Abstract: Clearing landmines is a dangerous activity and the danger is increased when trying to clear a landmine without triggering an explosion. An excavator for landmines is provided, which includes a first actuator that vertically moves a mounting plate. Two or more secondary actuators are mounted to the mounting plate, and each of the secondary actuators are able to extend and retract a tool. Each respective tool has drill bits or prongs for penetrating a ground surface. A neutralizer is also provided, and it includes: a robotic clamp to grip a landmine and to reposition the same; a cutting tool to cut an opening into the landmine; a steaming module to eject steam into the opening; and a catcher to collect melted explosive material that exits the landmine.

Abstract: A mine roller includes a bracket having a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to be coupled to a vehicle. A table having a center region is coupled to the second end of the bracket for rotation about the second end in a first plane. The table has first and second telescopic portions coupled to the center region such that the table is extendable relative to the center region in opposing directions of a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane. A roller bank is coupled to each telescopic portion of the table for rotation relative to the respective telescopic portion in a third plane that is parallel to the second plane.

Abstract: A mine sweeping vehicle includes an arm mechanism and a detector integrated to the arm mechanism. The detector scans the underground by an orbital movement. The mine sweeping vehicle includes at least one data recording element for delivering position information of a mine, the position information of the mine is detected by a detector and provided by a positioning system, and the position information of the mine is delivered to a display element.

Abstract: An area denial system may be operationally placed with communication latency compensation. The area denial system may include a plurality of munitions, one or more sensor devices, and a command and control unit, networked together and having a command and control latency for communication between the command and control unit and the remainder of the area denial system. Latency compensation may include determining a first target position, determining a first predicted position area for the target using the command and control latency and the first target position, receiving an authorization to arm one or more of the munitions, determining a second target position, and determining that the second target position is outside a threshold distance from a first authorized munition of the one or more authorized munitions, and in response, de-authorizing the first authorized munition.

Abstract: An apparatus for sweeping influence mines, including an operating unit having a plurality of propulsion devices designed to be immersed in water and at least one floating body connected to the propulsion devices, the latter being designed to overcome the hydrostatic thrust acting on the floating body to keep the operating unit immersed at a predetermined depth.

Abstract: An area denial system may be operationally placed with communication latency compensation. The area denial system may include a plurality of munitions, one or more sensor devices, and a command and control unit, networked together and having a command and control latency for communication between the command and control unit and the remainder of the area denial system. Latency compensation may include determining a first target position, determining a first predicted position area for the target using the command and control latency and the first target position, receiving an authorization to arm one or more of the munitions, determining a second target position, and determining that the second target position is outside a threshold distance from a first authorized munition of the one or more authorized munitions, and in response, de-authorizing the first authorized munition.

Abstract: A landmine-neutralization system has a vehicle including a water supply tank and an electrical power supply and an electro-discharge apparatus. The electro-discharge apparatus includes one or more electro-discharge nozzles each having a discharge chamber that has an inlet for receiving water from the water supply tank and an outlet, a first electrode extending into the discharge chamber and being electrically connected to one or more high-voltage capacitors that are connected to, and chargeable by, the electrical power supply, a second electrode proximate to the first electrode to define a gap between the first and second electrodes and a switch to cause the one or more capacitors to discharge across the gap between the electrodes to create a plasma bubble which expands to form a shockwave that escapes through one or more exit orifices of the one or more nozzles ahead of the plasma bubble to thereby neutralize a landmine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of classifying one or several watercraft using the sound waves emitted or transmitted by these vehicles. The sound waves are thereby received using an array of underwater sound sensors of a sonar receiving system and processed into received signals. At least one amplitude spectrum is generated from these received signals consisting of one or more sets of frequency lines and any individual lines, from which the characteristic vehicle parameters are automatically determined in a frequency line pattern detection module or determined manually. Subsequently, the vehicle characteristic parameters are compared with the database parameters, where this comparison is evaluated with a matching factor. Considering the matching factor, one or several watercraft are determined as the result of the classification. In addition, the invention relates to a corresponding device for carrying out the process.

Abstract: A remote jettison system is provided to disconnect a mine roller from a tactical vehicle. The system enables personnel conducting mine roller operations to disengage the vehicle from the mine roller without leaving the vehicle. The remote jettison system has two assemblies: A mine roller assembly and a tactical vehicle assembly. The mine roller assembly, which is connected to the mine roller, can be remotely disconnected from the tactical vehicle assembly, which is mounted on the vehicle. The system utilizes one mechanized latch to release the mine roller assembly from the tactical vehicle assembly, allowing the force of gravity to cause them to separate.

Abstract: A land mine simulator includes a housing having an opening formed in one end thereof. A plate movably supported in the housing's opening has a first face exposed to a surrounding environment and a second face exposed to an interior region of the housing. A non-compressible fluid-filled reservoir in the housing includes a flexible diaphragm opposing and spaced apart from the second face of the plate. Plungers are between each of the second face of the plate and the diaphragm. Each of one or more air spring in the housing includes a cylinder having a movable piston sealed therein with a first side of the piston in fluid communication with the reservoir's fluid and a second side of the piston in fluid communication with a pressurized volume of gas within the cylinder. A pressure sensor is provided in communication with the fluid in the reservoir.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of with a projectile (1) comprising a reactive charge (4), combating an explosive-charged weapon unit (7), preferably an enemy shell, so that undesirable harmful effects on the environment are reduced, wherein the projectile (1) is configured to penetrate the surface (8) of the weapon unit (7) upon impact so that a passage (9) is opened into the explosive (10) of the weapon unit (7), through which passage (9) the reactive charge (4), under the influence of the kinetic energy of the projectile (1), is transferred to the explosive (10) of the weapon unit (7). The method can be deemed to be characterized in that the reactive charge (4), upon contact with the explosive (10) of the weapon unit (7), reacts and starts a hypergolic reaction with the explosive (10). The invention also relates to a projectile (1) for the said method.

Abstract: A method for generating a time-out signal for an unexploded munition. The method including: providing the munition with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from a vibration upon impact of the munition; and initiating detonation time-out circuitry to disable detonation of the munition after a predetermined time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a weapon clearance appliance for clearing weapons, such as underwater mines or munitions which have been sunk in waterways, under water by detonation of the weapon. In this case, the weapon clearance appliance is provided with means for detachable connection to an unmanned underwater vehicle, so that the underwater vehicle is a safe distance away when the weapon is detonated. In order to allow the use of conventional small underwater vehicles, the volume of the weapon clearance appliance is chosen such that the buoyancy force which acts on the weapon clearance appliance under water compensates for the force of gravity acting on the weapon clearance appliance. Therefore, the weapon clearance appliance has neutral buoyancy, as a result of which, after the weapon clearance appliance has been released from the underwater vehicle, there is no need to retrim the underwater vehicle. There is therefore no need for trimming devices on the underwater vehicle.

Abstract: A pressurized fluid delivery system and method that can be used to interrogate objects, such as the interrogation and detonation of IEDs. The system and method entail pressurizing a liquid within a vessel with a compressed gas source so that the liquid within the vessel is at a pressure above atmospheric pressure. The pressurized liquid, the compressed gas, or a mixture thereof is then selectively delivered to an outlet, and then discharged from the outlet to physically interrogate the object.

Abstract: A mine clearing system and method remotely deploys line charge from a remotely controlled two-wheeled vehicle. The wheels are connected together via a central hub shaft. Individual battery operated hub motors on each wheel communicate with a central controller and receiver mounted inside the hub shaft. The power source for the motors is contained within the hub shaft, with a battery recharge port located on the hub shaft. The line charge is wrapped around the central hub shaft. An operator uses a remote control console in communication with the receiver and central controller in the hub shaft to independently control each wheel of the vehicle. A camera can hang from a hub shaft bearing on the outside of one wheel so as to be gravitationally stabilized during vehicle movement. The camera can broadcast signals to a display at the remote control console.

Abstract: A self-scuttling device can include a pressure hull that can define an internal void having an internal pressure PVOID. The device can be disposed in an underwater environment having a pressure PAMBIENT that is greater than PVOID. The pressure hull can be formed with a fill port, which can be selectively opened to flood the void. A reactive agent can be disposed within the void. The reactive agent can be chosen to mix with seawater and establish a solution that corrodes the pressure hull when the reactive agent is exposed to seawater by flooding the void. The reactive agent can be disposed within a watertight container, which maintains watertight integrity at PVOID, but loses watertight integrity at the greater PAMBIENT. When this occurs, the reactive agent becomes exposed to seawater to establish the solution within the void that corrodes the pressure hull.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for discharging electrical potential into the earth to disable or destroy electronics and/or explosive devices. The disclosed system includes an electrical power supply providing a pulsed electrical potential exceeding 30,000 volts with at least 30 Joules of energy in each pulse. The system includes a cathode emitter and an anode emitter configured to be moved along the earth in close proximity to the earth. The electrical potential is discharged into the earth through the cathode emitter and/or the anode emitter.

Abstract: A semi-continuous duty, Green Technology, self-charging 14, unmanned electric vehicle providing protection and security from underground mines. A deflector blade 11 follows natural existing contours to maintain straight line paths, while simultaneously carrying a mine detector 10, a vertical reciprocating ram set 30, 32 and 33 that preloads soil while also creating forward motion, followed by an energy dissipation and containment canopy system 22, 24, 26 & 29. The comprehensive system provides protection from mines on existing pathways in desert environments using a self-sufficient energy source. In addition, the total system utilizes only Green Technology for all modes of operation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a motor-driven unit for clearing mines from and securing a hazardous route. According to the present method, system and device, a marker apparatus for a secured route is a liquid material for marking on the ground, and comprising dispensing members for providing one axial marking and two side markings on either side of said axial marking, respectively, for said route.

Abstract: An intelligent mine device includes a detection unit configured to detect an approach of a target object. The device includes an analysis processing unit configured to radio-communicate with the target object to perform identification of friend or foe against the target object. The device a blasting unit configured to blast the intelligent mine device when the analysis processing unit identifies the target object as the foe.

Abstract: An arrow-type warhead (100,200,300,400,500,600,700) comprises an envelope (102,202), a filling (108), a hardened head section (104) to promote penetration of the target and a stabilizing mechanism (106,210,302,402,502,602) to stabilize the warhead in flight, hi some embodiments the filling (108) is pyrophoric and undergoes an exothermic reaction with the envelope upon impact. In other embodiments the filling is incendiary and undergoes reaction with the envelope upon impact in an oxygen rich-environment. In yet other embodiments, the filling is explosive. In all embodiments, the warhead may be equipped with a mini-rocket propulsion mechanism (802) for propelling the warhead to the target.

Abstract: The present invention provides three different algorithms, namely, the “divide and conquer” algorithm, the “Hiddensee compensation” algorithm, and the “impulse response” algorithm. Any one of these three inventive algorithms may be made a part of an overall degaussing algorithm for a marine vessel. Each corrective algorithm, by itself, compensates for deviation of the vessel's induced signature from direct, linear proportionality to the ambient magnetic field. This deviation is associated with the dependency of a marine vessel's magnetic signature on the frequency at which the vessel rolls in the water. Practice of inventive compensation tends to be increasingly called for with increasing magnetic character of the vessel.

Abstract: A pressurized fluid delivery system and method that can be used to interrogate objects, such as the interrogation and detonation of IEDs. The system and method entail pressurizing a liquid within a vessel with a compressed gas source so that the liquid within the vessel is at a pressure above atmospheric pressure. The pressurized liquid, the compressed gas, or a mixture thereof is then selectively delivered to an outlet, and then discharged from the outlet to physically interrogate the object.

Abstract: A device for defeating an improvised explosive device having a wire initiation system includes at least one coil of a barbed wire. A connecting member connects at least one coil of the barbed wire to a support. The connecting member is disposed such that at least one coil of the barbed wire contacts the ground. Movement of the at least one coil of the barbed wire across the ground engages a wire of the wire initiation system to defeat the improvised explosive device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to mobile equipment for detonating explosives and a motorized unit for securing roads, tracks or similar. According to the present disclosure, the mobile equipment includes a supporting structure with a transverse beam having explosive-activation means mounted thereon, said means comprising at least a mass decoy device, a mechanical decoy device, a thermal electrical decoy device and controllable clearing means.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a system for defeating a target containing a flammable or explosive fill and an incendiary penetrating projectile for use in the method and the system. The incendiary penetrating projectile contains a non-detonating incendiary composition that is ignited prior to penetrating a target.

Abstract: A system and method for disrupting at least one component of a suspect object is provided. The system includes a source for passing radiation through the suspect object, a screen for receiving the radiation passing through the suspect object and generating at least one image therefrom, a weapon having a discharge deployable therefrom, and a targeting unit. The targeting unit displays the image(s) of the suspect object and aims the weapon at a disruption point on the displayed image such that the weapon may be positioned to deploy the discharge at the disruption point whereby the suspect object is disabled.

Abstract: A system for disabling or degrading electrically initiated explosive devices includes an apparatus for inducing waveforms of varying power and duration into the leads of a bridgewire based blasting cap, thus raising the resistance to render the blasting cap inoperable without requiring detonation, and for polling or confirming electrical performance and operational status of the blasting cap. An operational methodology for neutralizing an explosive device is included.

Abstract: A device for triggering mines by pressure, including a chassis and at least one wheel having a central hub and including: at least one assembly that is movable in translation along a radius of the wheel and comprises a weight block at its peripheral radial end, a device suitable for driving the at least one movable assembly, as the wheel rotates in a determined direction with respect to the chassis, in the direction of the hub over a limited sector of the wheel that is less than 2? radians; wherein the device suitable for driving the at least one movable assembly in the direction of the hub are fixed with respect to the chassis, or in that the assembly that is movable in translation comprises a support that is fixed with respect to the chassis.

Abstract: In an implementation, a roller system is provided. The roller system includes a modular frame. The frame includes a plurality of weight component attachment points. Each weight component attachment point is adapted to receive one or more weight components such that a weight of the frame and location of a center of gravity of the frame is adjusted by the addition of one or more weight components to each of the plurality of weight component attachment points. The frame further includes at least one arm assembly adapted to connect to the frame, and to apply force to a surface, wherein the force applied to the surface is proportional to the weight of the frame and the location of the center of gravity of the frame.

Abstract: A device for defeating an improvised explosive device having a wire initiation system includes at least one coil of a barbed wire. A connecting member connects at least one coil of the barbed wire to a support. The connecting member is disposed such that at least one coil of the barbed wire contacts the ground. Movement of the at least one coil of the barbed wire across the ground engages a wire of the wire initiation system to defeat the improvised explosive device.

Abstract: A protection device comprises a covering including at least a layer of ballistics material, and a layer of an electromagnetic screening material.

Abstract: A recoil dissipation apparatus may include a linear roller rail and a roller block that is translatable on the linear roller rail with only one degree of freedom. A gear rack may be located adjacent the linear roller rail. A barrel clamp may be fixed to the roller block. A pinion gear may engage the gear rack. The pinion gear may be fixed on a shaft. The shaft may have a rotary viscous damper fixed at one end. The recoil force from a barrel fixed in the barrel clamp may cause translation of the roller block and dissipation of the recoil force by the rotary viscous damper.

Abstract: A device for directing a beam of radiation at a target. The device includes a fiber laser for producing the beam of radiation, an aiming mechanism, for aiming the beam of radiation at the target, that moves independently of the fiber laser, and an optical fiber for conveying the beam of radiation to the aiming mechanism.

Abstract: A semi-continuous duty, Green Technology, self-charging 14, unmanned electric vehicle providing protection and security from underground mines. A deflector blade 11 follows natural existing contours to maintain straight line paths, while simultaneously carrying a mine detector 10, a vertical reciprocating ram set 30, 32 and 33 that preloads soil while also creating forward motion, followed by an energy dissipation and containment canopy system 22, 24, 26 & 29. The comprehensive system provides protection from mines on existing pathways in desert environments using a self-sufficient energy source. In addition, the total system utilizes only Green Technology for all modes of operation.

Abstract: A device to test the good working order of a magnetic field generator, and namely a demining coil, such device comprising at least one evaluation means for the magnetic field coupled with at least one display means, device wherein said evaluation means comprise at least one wound coil able to be positioned so that the lines of the magnetic field pass through it, said wound coil linked to evaluation electronics powered by said wound coil itself.

Abstract: A system providing a physical-barrier defense against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). The system is suitable for use on aircraft, ground vehicles, and ships.

Abstract: A magnetic signature minesweeping device comprising a water driven turbine power generator and a superconducting material magnet, wherein the turbine power generator is arranged, in use, to supply a driving current for the superconducting material magnet when the minesweeping device is towed through the water. In a further embodiment, a control unit is arranged, in use, to control the magnetic output of the superconducting magnet and the power output of the turbine power generator. Furthermore, a method of minesweeping using the device and an array of the devices is disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile remotely controlled robot includes a robot platform and a robot arm maneuverable with respect to the robot platform. A housing is configured to be removably mounted to the robot arm. A sleeve is translatable with respect to the housing for receiving a weapon therein. There is a gear rack on the sleeve and a pinion gear, rotatably disposed in the housing, is engaged with the gear rack. A braking subsystem resists rotation of the pinion gear when the gear rack translates upon firing of the weapon.

Abstract: An anti-mine dart includes a body containing an explosive payload and having a flyer-plate port. The dart is operable responsive to the payload being detonated to propel through the flyer-plate port a flyer plate having sufficient energy to detonate an explosive material surrounding the dart. The darts may include a plurality of explosive payloads, flyer-plate ports and flyer plates. The darts may be formed in a stack arrangement within a missile such that the flyer-plate port of each dart is not aligned with the flyer-plate ports of any of the adjacent darts in the stack arrangement. The darts may contain a simplified safe-and-arm mechanism or no safe-and-arm mechanism at all.

Abstract: Systems are described herein for remotely aligning and placing disruptive devices at or near suspicious targets such as suspected improvised explosive devices (IEDs). In particular, tools connected to remotely controllable robots include disruptor guns for firing disruptive materials at the targets and disruptive devices filled with explosive materials, e.g., water, for controllably detonating or disrupting the detonation of the targets when placed in close proximity thereto.

Abstract: An article for neutralizing an enemy weapon comprising an interceptor and a deployable net attached to the interceptor, said deployable net remaining attached to the interceptor upon deployment, is disclosed. A method of neutralizing an airborne enemy weapon comprising launching an interceptor, with a capture sock, towards the enemy weapon and deploying the capture sock just prior to the interceptor encountering the enemy weapon is also disclosed. The capture sock remains attached to the interceptor upon deployment.

Abstract: A magnetic signature minesweeping device comprising a water driven turbine power generator and a superconducting material magnet, wherein the turbine power generator is arranged, in use, to supply a driving current for the superconducting material magnet when the minesweeping device is towed through the water. In a further embodiment, a control unit is arranged, in use, to control the magnetic output of the superconducting magnet and the power output of the turbine power generator. Furthermore, a method of minesweeping using the device and an array of the devices is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of destroying mines in a minefield buried under the surface includes deploying a munition including a plurality of kinetic energy rods each having a stabilizer into a position above the minefield and deploying the rods above the minefield to fall towards the minefield each aligned along a velocity vector to penetrate the surface and destroy the mines.

Abstract: An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) defense system is described that forces premature detonation of IEDs by radiated sound energy signals. Embodiments of the invention provide for radiating sound energy signals from a stationary or mobile platform to a stationary or mobile area defining an “IED detonation zone.” IEDs within the IED detonation zone that are triggered by sound energy sources will receive the radiated sound energy signals, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the detonation zone.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for clearing land mines includes a mine detonator, a unmanned propulsion device and a rake member-electromagnet combination. The mine detonator includes a roller assembly, which is connected to and propelled by a prime mover of the unmanned propulsion unit. The mine detonator additionally may include a segmented column of weights that function to exert ground pressure to detonate hidden land mines. The rake member-electromagnet combination includes a rake member to turn up soil as the device advances in a minefield, and a magnetic member to pick up surface or sub-surface metal on the minefield.

Abstract: A magnetic signature minesweeping device (10) comprising a water driven turbine power generator (12) and a superconducting material magnet (14), wherein the turbine power generator is arranged, in use, to supply a driving current for the superconducting material magnet (14) when the minesweeping device is towed through the water. In a further embodiment a control unit (24) is arranged, in use, to control the magnetic output of the superconducting magnet (14) and the power output of the turbine power generator (12). Further more a method of minesweeping using the device (10), and an array of the devices (10) is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for detecting and identifying the presence of objects, substances, or other items of interest located above or beneath a surface includes at least one aerial platform capable of powered flight, and a base station including apparatus for launching, storing, and refueling the at least one aerial platform. The base station further includes apparatus for communicating with the aerial platform(s). A control station remote from the base station can be configured to communicating with the base station. A display can be associated with the base station and the control station to receive signals from the aerial platform and indicate the location and identity of the objects, substances, or other items detected by the aerial platforms.

Abstract: A landmine detection and neutralization apparatus and method is disclosed. The apparatus to determine the location of landmines, comprises at least two detection modules utilizing different infrared, sound, and/or optical detection and a remotely operated miniature airborne vehicle, that may carry the detection modules at an optimum altitude over a surface that may contain landmines. The neutralization device may be a microwave and/or infrared wave generator. The method for determining the location of landmines comprises using at least two different landmine detection techniques where the techniques are infrared, sound, and optical detection, operating the detection techniques in a close proximity to a surface that may contain landmines and maintaining this close proximity by operating a remotely operated miniature airborne vehicle. Neutralization may be achieved by directing microwaves or infrared waves at detected landmines.

Abstract: A method of deactivating land mines buried in ground comprises projecting high-pressure water jets into ground, cutting through ground with the high-pressure water jets, and making at least one cut through a land mine or cutting through at least one land mine that had been under the ground, the cutting of the land mine reducing the performance of the land mine. The method may reduce the performance of the land mine by rendering the land mine inactive to normal detonation procedures for the land mine. To reach as many surface areas on the buried landmines, it is preferable that at least two high-pressure water jets are spaced apart are used to cut through the ground. The method may be practiced with the high-pressure water jet being carried on a vehicle and cutting is done in a line that is formed at least in part by movement of the vehicle over the ground while the high-pressure water jet is cutting ground.