I was in the Navy and saw lots of these used to hunt subs... it appears to be a metal detector. Or a sneak-o-scope. big_smile
Are you trying to tell us something? Like: Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid. If they come looking for my contraband chickens I'm putting lead on my roof - forget the tinfoil!
Wonder if this would be it. If you scroll down a bit it has a helicopter image with something that would resemble my picture.
Yep. This website is 10+ years old, so the data-gathering equipment may have changed, but this looks like what they're up to.
Did you say there are old mines in the area? They could be looking at that, or perhaps checking out the terrain looking for a site to expand the military base. It also could be training soldiers in the use of detection equipment. I could guess all day! If you find out what it is, let us know.