what will make all the difference.

 

BACTEC

STITCHER

What Is The Stitcher?

The Stitcher is a purpose-built tracked vehicle engineered for deep intrusive UXO detection.

Developed by our partners in Europe, Armaex, and operated exclusively in the UK by us, it hydraulically pushes a magnetometer probe into the ground to detect buried metallic anomalies, such as WWII bombs, mortars, or other ordnance, down to a depth of 12 metres.

Key Features:

  • Up to 12m detection depth: ideal for soft soils where munitions may have penetrated deep
  • Powerful push capacity: exceptional performance in clay, peat, or mixed strata
  • Fully automated levelling: for rapid set-up and consistent data quality
  • Real-time slope angle monitoring: ensuring safety and precision during operation
  • Low fuel consumption: high efficiency, lower environmental impact
  • High daily productivity: delivers the output of multiple CPT rigs in a single shift

BACTEC

STITCHER

Why Depth Detection Matters

In areas with soft ground such as peat bogs, on reclaimed land, or in historic clay beds, dropped ordnance doesn’t just rest near the surface.  It may have travelled metres underground, pushed by the force of impact, later soil movement, or decades of geological change.

Standard UXO surveys (like surface magnetometry or even shallow CPT) often can’t reach deep enough to rule out threats.  That’s where The Stitcher comes in.

If your works go deep, your survey must go deeper.

BACTEC

STITCHER

When to Use The Stitcher

The Stitcher is ideal for many applications. Here are some examples:

  • Large-scale developments (logistics parks, energy infrastructure, housebuilding)
  • Projects in soft ground (peat, clay, estuarine deposits, reclaimed land)
  • Sites requiring clearance at significant depth (e.g. piling over 8m, shaft sinking)
  • Time-sensitive projects that need survey and clearance at scale

Because of its high productivity, it’s especially well-suited to high-acreage or high-density sites where traditional CPT rigs would take weeks to cover the same ground.

How Does the Stitcher UXO Rig Work?

1. Hydraulic Probing

The Stitcher hydraulically drives a magnetometer probe vertically into the ground, reaching up to 12m depth.  This allows detection of deeply buried UXO without excessive drilling or soil removal.

2. Grid-Based “Stitching”

Unlike standard single-point CPT rigs, The Stitcher operates across a pre-defined grid, effectively “stitching” together the subsurface data from hundreds of points.  This creates a detailed map of ferrous anomalies - fast.

3. Real-Time Data Capture

Slope angle, depth, and magnetometer readings are captured in real-time and fed back into a geospatial model for analysis.  Anomalies can then be flagged for investigation, clearance, or avoidance.

4. Safe, Efficient Clearance Planning

Once survey data is complete, our UXO risk consultants and EOD specialists analyse the findings and plan clearance or mitigation, keeping your programme moving safely and smoothly.

Benefits of The Stitcher Rig

Features Benefit
12m detection depth Suitable for deep piling and foundation works
High penetration power Works through clay, peat, and dense soils
Rapid survey rates Reduces project downtime and saves cost
Exclusive to BACTEC in the UK Competitive advantage on major tenders
Low emissions operation Aligned with sustainability and ESG targets
Greater confidence at scale

Survey large sites quickly without sacrificing accuracy

The Stitcher in Action

We’ve used The Stitcher to support:

  • UXO clearance across multi-hectare brownfield sites in major cities
  • Deep-piling risk assessments for renewable energy and infrastructure projects
  • Fast-tracked housing developments where programme certainty is critical
  • Airport and rail upgrades on reclaimed or wartime-affected land

On every site, the feedback is consistent: “It would’ve taken weeks to do this with traditional methods.”

 

BACTEC

stitcher

The Only Stitcher in the UK – Only at BACTEC

We are proud to be the exclusive operator of The Stitcher in the UK in partnership with our friends at Armaex. Our clients benefit not just from this leading-edge tech, but from our full in-house capability:

  • UXO risk assessments
  • Non-intrusive and intrusive surveys
  • EOD supervision and investigation
  • Target clearance and disposal
  • Integrated geotechnical and ground investigation services

When you work with BACTEC, you don’t just get “a survey.”

You get the fastest, most capable deep detection system in the country, backed by a multi-disciplinary team.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Stitcher

What makes The Stitcher different from other CPT rigs?
The Stitcher delivers multiple probe locations per setup, covers large areas quickly, and can detect up to 12m deep.  It’s the only one in the UK, and it saves time and money on complex UXO surveys.

How deep can The Stitcher detect?
Up to 12 metres below ground level, depending on soil conditions.  This is far beyond typical UXO survey depths.

Can The Stitcher be used on hard ground?
Yes, it’s designed to penetrate tougher soils including stiff clay and layered deposits, with high push force.

Is it environmentally friendly?
Yes, its low fuel consumption and high emission standards make it more sustainable than traditional rigs.

Can I book The Stitcher for my site?
Absolutely.  We operate nationwide and can advise whether The Stitcher is the right choice based on your risk profile, ground conditions and project timeline.

Want the Best in Deep UXO Detection?
Of course you do! 

If your site needs fast, large-scale, deep intrusive UXO survey - there’s only one machine that can deliver.

Call us now to discuss The Stitcher and how it can reduce risk, save time, and keep your project on track.

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