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IED neutralization from an airborne platform

Description:

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems, Materials, Sensors, Electronics, Human Systems 

OBJECTIVE: Development of the capability neutralize an IED from an aircraft after the IED has been detected using sensors on the same aircraft. 

DESCRIPTION: Airborne sensors have been developed for the detection of IEDs, or IED components, buried in, or near, roads. Examples of those types of sensors are Ku band and ultra-wide band UHF radars. These systems have been demonstrated and deployed on Group 3 UAVs. Although each of these sensor types can miss some targets and can produce false alarms, it would be useful to develop a system that could deployed against a suspected IED. An example of the type of neutralization system envisioned is a small projectile launched from the aircraft and detonating upon impact at the location of the IED. It would be preferred that the proposed device be deployable on a Group 3 UAV, e.g., RQ-7 or RQ-21, but if that is deemed not possible, larger aircraft might be considered. Such a capability would reduce the need for personnel to risk exposure to attack by traveling to the site of the detection, locating the site and then neutralizing the IED. The neutralization system should be capable of neutralizing IEDs initiated via pressure plates and, if possible, IEDs initiated by other mechanisms. 

PHASE I: In the first phase of the program the type of neutralization device would be selected and the details of the system would be established based the requirement to neutralize the types of IEDs that have been encountered in recent conflicts. For example, if the selected device is a projectile, a combination of analysis would be conducted to determine the accuracy and explosive power required for projectile to neutralization the IED. If possible within the constraints of the funding, experiments could be conducted to confirm the results of the analysis. In addition, a preliminary design of the neutralization device would be developed. 

PHASE II: Based on the results of the first phase of the project, a neutralization device would be built and tested. A safe and arm capability would be included in the device to enhance safety during testing. The testing would be conducted against targets of different types, sizes, depths and in different environments. The deliverables in Phase 2 are the designs of prototypes and results of tests with them. 

PHASE III: It is unlikely that the services would begin an acquisition program based on the Phase 2 results, therefore, discussions will be conducted with the services to determine the specifics of any desired further maturation of the technology and whether JIDO or one of the services would conduct that maturation. 

CONTACT(S): 

Christian Rees, COL USA 

(703) 601-9002 

christian.f.rees.mil@mail.mil 

James McGuyer, LTC USA 

(703) 601-9440 

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