A small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) is used for remotely detecting concealed explosive devices—such as buried or otherwise hidden improvised explosive devices (IED)—and exploding or disarming the device while an operator of the sUAS, or other personnel, remain at a safe distance. The sUAS system can be operated at an extended, e.g., greater than 100 meters, standoff from the detection apparatus, explosive, and potential harm and may be operated by a single member of an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team. The sUAS may be implemented as an easy-to-operate, small vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft with a set of optical, thermal, and chemical detection modules for detecting an IED by aerial surveillance, confirming the existence of explosives, and providing options for detonating the IED electrically or by delivery of a payload (e.g., object or device) to neutralize the IED while maintaining the sUAS itself safe from harm.