Abstract: A protection device for land vehicles against mines, wherein it incorporates a metallic plate positioned under the vehicle so as to normalize the magnetic field generated by the vehicle and/or by its elements and at least one loop positioned under the metallic plate and made of an electrically conductive material connected to an electrical supply so as to generate a magnetic field of a value substantially equal to the opposing sign of the magnetic field from the vehicle so as to render said vehicle undetectable by magnetic detection mines.

Abstract: In a method for detection and neutralization of underwater objects which are present in a sea region, in particular mines, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image of the seabed is created by means of an unmanned first underwater vehicle during a reconnaissance mission in a sea region section by means of optical and/or acoustic sensors, and this image is evaluated for the presence of underwater objects, after completion of the reconnaissance mission. At least one underwater object which is present is marked in the image, and the image which has been provided with the object marking is stored in an unmanned second underwater vehicle, which is equipped with the same sensors and additionally with a neutralization unit. During a neutralization mission by the second underwater vehicle in the same sea region section, image elements of the seabed are created continuously by means of the sensors and are compared with the stored image of the seabed.

Abstract: A method for neutralization of the explosive content of mines and UXO by essentially completely consuming the explosive by combustion or decomposition before any explosion occurs. A charge of a compound that reacts with an extremely high heat-release rate is ignited on or near the casing of the device to be neutralized. The intense exothermic reaction generates high temperature combustion products that will disrupt the casing, thus leading to combustion or decomposition of the explosive. The holes melted in the mine casing enable ignition of a large area of the explosive charge and provide easy access for atmospheric air to support active burnout of the explosive. The apparatus comprises the compound that reacts with a high heat release rate, an ignition source, and a container for the assembly.

Abstract: A protection device for land vehicles against mines, wherein it incorporates a metallic plate positioned under the vehicle so as to normalize the magnetic field generated by the vehicle and/or by its elements and at least one loop positioned under the metallic plate and made of an electrically conductive material connected to an electrical supply so as to generate a magnetic field of a value substantially equal to the opposing sign of the magnetic field from the vehicle so as to render said vehicle undetectable by magnetic detection mines.

Abstract: A mine avoidance and protection device has a frame adapted to be secured to a source of a load, such as the foot of a person. Attached to the frame are at least three support legs each extending from the frame. Each leg has a releasable joint between the leg and the frame. At least one detector is operable to provide a detection capability for each support leg, operable to detect a characteristic of a mine when at least a portion of the support leg is located proximate to the mine. An actuator operable to provide an actuation capability at the joint of each leg, to: constrain the joint to allow a load to be transmitted from the frame, through the joint and the support to the terrain. The actuator can also release the joint such that a load can not be transmitted from the frame through the joint. The joint between the plate and each leg may be a one degree-of-freedom prismatic joint or revolute joint.

Abstract: A technique and apparatus for generating high voltage (100s-1000s kV) and supplying high current (fractional to many tens of kilo-amperes), projecting a parallel, two wire electrical transmission line over a large distance (10s-100s m), or a single conductor in which the return path is the earth, which is capable of sustaining high voltages and conducting high currents, and landing the terminating terminals of the transmission line across a pre-defined target zone resulting in a low impedance closure of the electrical circuit causing high electrical current to flow. The applications for the present invention, which falls into a class of directed energy and/or non-lethal device, include: suppression of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and landmines; halting motorized platforms, including two and four wheeled motor vehicles and boats; damage and destruction of electronic systems; and destruction or incapacitation of electronic systems at substantial distances from a high voltage device.

Abstract: A payload is housed in a deliverable body of a device, such as in a projectile, and this device is delivered as close as possible to a target. At the landing point, a drive system of the body is activated to take the payload directly to the target. The target is described by target coordinates, for example, which are programmed into the device before it is launched. The device itself can be steered or unsteered. The drive system installed on the body or formed by the body is variable and should occupy a minimum of space.

Abstract: An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) defense system is described that forces premature detonation of IEDs by radiated electromagnetic energy signals. Embodiments of the invention provide for radiating electromagnetic 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 electromagnetic energy sources will receive the radiated electromagnetic energy signals, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the detonation zone.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the neutralization of improvised explosive devices by using electrical energy to render them inoperable or to explode them yards in front of a military vehicle equipped with the device. It is an object of the invention to counteract acts of terrorism by providing a safe means of transport through hostile territory by ensuring that explosive devices do not detonate directly underneath or alongside a vehicle equipped with the invention. The invention can also be carried aloft by a helicopter and used to destroy all the mines in a minefield quickly and efficiently.

Abstract: Devices for navigating in a fluid medium having a solid boundary include a vehicle body and a fin attached to the vehicle body. The fin is configured to oscillate relative to the body such that interaction between the fin and the fluid medium produces propulsive forces that propel the vehicle body in a desired direction in the fluid medium. The fin is also configured to rotate relative to the body along a transverse axis such that engagement between the fin and the solid boundary propels the vehicle body in a desired direction on the solid boundary.

Abstract: An underwater mine warfare countermeasure system is disclosed in which an air cushion vehicle carries a magnetic field generating system capable of generating a magnetic field pattern beneath the vehicle which extends sufficiently far from the vehicle in all directions to activate a magnetically responsive detonator in a mine while the vehicle is out of range of the explosive force of the mine. The magnetic field generating system generally is composed of a plurality of closed loop coils mounted on the deck of the vehicle, one coil being horizontal and in the plane of the deck, and another three being in vertical planes spaced along the length of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for neutralization of the explosive content of mines and UXO by essentially completely consuming the explosive by combustion or decomposition before any explosion occurs. A charge of a compound that reacts with an extremely high heat-release rate is ignited on or near the casing of the device to be neutralized. The intense exothermic reaction generates high temperature combustion products that will disrupt the casing, thus leading to combustion or decomposition of the explosive. The holes melted in the mine casing enable ignition of a large area of the explosive charge and provide easy access for atmospheric air to support active burnout of the explosive. The apparatus comprises the compound that reacts with a high heat release rate, an ignition source, and a container for the assembly.

Abstract: Mines are fabricated in the form of munitions, specifically including cartridges for firearms and several types of grenade, including both hand grenades and rocket-propelled grenades, the cartridges containing either very high energy explosives or very high temperature burning materials, that upon ignition will at least destroy the firearm in which fired or may exert lethal force against the user, while such mines in the form of grenades will explode immediately upon being activated rather than exhibit the expected time delay, both types of mines being supplied surreptitiously to an enemy force for its unknowing use, thereby to direct the lethal effect of such munitions against those enemy forces rather than the friendly forces as the enemy forces would have intended.

Abstract: A land mine pressure fuse avoidance system has a base. A tread on the base contacts the ground around a land mine and independently distributes pressures around the ground. The tread has plural independent closed cell foam rubber elements. Each element is separated from adjacent elements for independently supporting only a portion of a load on the base, while other similarly independent elements support remaining portion of the load. The base is a cylindrical tire, a continuous track, a shoe sole attachment or a robotic foot, and the tread is conformed to and extends outward from the base. The independent elements of the tread are made of closed cell foam rubber formed as a tread on the base with notches between adjacent elements of the tread. Notches extend longitudinally along the tread, and notches extend across the tread, forming block shaped elements extending from the base.

Abstract: A device for countermeasuring an underwater target is provided. The device generally comprises a module having inflatable buoyancy chambers that allow the module to hover at a desired water depth, at least one acoustic array to detect the underwater target, a propulsor system for orienting the module with respect to the underwater target, and a gun for firing one or more projectiles at the underwater target.

Abstract: A mine detonating apparatus to be mounted to an armoured personnel carrier (1) is disclosed. A front roller assembly (4) is mounted at the front of a vehicle body (2) of the armoured personnel carrier (1) to apply pressure to the ground forwardly of each track (3) of the armoured personnel carrier (1). A rear roller assembly (10) is mounted rearwardly of the vehicle body (3) to apply pressure to the ground behind the vehicle, the front and rear rollers (4, 10) being pre-loaded. The rear roller assembly (10) is connected to the vehicle body by means of hydraulic cylinders (15, 16) and a support frame (8) supporting the front roller assemblies (4) is connected to the vehicle body (2) by of a pair of hydraulic cylinders (17, 18). The hydraulic cylinders (15, 16, 17, 18) are arranged to maintain the position of the front roller assemblies forwardly of the respective tracks (3).

Abstract: An anti-mine unit or assembly is adapted for being mounted to a prime mover or transport vehicle to reduce the dangers when clearing minefields. The anti-mine unit includes a frame, a plurality of digging cables, a plurality of drag cables, at least one side curtain of curtain cables, a rear curtain of curtain cables, and a top plate. The anti-mine unit may include a wire cutting device and a plurality of deflector cables. Heavy tubes of thick sidewalls are welded together to form the frame from which heavy cables are supported. The digging cables, drag cables, curtain cables and deflector cables are secured to the frame such that the cables, frame, and thick top plate form a unit that digs up, exposes and/or explodes mines, keeps the explosions and shrapnel controlled, and clears a pathway for the vehicle's drive wheels or tracks.

Abstract: A system of identifying, classifying quantifying, notifying and neutralizing an environmental hazard comprises a field deployable marker and a remote receiving station. The field deployable marker carries a means for identifying, a means for classifying and a means for quantifying any environmental hazard. A means for notifying the remote receiving station and a means for neutralizing the identified environmental hazard are also carried by the field deployable marker wherein the means for notifying transmits data to the remote receiving station.

Abstract: A system for clearing mines and other obstacles is provided. The system mountable to a vehicle which can operate in water and on land, includes a sonar targeting system and an underwater gun system. The underwater gun system is directed by readings from the sonar targeting system and fires underwater munitions to destroy detected mines and obstacles. The pod containing the sonar targeting system and the pod containing the underwater gun system are movable to target in multiple directions with each of the pods deployed at an end of a respective deployment arm.

Abstract: An open loop magnetic field minesweeping system, with a small and light weight body to be towed through seawater by a towing cable from a helicopter or other vehicle, a single sweep cable extending rearwardly a substantial distance from the body with a first electrode in cable, sleeve or sock form attached to the end of the sweep cable, and a second electrode positioned forwardly of the body to be towed and extending along and connected to the towing cable. A rectifier and transformer on the body convert AC power fed to the towed body from the towing vehicle, to DC power applied across the first and second electrodes. A plurality of fairings attached to the towing cable each have an electrically conductive portion electrically isolated from the towing cable. The electrically conductive portions are electrically connected together to form the second electrode. Each fairing has a plastic nose piece attached to the towing cable and an electrically conductive metal tail piece.

Abstract: This invention is a means to quell uncontrolled fires, dissipate low-pressure cells in tornado-producing clouds and make ordinance as mines, old bombs and the like inert and provide a design opportunity for lava flows. For each operation, one applies unique means of distribution of Liquid Nitrogen, either above the surface sufficiently to allow it to rain down from holes in a trough forming a pattern in the bottom of an encircling or linear trough held up with stakes or legs of a length optimum for maximum evaporation before hitting the surface, or underground with drilling means or preparatory piping or well placed air drops of Liquid Nitrogen. This produces local cooling and expansion of inert gas supplanting the general atmosphere with a nitrogen atmosphere reducing significantly the amount of oxygen available and increasing the atmospheric pressure. Both cooling and flooding with inert gas quickly quell of fires. The expansion of gas sprayed in tornado-producing clouds raises the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A mine identification system includes a surface ship with console and display screen. An untethered unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) has a video camera and high-resolution sonar providing high-resolution images for the screen, a transducer/transceiver projecting acoustic signals representative of the high-resolution signals through water and receiving acoustic control signals from the console. A search-sonar and acoustic transducer are connected to the ship, console, and screen. The search sonar projects acoustic signals and receives portions of the projected acoustic signals that are reflected from mine-like contacts and UUV. The screen displays low resolution images of mine-like contacts and UUV from the reflected portions, and the acoustic transducer transmits the acoustic control signals from the console through the water to the transducer/transceiver for quickly vectoring UUV to the vicinity of the mine-like contacts to enable identification of mines from high-resolution images.

Abstract: A system and method to autonomously neutralize mines has a tracked crawler vehicle having a sealed housing, power source, and motor driven track assemblies on opposite sides of the housing. A control/communications module in the housing has a GPS processing receiver section connected to a GPS antenna that extends upwardly to receive GPS signals and generate first control signals. A gun mechanism in the housing is connected to control/communications module and has a breech assembly connected to a gun barrel extending and aiming downwardly through a bottom side of the housing toward a surface beneath the housing. Penetrating rods in the gun mechanism are fired through the gun barrel penetrating the surface and a mine. The mine is neutralized by flooding the mine with ambient water or otherwise disrupting the firing or explosive train including detonators, detonating cord, and/or the electrical continuity of components the mine.

Abstract: An apparatus to neutralize landmines using high power microwaves has a blast hardened dish antenna mounted on a vehicle along with a microwave generator and power generator A waveguide from the microwave generator feeds microwaves to a feed horn for the antenna. Plugs that are transparent to microwaves are located in the waveguide to prevent the blast wave generated by a detonated landmine from propagating inside of the waveguide and damaging the microwave generator. Flexible sections in the waveguide dampen any shock wave produced by a detonated mine from traveling along the waveguide towards the microwave generator.

Abstract: The Mixed Mine Alternative (MMA) System is a military system designed for use in mechanized warfare. The MMA System has three components, MMA smart Antitank mines, MMA Antihandling Sensors linked to the MMA smart Antitank mines, and MMA Remote Control Units (RCU). The MMA smart Antitank (AT) mines contain a primary sensor system hardened against countermeasures and a kill mechanism similar to existing scatterable AT mines. The MMA AT mine is capable of transmit and receive communications with a Remote Control Unit and with the MMA Antihandling Sensors (AH). The communications capabilities and processors in the MMA AT and the MMA AH allow the system to establish MMA AT to MMA AH links after the mines have been scattered. MMA AT will be linked to MMA AH that are within their lethal radius. The MMA AT mine processors allow the mine primary antitank sensor to be on or off. The mine may receive and act on detonate instructions from the primary antitank sensor, from the antihandling sensors, or from the MMA RCU.

Abstract: A method of decoying an incoming missile from a target. The method comprises deploying an array of barrels each containing multiple projectiles, determining a position and orientation for a decoy image of the target in relation to the incoming missile, and firing multiple projectiles substantially simultaneously from respective barrels of the array to create the image. Each projectile contains image forming matter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to clear mines uses tag particles dropped into ambient water across a wide area by an aircraft to sink and stick to submerged mines. The tag particles each contain a gas volume dimensioned to resonate with impinging acoustic energy and reflect portions of the impinging acoustic energy from a targeted mine. An unmanned underwater vehicle platform having a sonar system provided with at least one transducer projects the acoustic energy through the ambient water. At least one hydrophone transducer in the sonar system receives the reflected portions of the projected acoustic energy to locate a targeted mine to enable its destruction by high-energy supercavitating projectiles fired from the platform. Tag particles dissolve after a period of time to provide virtually no discernable traces of a mine hunting operation.

Abstract: The invention, as embodied herein, comprises a kinetic energy driven projectile for defeating unexploded ordnance or buried land mines. This projectile has been developed to address the specific problem with similar devices in that the kinetic energy by itself does not sufficiently fracture the explosive material within a mine in order to fully defeat the mine. This invention adds a small amount of insensitive high explosive material but that is cap sensitive to one tip of the projectile, along with a novel initiation mechanism, so that the detonation of the high explosive material can more fully fracture the explosive material within a mine. This allows a neutralization agent to completely react with all of the explosive material within the mine, thereby consuming the entire fill.

Abstract: A method for remotely accessing packages suspect of containing hazardous devices. The method includes using a continuous stream of high velocity abrasive particles and/or fluid(s) created in-situ while attached to a remotely or autonomously operated vehicle to breach the exterior surface of a suspect package well below the impact initiation threshold thus preventing sufficient stimuli to initiate explosive, pyrotechnic, or flammable materials. An automatic standoff device may be used to allow the operator of a remotely operated vehicle or the feedback mechanism of an autonomously operated vehicle to optimally locate the abrasive fluid stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wall (2)-protection device (1), notably for a vehicle wall, against attack by a projectile. This device comprises at least one explosive charge (3) able to project at least one metallic block (7) in the direction of the projectile. The device is characterized in that the block or blocks (7) are in the shape of elongated bars, that is which have a maximal length greater than or equal to 10 times their smallest crosswise dimension, the explosive charge (3) being position opposite a longitudinal surface of the bar (7).

Abstract: A method and device to neutralize influence mines has a control module to generate signals representative of acoustic and magnetic signatures of a ship. These representative signals will either detonate the threat mines or ensure that transiting ships will not set off the mines. An acoustic transducer array is coupled to the module to transmit acoustic signals representative of the acoustic portion of the signatures. A magnetic signal transmitter is coupled to the module to transmit magnetic signals representative of the magnetic portion of the signatures. An anchor is connected to the module, acoustic array, and magnetic signal transmitter to hold them at the ocean bottom, and a buoy is connected to the module, acoustic transducer array, and magnetic signal transmitter to hold the device vertically.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement to mitigate damage to a rotary cultivator type mine clearer. In the event of detonations, triggered by the mine clearance tool, the present invention acts to mitigate damage to the mine-clearing tool, the mechanical mine clearer drive function, and its suspension. Detonation forces are, in a first stage, damped by hydraulic and/or mechanical damping members which are coupled between the bearing points of the tool and the engine driving the tool and which connect those parts to form a combined unit. If the detonation force is not absorbed, then, in a second stage, the detonation force remaining after the first stage damping, is counter to some of the combined weight of a unit formed by the tool, its bearings and the engine driving the tool.

Abstract: An open loop magnetic field minesweeping system, with a small and light weight body to be towed through seawater by a towing cable from a helicopter or other vehicle, a single sweep cable extending rearwardly a substantial distance from the body with a first electrode in cable, sleeve or sock form attached to the end of the sweep cable, and a second electrode positioned forwardly of the body to be towed and extending along and connected to the towing cable. A rectifier and transformer on the body convert AC power fed to the towed body from the towing vehicle, to DC power applied across the first and second electrodes. A plurality of fairings attached to the towing cable each have an electrically conductive portion electrically isolated from the towing cable. The electrically conductive portions are electrically connected together to form the second electrode. Each fairing has a plastic nose piece attached to the towing cable and an electrically conductive metal tail piece.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a mechanical timer that operates by using the ambient temperature differences during daytime and nighttime periods in order to count desired intervals of days, months, etc. Embodiments of the invention employ the timer to render safe land mines or other ordnance devices after a specified period of time. Because the present invention uses ambient temperature differences in order to operate, no outside power source is required.

Abstract: A system for detecting, identifying and validating the existence of ordinance located atop or buried beneath the ground including at least one aerial platform capable of powered flight, a base station including apparatus for launching, storing, and refueling the at least one aerial platform, the base station further including apparatus for communicating with the aerial platform, and a control station remote from the base station and including apparatus for communicating with the base station such that a human operator at the control station is capable of communicating flight path instructions to the base station to be communicated to each of the aerial platforms.

Abstract: A method and a device for destroying drifting sea mines (5). According to the invention, a capture-and-destroy device (11) is brought into the vicinity of the drifting sea mine (5) with the aid of a buoyant body (12, 22) having a coupled-on drive system (13) or a drive device (24), and the mine is captured in that the sea mine (5) is surrounded by deployment of a capture net (16) normally located in a capture unit (11.1) of the capture-and-destroy device (11). A motorized element (17) disposed in the capture unit (11.1) draws the capture net (16) together automatically until the captured sea mine (5) rests directly against a destroyer unit (11.2) with a destructive charge (15). The destructive charge (15) is then automatically detonated to destroy the mine.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for neutralizing mines and obstacles that can quickly and efficiently clear a specified surf zone without human intervention. In a preferred embodiment, the invention utilizes firing tubes including a combustion chamber, a mechanism for supplying an aluminum fuel to the combustion chamber; and an ignitor for igniting the aluminum fuel within said combustion chamber to generate pressure waves. The firing tubes arranged in arrays located on sides of a main body of an autonomous vehicle. Activation of the firing tubes on a rear side of the main body is utilized in a preferred embodiment to propel the vehicle forward. Forward propagating pressure waves generated by firing tubes arranged on forward facing first and second sides of the main body are utilized to destroy mines and other obstructions located within a selected surf area.

Abstract: A decoy device, notably for a roadside mine, comprising at least one flag fastened to a support, such flag incorporating at least one part ensuring the emission of radiation in the infrared spectrum. The flag is constituted by at least one flexible panel carrying at least one heating element.

Abstract: A method of fuze sterilization is provided for a fuze that includes a first component and a second component with a prescribed relationship being defined therebetween. The prescribed relationship is one that is required for proper detonation operation of the fuze. The first and second components are fabricated from materials having different galvanic potentials. An electrolyte is introduced between the first and second components to initiate galvanic corrosion of one of the components. The galvanic corrosion continues for a period of time until the prescribed relationship between the first and second components changes sufficiently to disable the detonation operation of the fuze.

Abstract: A self-destruct accessory fits on a mine whose case has a cap that can be depressed to detonate the mine. The accessory has a cover that is sized to fit on the cap. The cover has a plurality of lines for securing the cover to the mine. An explosive charge is mounted upon the cover and a detonator is located adjacent to the explosive charge. A remotely controllable device coupled to the detonator can receive a detonation signal from a remote location to detonate the explosive charge and explosively depress the cap in order to detonate and destroy the mine.

Abstract: A landmine detection system comprises a ground-penetrating radar for probing the surface of the ground for landmines and other anomalies. The radar is swept back and forth across a lane while a user proceeds forward. A navigation sensor and processor keep track of all the parts of the lane that have been probed. A user display presents a visual graphic that represents the lane and the parts of it that have been probed. The user is then able to swing the radar to areas that are indicated as having been skipped in previous passes, e.g., to get 100%. coverage.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for neutralizing mines and obstacles that can quickly and efficiently clear a specified surf zone without human intervention. In a preferred embodiment, the invention utilizes firing tubes including a combustion chamber, a mechanism for supplying an aluminum fuel to the combustion chamber; and an ignitor for igniting the aluminum fuel within said combustion chamber to generate pressure waves. The firing tubes arranged in arrays located on sides of a main body of an autonomous vehicle. Activation of the firing tubes on a rear side of the main body is utilized in a preferred embodiment to propel the vehicle forward. Forward propagating pressure waves generated by firing tubes arranged on forward facing first and second sides of the main body are utilized to destroy mines and other obstructions located within a selected surf area.

Abstract: A specially designed projectile is disclosed which provides an initial cruciform-shaped slit or cut, followed by the creation of a round hole into a target. This controlled entry creates a very high localized pressure during initial impact to a target for a very short duration, followed by a longer sustained lower-impact pressure. This creates a fragment-free hole into the container and can allow the projectile to penetrate sensitive explosives inside the container without shock-initiating or igniting the explosives. The projectile can disable bomb circuitry itself or provide a controlled entry hole to allow low-pressure water or other projectiles incapable of penetrating the steel container to enter freely. The leading end of the projectile can, with a high degree of accuracy, sever wires, destroy batteries, capacitors, and other components within a bomb or select military ordnance. The projectile can be used alone or in tandem with water or other disablement projectiles.

Abstract: A line charge assembly and system are provided for use in a shallow-water obstruction clearing operation. Each assembly has a propulsion unit capable of flight through the air, a line charge array, an air-safed water-armed fuze, and at least one explosive diode. The line charge array is defined by a plurality of line charges successively coupled to one another by a line capable of transferring detonation energy therealong successively to each of the line charges. One end of the line charge array is coupled to the propulsion unit and the other end is coupled to the fuze. The fuze is capable of generating the detonation energy only when in water. The explosive diode is positioned in the line charge array to limit transfer of the detonation energy in a direction of propagation running from the fuze to the propulsion unit. The system utilizes a plurality of the line charge assemblies deployed over an area.

Abstract: A kit for humanitarian demining operations and explosive ordnance disposal comprising a first sealed container holding a pre-measured amount of flammable nitroparaffin, and a second sealed container which can be opened and resealed, and which contains a product for sensitizing nitroparaffin to detonation using an initiation system. The second sealed container has a volume sufficient to contain both the pre-measured amount of flammable nitroparaffin and the product for sensitizing nitroparaffin to detonation. The kit may also contain an initiation system. Also disclosed is a method of using the kit to neutralize land-mines and unexploded ordnance.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device for clearing mines comprising a housing assembly with a chamber therein that carries a surface contact chemical that is capable of consuming the explosive fill within a mine. A nose assembly is attached to the housing assembly. The nose assembly separates from the housing assembly when the device contacts a solid mass. The nose assembly is capable of penetrating a mine housing and contacting the mine explosive fill sufficiently to expose the fill whereby the surface contact chemical can consume the fill. The present invention also includes a method of using a plurality of such devices in order to conduct a mine clearance operation in a surf zone or on a beach.

Abstract: A hybrid remote-sensing apparatus is based on an active high-power microwave (HPM) illuminator and a passive infrared (IR) detector for the detection of shallow buried landmines. A 2.45 GHz, 5 kW microwave source is used for illumination and the thermal signature at the soil surface is detected in the 8-12 &mgr;m region both in near real-time as well as after a brief time-delay following illumination. The thermal signature at the soil surface is primarily made up of two components. A thermal signature occurs at the soil surface in near real-time due to the interference of the incident beam and the beam reflected by buried mines. A second thermal signature is generated when temperature contrasts due to differential microwave absorption by a mine and the surrounding soil are conducted upwards from that mine location to the surface. Both signatures are dependent on the complex dielectric constants of mines and the soil.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for neutralizing mines and obstacles that can quickly and efficiently clear a specified surf zone without human intervention. In a preferred embodiment, the invention utilizes firing tubes including a combustion chamber, a mechanism for supplying an aluminum fuel to the combustion chamber; and an ignitor for igniting the aluminum fuel within said combustion chamber to generate pressure waves. The firing tubes arranged in arrays located on sides of a main body of an autonomous vehicle. Activation of the firing tubes on a rear side of the main body is utilized in a preferred embodiment to propel the vehicle forward. Forward propagating pressure waves generated by firing tubes arranged on forward facing first and second sides of the main body are utilized to destroy mines and other obstructions located within a selected surf area.

Abstract: A munition is provided for deploying a molten payload within a target. A plurality of holes are formed in the munition's projectile body about the circumference thereof. A seal closes off each hole. A firing mechanism is mounted in the munition's nose cone and is capable of generating energy of initiation upon deformation of the nose cone. A first burnable material is housed in the projectile body and is coupled to the firing mechanism to receive the energy of initiation. The first burnable material extends in a tree-like fashion along a plurality of connected paths in the projectile body with each of the connected paths terminating at one of the seals. A second burnable material fills the voids in the projectile body surrounding the first burnable material. The first burnable material has a lower threshold of combustion than the second burnable material while the second burnable material burns hotter than the first burnable material.

Abstract: A method and a device for destroying drifting sea mines (5). According to the invention, a capture-and-destroy device (11) is brought into the vicinity of the drifting sea mine (5) with the aid of a buoyant body (12, 22) having a coupled-on drive system (13) or a drive device (24), and the mine is captured in that the sea mine (5) is surrounded by deployment of a capture net (16) normally located in a capture unit (11.1) of the capture-and-destroy device (11). A motorized element (17) disposed in the capture unit (11.1) draws the capture net (16) together automatically until the captured sea mine (5) rests directly against a destroyer unit (11.2) with a destructive charge (15). The destructive charge (15) is then automatically detonated to destroy the mine.