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Neutralization
Mission: Eliminate explosive threats by destruction or rendering them inoperable. Develop neutralization systems, including disrupters, rifles, counter-charges, and flails.
Project Funding
Neutralization represented thirteen percent of EOD/LIC FY08
program funding.
Funding targets projects that characterize Neutralization mission goals.
Neutralization Focus Area Product Catalog
Neutralization products work to eliminate explosive threats through destruction or rendering the device inoperable.
Joint Service EOD Firing Device
Joint Service EOD equipment compatibility and reliability is critical for a successful mission. There is a need for a common remote firing device that combines all services needs into one remote firing kit. MAS Zengrange Ltd. together with A-T Solutions, Inc. developed a remote firing kit that incorporates all of the services’ needs with multiple features, eliminating the need for other devices. Some of the features include low-cost disposal receivers to remotely destroy explosive hazards. The receivers will operate on commercially available batteries with a remote arming and disarming feature. Air Force EOD will purchase these kits for fielding, and the Marine Corps EOD are funding safety testing so that they will be authorized to purchase these kits as well. Additional information may be obtained at: www.a-tsolutions.com.
Rugged Universal Shock Tube Initiator
The original Universal Shock Tube Initiator (USTI) was rapidly designed and fabricated to meet the immediate needs of current operations. However, with the recent fielding of both smaller and disposable robots, users need a more compact, lighter-weight, and more rugged USTI. To meet this need, Duke Pro, Inc. developed the Rugged Mini USTI for Joint Service EOD. The Mini USTI measures 4.5"" x 2.5"" x 1.2"" and weighs only ½ pound versus the original USTI, which is nearly double the size and weight. The Mini USTI can initiate standard commercial and military shock tube sizes from currently available remote firing devices and also satisfies all DoD Joint Service Safety Review Board requirements. Additional information is available at http://www.dukepro.com.
Telepresent Remote Aiming
Platform (TRAP)
Joint Service EOD (JSEOD) has selected the TRAP for their submunitions clearance system. TRAP, a commercial product that was significantly upgraded for military use, provides EOD technicians a means of remotely accomplishing standoff munitions disruption (SMUD) operations against unexploded ordnance. The platform mounts to several vehicle types and allows interchanging weapon types. The remotely-controlled TRAP weapon system, operating on TALON unmanned ground vehicles, will improve the safety of deployed JSEOD units as they disembark their armored vehicles.
Improved Linear Shape Charge
EOD technicians often need to explosively cut or penetrate an object. The object can be anything from a chain holding a floating mine to an explosive-filled ordnance item. Battelle Memorial Institute is developing, for Joint Service EOD, a modular linear-shaped charge container that is effective against a variety of target materials on land and underwater. The design includes a multipurpose housing with an integrated means of attachment that is waterproof to depths of 190 feet. The cutting capabilities are equivalent to the Mk 7 series shape charge container and have been incorporated an integrated initiator holder. The Improved Linear Shape Charge accepts the current inventory of initiation methods (electric, non-electric, and acoustic).
Limpet Mine Removal Tool
After a limpet mine has been found and neutralized, it must be removed from the ship’s hull. Removal must be accomplished remotely, since neutralization efforts may not have been completely successful. Attachment of the mine to the hull may include magnets, suction cups, and adhesives. The Limpet Mine Removal Tool has been designed to work effectively on limpets using these attachment methods. This tool is diver-emplaced and remotely actuated using a pneumatic lifter to release the limpet from the hulls surface, allowing it to fall into a netting system to be safely carried away and disposed.
Acoustic Firing System
Navy EOD technicians required an improved method to neutralize sea mines. The previous method was to run detonation cord from a satchel charge at the target to the water’s surface, where a timedelayed fuse was used to initiate the charge. However, the detonation cord was susceptible to entanglement. The Acoustic Firing System (AFS), an acoustically operated command detonation system for mine neutralization, was developed to solve this entanglement problem. The Joint Service EOD Program Management Office has begun fielding AFS systems to Navy EOD units. To expand the applications for the system, the AFS is currently being integrated with the Bladderless Lift Balloon and the Limpet Mine Neutralization System, both EOD/LIC projects.
Chemical Leak Seal
Leaking chemical ordnance items are typically sealed using bandages and a plaster-of-paris mixture. This approach is time consuming and potentially causes contamination spread. A chemical leak seal consisting of an epoxy-like material that does not react with any known chemical agents has been developed. Kits have been fielded to Navy and Air Force EOD and have been used in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.