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: A mine detector is provided for detecting buried land mines safely and promptly. A sensor head (12) is connected to a detector body (1) through hinges (11-1 to 11-4) and arms (12-1 to 12-3). The sensor head (12) includes a transmitting and receiving means for emitting electromagnetic impulses to the ground within a range of detection of land mines. When the transmitting and receiving means receives electromagnetic waves reflected from a land mine, information on the three-dimensional structure of the land mine buried under the ground is generated on the basis of the time of arrival of the reflected wave, the level of the reflected wave and the x and y coordinates of the transmitting and receiving means, and the information is displayed on a display (1). The detector is also applicable to the inspection of steel rods and bars for concrete reinforcement.

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: The invention concerns a device mounted on a carrier vehicle equipped with at least a support (4) whereon a frame (6) is mounted in articulation, with interposed a pressure actuator (8), the frame being equipped at its bottom end with a plurality of vertical bars (24) whereof the lower ends (26) are provided with feet (28) and whereof the upper ends are provided each with a piston (15) mounted sliding into a cylinder (13). A mechanical component (10) called a proportioning unit, wherein are arranged the cylinders (13) used for fixing the pistons (15) disposed at the upper ends of the bars (24), and comprising a chamber (14) communicating said cylinders, is mounted sliding between stop elements (12, 13) in the frame, parallel to the axes of the cylinders (13), the mechanical component forming a proportioning unit (10) is directly subjected to the action of the thrust forces of the actuator (8) via the frame stops (12).

Abstract: Clearance of a minefield is effected using first and second ground-engaging drive units (63 and 64), each of which includes a milling or grinding drum (6). The first drive unit (63) is connected to the front of a multi-purpose vehicle or tractor (62) and the second drive unit (64) is connected to the rear of the vehicle or tractor (62) to form a mine clearance apparatus which can be driven over the land to be cleared of mines with the vehicle or tractor (62) supported clear of the ground by the first and second drive units (63 and 64). The milling or grinding drum (6) of the first drive unit (63) grinds up the surface vegetation and the milling or grinding drum (6) of the second drive unit (64) grinds up a layer of soil and any anti-personnel mines contained therein.

Abstract: A mine detector is provided for detecting buried land mines safely and promptly. A sensor head (12) is connected to a detector body (1) through hinges (11-1 to 11-4) and arms (12-1 to 12-3). The sensor head (12) includes a transmitting and receiving means for emitting electromagnetic impulses to the ground within a range of detection of land mines. When the transmitting and receiving means receives electromagnetic waves reflected from a land mine, information on the three-dimensional structure of the land mine buried under the ground is generated on the basis of the time of arrival of the reflected wave, the level of the reflected wave and the x and y coordinates of the transmitting and receiving means, and the information is displayed on a display (1). The detector is also applicable to the inspection of steel rods and bars for concrete reinforcement.

Abstract: A delivery system (20) for a warhead (3) for neutralization of mines, having an orientation device. The fragmentation warhead (3) is triggered over a visible mine or, over the position of a mine that is optically marked and/or the coordinates of which are known. The triggering of warhead (3) destroys a mine up to a depth of 30 centimeters below the surface. A throwing system with controllable spring tension energy is employed, which has, when compared with a conventional mortar, a higher quality of reproducibility in its starting speed, smaller starting mistakes by means of precise roller bearing guides (6) during the acceleration phase, and temperature independence due to the measuring the energy of the springs (1) during the tensioning process by electric motors. Three microreaction drive mechanisms (15) are provided to correct the flight path, along with a sensor (14) that measures flight path deviation.

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 projectile for the destruction of unexploded ordnance comprising a dart shell having a core region which contains a reactive composition comprised of a reactive metal and an oxidizer. The reactive metal is selected from the group consisting of titanium, aluminum, magnesium, lithium, beryllium, zirconium, thorium, uranium, hafnium, alloys thereof, hydrides thereof, and combinations thereof. The oxidizer is selected from the group consisting of lithium perchlorate, magnesium perchlorate, ammonium perchlorate, potassium perchlorate, chlorates, peroxides, and combinations thereof. In an alternative embodiment, the reactive composition is located on the outside of a center penetrating rod. Also included is a disposable apparatus for delivering a projectile to destroy unexploded ordnance. The apparatus is comprised of a block having a top and a bottom, the block comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of wood and polymeric resin.

Abstract: A method for deflagrating/detonating anti-tank and anti-vehicle land mines, beach zone mines, and surf zone mines located in mine belts or individually using delayed active ignition high temperature incendiary flechettes or darts.

Abstract: A system and method for generating acoustic and seismic signals to clear mines equipped with acoustic and/or seismic sensors includes at least one drum driven rotationally by a drive to which drum at least one weight is attached by a fastening device positioning the at least one weight at a distance from drum, the weight being intended to strike the ground periodically as the drum rotates in order to generate an acoustic and seismic signal whose period is the same as that of the striking period of the weight.

Abstract: A minefield is irradiated with coherent microwave energy at a first power level. Back radiation provides an indication of the position of the landmines. Coherent microwave radiation at a second power level high than the first is directed at the hidden mines to destroy the same. The microwave energy is produced by gyrotron oscillator.

Abstract: An assembly and process designed to neutralize a landmine having a case loaded with an explosive charge set to detonate upon actuation. The assembly includes a housing provided with a chamber loaded with a solid propellant. One of the ends of the housing is exposed to permit the loaded propellant to communicate the chamber with the outside atmosphere. The propellant is remotely ignitable via a remotely operable igniter. The first end of said housing is constructed and arranged and the solid propellant is present in an amount and composition suitable for generating, upon ignition of the solid propellant, a plume sufficient in burn time and temperature both to penetrate through the case of the landmine positioned in spaced relation to the first end and to initiate controlled burning of the explosive charge of the landmine so that detonation of the explosive charge is either avoided or reduced due to pre-detonation partial consumption of the explosive charge by burning.

Abstract: In the field of clearance of unexploded ordnance from land, there is a need for an improved apparatus for removing unexploded ordnance from the ground. A cutting apparatus includes a plurality of blades on a rotatable shaft, the blades being tapered towards their distal ends. When the blades are driven forwardly through soil while the shaft rotates, they tend to loosen items such as solid ordnance and bring such items to the soil surface. The blades simultaneously sever scissile matter in the soil, thereby facilitating removal of the ordnance. The cutting assembly includes a conveyor for conveying unexploded ordnance away from the soil. The cutting assembly may be mounted on a vehicle including further means for rendering harmless the unexploded ordnance.

Abstract: To remove means of combat such as mines and unexploded ordnance increasing use is made of hollow charges. Inherent in these is the risk of triggering premature ignition since their liners contain metals. According to the invention a hollow charge (4) suitable for eliminating means of combat is configured largely free of metals and has a liner (3) made of an electrically non-conductive, amorphous material. The material of choice is glass, which when configured correspondingly in addition has a projectile-forming effect and thus raises penetration capability. Apart from lowering environmental pollution the use of metal-free devices also eliminates false alarm messages in metal detectors during mine clearance and therefore significantly improves the safety of mine clearance personnel. The support (16) carrying the hollow charge (4) is fitted with a ball joint (13, 14), resulting in high adaptability to the place of use and type of combat means (M) concerned.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a vessel having means at the bow of the vessel to direct a water flow ahead of the vessel downwardly towards the sea bed in front of and to either side of the path of the vessel to displace material from the sea bed including any weapon system or obstacles on or buried in the sea bed away from the path of the vessel.

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 explosive charge attaching system connects individual explosive charges in line with a yarn structure having yarns interlocked in a braided structure to cover and position several individual explosive charges together.

Abstract: A method to clear plastic mines together with an apparatus to use it, is described in order to get an efficient, fast, cheap and reliable civil clearance of explosive devices, especially land mines and antipersonnel mines.

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: In the field of landmine clearance there is a need for a detonator member that is effective in detonating mines whilst protecting any apparatus to which it is secured. The invention relates to a detonator member (10) comprising two inclined plates (12, 13) secured together along a common edge to define a fulcrum (14). The plates are pivotably suspended from a further, moveable member (22) so that the axis of pivoting lies forward of the fulcrum (14). On downward movement of the further member (22) the fulcrum engages the ground (23) and causes the plates to pivot so that one of them (12) lies flat on the ground (23). This plate (12) detonates any landmines under it. During the detonation the plate (12) flips upwardly to a substantially vertical, blast-deflecting position. The other plate (13) limits the travel of blast deflecting plate (12), by virtue of contact with the ground (23).

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: In a towed body with infrared flares located at its rear, the flares are in an ejection unit and are pulled out of the towed body via a tow cable as they ignite, preventing the towed body from being destroyed by missiles when it is used during target simulation.

Abstract: A mine disposal apparatus is capable of carrying out works including preparation works such as a vegetation work, a collapsed sediment removing work, etc., and safely and surely disposing personnel mines separated from the tank mines, unexploded shells, etc., and further effectively improving the disposed lands to farmlands. The mine disposal apparatus comprises a heavy vehicle (1) used for shovel type machines such as back hoes, a rotary cutter (9) is attached in place of a bucket of the shovel machine to a distal end of a derrickable and foldable arm (2) of the heavy vehicle (1), the rotary cutter (9) comprising a rotational drum (10) having cutter bits (11) embedded in a circumferential face of the rotational drum and being capable of cutting earth up to a depth of 30 cm or more.

Abstract: A detonation arrestor cuts the detonating cord of a dud line charge to prevent the pressure wave from a nearby explosion from sympathetically detonating the dud line charge. A housing of the detonation arrestor has a transverse passageway to receive the detonating cord of the dud line charge and an axial bore intersecting the passageway. A cutter piston having a cutter blade is disposed in the bore and is sized to permit axial displacement by a shallow dish-shaped diaphragm spring. The diaphragm spring has its center adjacent to one end of the cutter piston and laterally extends from the bore to be secured to the housing along its round periphery in a sealed relationship. The diaphragm spring is formed in the configuration of a Belleville spring from a spring material providing strength, rigidity, and spring modulus to snap to an extended position when displaced to a position past an over center position by an impinging pressure wave.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method and related devices for the deactivation of landmines. More particularly, the present invention includes several devices used to carry out a method of training live animals, such as rats, to seek out and destroy active landmines in the field, or to localize, unearth, and mark the location of active mines, thereby reducing the danger of their later removal by valuable sniffing mine clearing animals, technology, and mine clearing personnel, making a landmine clearance effort more effective and efficient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for clearing mines deployed on or in the ground using a mechanical demining vehicle operating on the rotary cultivator principle in a way that prevents major damage to the demining tool (6) or the engine (5 ). The basis of the present invention is that the demining tool (6) is enabled to deflect away from large mine detonations whereby the demining tool (6) moves in coordination with the engine so that neither it nor its drive function suffers any major damage.

Abstract: An apparatus for clearing mines set in the ground has a vehicle body adapted to travel along the ground in a horizontal travel direction, a drum mounted at a front end of the body and rotatable in a rotational sense about a horizontal axis generally perpendicular to the direction, and an array of radially outwardly projecting chisels mounted on the drum. A support mounted on the body spaced from the drum is at least partially displaceable on the body radially relative to the drum. Springs braced between the body and the support hold the support in a standard position at a predetermined radial spacing from the drum and permit deflection of the support radially away from drum. A plurality of vertically spaced breaker bars are mounted on the support spaced from the drum.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for accurately delivering a ballistically stable, monolothic projectile at repeatable velocities to a specified target using an explosive event without causing deformation or fragmentation of the projectile. In its most preferred embodiment, the invention will deliver a projectile using an explosive event without substantial deformation or altering of the geometric shape of the projectile. This invention was specifically developed as a preferred device to render safe the firing train of the fuze mechanism of unexploded ordnance (UXO) to dispose of the UXO more safely.

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: A technique for integrating detection and neutralization of land mines that can be used for both mine breaching and mine clearing. A land mine is sensed with multiple sensors to determine a mine signature with corresponding range and azimuth. Mine type and mine emplacement which correlates to the mine signature is determined, and a neutralizer type and configuration is determined which correlates to the mine type. A neutralizing magazine is selected for the neutralizer type and configuration. The selected neutralizer is configured, loaded, launched, and armed.

Abstract: A rocket-launched line charge apparatus for obstacle breaching includes at least two explosive charges connected by detonating cord. The detonating cord passes through a flexible tubing, and is bunched in a sinuous arrangement within the plastic tubing so as to store excess detonating cord. The detonating cord is attached to the two ends of the flexible tubing by cable ties. The explosive charges, the tubing and the detonating cord are enclosed in a fabric sock formed by overbraiding, the fabric sock being the strength member connecting the two explosive charges during deployment. The plastic tubing arrangement is applicable to storage of other cords in other systems involving tethered deployment of objects.

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 line charge for deploying explosive charges across obstacles and mines to clear a safe lane has explosive charges spaced apart on a common detonating cord, and axial passageways in the explosive charges are sized to permit free longitudinal travel of the detonating cord through them. A composite strength member includes an inner fabric sleeve of high strength flexible material covered by an outer sleeve of thermoset/thermoplastic material and contains the explosive charges and detonating cord. Heat-curing the inner fabric sleeve and outer sleeve shrinks and conforms them to the outer contours of the explosive charges and combines the high strength flexible material and thermoset/thermoplastic material. Composite strength member absorbs energy during deployment of the line charge over its entire length and circumference and absorbs more energy prior to structural failure to allow the use of more powerful rocket motors to fly longer line charges from much greater and safer standoff distances.

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: An explosive device neutralization system includes a penetrating tip, a reaction stake, and a deployment mechanism. The reaction stake includes a reaction initiation material (R.I.M.) which is configured to burn, thereby dispersing burning R.I.M. beyond the reaction stake. The deployment mechanism and penetrating tip are configured to deliver a portion of the reaction stake adjacent to a bulk charge of the explosive device, such that the burning R.I.M. is dispersed to the bulk charge. The reaction stake includes a stake housing that encloses the R.I.M. proximate an egress hole in the stake housing. The reaction stake also includes an ignition system proximate the deployment mechanism. Upon activation of the deployment mechanism, the ignition system initiates burning of the R.I.M. The deployment mechanism can include a deployment charge that is connected to a detonator.

Abstract: A break line launch energy damper and recoil limiting system for line charges absorbs and dissipates launch energy over time during deployment of line charges. This system limits the amount of recoil energy that can act upon the line charge and allows for linear deployment without recoil that might hinder the effectiveness of the rear lengths of the line charge. An elongate strength member connects the line charge to an inertial drag, such as a parachute and/or container for the line charge. A plurality of lines having different tensile strengths are appropriately connected to sequentially part when their tensile strengths are exceeded to thereby absorb and dissipate energy during deployment of the line charge.

Abstract: An open loop magnetic field minesweeping system, with a small and light weight body to be towed through seawater by a helicopter or other vehicle, hydrodynamic control surfaces on the body, a single sweep cable extending 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 provided on the body as part of its skin. A rectifier and transformer on the body convert AC power fed to the towed body from the towing vehicle, to DC power applied to the first electrode. The rectifier and transformer are encapsulated by a thin waterproof layer and directly exposed to the sea water for cooling through the layer. The body may have a winch to deploy and retrieve the first electrode. Acoustic transducers may be mounted on or within the body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for disarming improvised bombs are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a fluid-filled bottle or container made of plastic or another soft material which contains a fixed or adjustable, preferably sheet explosive. The charge is fired centrally at its apex and can be adjusted to propel a fluid projectile that is broad or narrow, depending upon how it is set up. In one embodiment, the sheet explosive is adjustable so as to correlate the performance of the fluid projectile to the disarming needs for the improvised explosive device (IED). Common materials such as plastic water bottles or larger containers can be used, with the sheet explosive or other explosive material configured in a general chevron-shape to target the projectile toward the target. In another embodiment, a thin disk of metal is conformably mounted with the exterior of the container and radially aligned with the direction of fire of the fluid projectile.

Abstract: A detonation arrestor cuts the detonating cord of a dud line charge to prevent the pressure wave from a nearby explosion from sympathetically detonating the dud line charge. A housing of the detonation arrestor has a transverse passageway to receive the detonating cord of the dud line charge and an axial bore intersecting the passageway. A cutter piston having a cutter blade is disposed in the bore and is sized to permit axial displacement by a shallow dish-shaped diaphragm spring. The diaphragm spring has its center adjacent to one end of the cutter piston and laterally extends from the bore to be secured to the housing along its round periphery in a sealed relationship. The diaphragm spring is formed in the configuration of a Belleville spring from a spring material providing strength, rigidity, and spring modulus to snap to an extended position when displaced to a position past an over center position by an impinging pressure wave.

Abstract: Migration of Di-Octyl Adipate (DOA) from PBXN-9 main charge into an adjacent PBXN-5 booster charge is the leading cause for unreliable and inefficient detonations when these two insensitive munition explosives are in close proximity. A hermetic seal of metal foil is interposed between the booster and main charges to block migration of DOA chemicals between the charges. This prevents plasticizing and/or desensitizing the booster charge and possible catastrophic accidental detonations or highly undesirable explosive desensitization which might create unexploded ordnance. The hermetic seal may also have a first portion of metal foil covering the surface of a bore in the booster charge and second portions of metal foil covering the surface of bores in the main charge.

Abstract: Provided is an automated case cutting device that may be remotely controlled to rotate and cut an outer case of an object. It can be applied to the disassembly and disposal, testing, or inspection of munitions. In one application, the device cradles a generally cylindrical munition of a length much greater than its diameter on two rollers attached to a bed or plate comprising a support frame. One of the rollers is rotated by a transmission mechanism powered by an electrical motor, while the other roller may also be turned by the same transmission mechanism via a sprocket and chain set. The munition may be further held in place by one or a set of holding rollers attached to a frame hinged to the support frame, so that the holding roller(s) swing onto the top of the munition after the munition is placed on the cradling rollers. The holding roller(s) may also be turned via a second sprocket and chain set, driven off the same drive shaft as the first roller.

Abstract: A line charge has a series of spaced-apart warheads coupled to strength members and a detonating cord freely extends through bores in the warheads. A rocket motor at one end of the strength members pulls the line charge across an obstacle laden area. An anchored tether or drogue chute at the other end arrests flight of the line charge and it drops across the area. The thermoplastic, polymeric, or metallic strength members provide strain management to withstand the severe deployment forces and to preclude damage to the detonating cord. Strain is absorbed by the elastic deformation of the strength members coupled to the warheads. Strain also is reduced through direct dissipation of energy by dynamic frictional losses created between strength members, coupling components, and anchoring devices during deployment when slippage occurs between the strength members and coupling components and anchoring devices.

Abstract: A mine destroyer round in the shape of a hollow aerodynamic disk containing explosively formed projectiles that fire toward the ground. A powered means such as a catapult or a mortar tube containing a contact explosive is used to launch the round over a mine field.

Abstract: A method for increasing effectiveness of mine clearance when clearing landmines. A vehicle-mounted, mechanically driven, rotary cultivator type demining tool is provided. The demining tool includes a horizontal shaft, a demining unit rotating around the horizontal shaft, a plurality of parallel demining discs located at a distance from each other and rotating around the shaft which when the demining tool is in operation cut down into an upper ground layer to a pre-determined depth to cause mines in their path to detonate or to fragment into harmless fragments, and impact devices located between the demining discs for working the upper ground layer between the demining discs such that the impact devices impact with the upper ground layer between each pair of demining discs several times per rotation of the demining tool. An upper ground layer where mines may be deployed is worked with the demining tool.

Abstract: A mine localizing and identifying system. Each mine is equipped with a signalling device adapted to transmit a specific signal in response to receiving a specific activating signal. The system includes a mine-clearing tool that is adapted to transmit the specific activating signal and to receive the specific signal from the signalling device, and includes a direction-finding device for localizing the mine with the aid of the signal transmitted from the mine.