Abstract: Described is a system for neutralising underwater explosive devices including an apparatus for identifying a naval mine, a source for emitting an acoustic signal for signalling the position of the naval mine, a first underwater vehicle designed to place the source for emitting an acoustic signal close to the naval mine, a measurement apparatus designed to determine a first distance between the source of emission of an acoustic signal and the naval mine.

Abstract: A system for arresting and capturing airborne targets comprising: a projectile comprising an airframe which houses a means for entanglement, a means for propulsion, and a means for producing drag, wherein the means for entanglement is tethered to the airframe, a launcher capable of launching the projectile to within a close distance of an airborne target, wherein as the projectile approaches the airborne target the projectile is first slowed down by the means for producing drag, and second, as the projectile slows down the means for propulsion causes the means for entanglement to be projected towards the airborne target, wherein the means for entanglement arrests and captures the airborne target, thus tethering it to the projectile, and wherein the means for producing drag slows down the speed at which the projectile and tethered airborne target descend to the ground.

Abstract: An intercepting vehicle includes a body, at least one tensioning line attached to the body, and a net attached to the at least one tensioning line for towing the net behind the intercepting vehicle. The net includes a perimeter surrounding an open-mesh matrix of fibers and at least one airfoil section disposed on the perimeter of the net, where the at least one airfoil section is arranged such that lift created by the at least one airfoil section when the net is towed behind the intercepting vehicle acts outwardly on the perimeter of the net, deploying the net into a capture orientation.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launch tube that comprises at least one inner layer of prepreg substrate disposed about a right parallelepiped aperture, at least one outer layer of prepreg substrate disposed about the right parallelepiped aperture, and one or more structural panels disposed between the at least one inner layer of prepreg substrate and the at least one outer layer of prepreg substrate. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launch tube that comprises a tethered sabot configured to engage a UAV within a launcher volume defined by an inner wall, the tethered sabot dimensioned to provide a pressure seal at the inner wall and tethered to the inner wall, and wherein the tethered sabot is hollow having an open end oriented toward a high pressure volume and a tether attached within a hollow of the sabot and attached to the inner wall retaining the high pressure volume or attach to the inner base wall.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launch tube (100) that comprises at least one inner layer of prepreg substrate (370) disposed about a right parallelepiped aperture (305), at least one outer layer of prepreg substrate (380) disposed about the right parallelepiped aperture, and one or more structural panels (341-344) disposed between the at least one inner layer of prepreg substrate (340) and the at least one outer layer of prepreg substrate (380).

Abstract: An explosive matrix assembly of the present disclosure has a single detonating cord formed into a grid, and the grid comprises a first plurality of detonating cord portions lying in a first plane and a second plurality of detonating cord portions lying in a second plane and the first plurality of detonating cord portions perpendicularly overlay the second plurality of detonating portions. Additionally, the explosive matrix assembly has at least one insensitive blasting agent coupled to the grid.

Abstract: A matrix assembly having a single detonating cord. Further, the matrix assembly has a first plurality of parallel portions of detonating cord arranged in a first plane and a second plurality of parallel portions of detonating cord arranged in a second plane, wherein each one of the second plurality of parallel portions intersects only one of the first plurality of parallel portions perpendicularly. Additionally, the matrix assembly has a plurality of open loops formed by the looping of the first plurality of parallel portions and the looping of the second plurality of parallel portions such that the open loops of the first plurality of parallel portions are geometrically symmetrical with the open loops of the second plurality of parallel portions. Further, the matrix assembly has two closed loops formed at opposing corners of the matrix assembly, the closed loops arranged geometrically symmetrical and formed from one of the first plurality of parallel portions and the second plurality of parallel portions.

Abstract: The present disclosure is an explosive matrix assembly that has a first single detonating cord formed into a first grid, and the first grid has a first plurality of detonating cord portions lying in a first plane and a second plurality of detonating cord portions lying in a second plane and the first plurality of detonating cord portions perpendicularly overlay the second plurality of detonating portions. Additionally, the matrix assembly has a second single detonating cord formed into a second grid, and the second grid has a third plurality of detonating cord portions lying in a third plane and a fourth plurality of detonating cord portions lying in a fourth plane and the third plurality of detonating cord portions perpendicularly overlay the fourth plurality of detonating portions.

Abstract: There is provided an animal training system to train an animal to detect a training odor. The animal training system comprises a target (310) comprising the training odor (320) and a hidden marker (330); and a detector (350) for identifying the hidden marker. There is further provided an animal training method using the animal training system, the animal training method for practice by a supervisor, an animal handler, and an animal. The animal training method comprises placing the target (310) in a location of a search area (300), the target comprising the training odor (320) and the hidden marker (330), the placing being carried out by the supervisor; introducing the animal handler and the animal (305) to the search area; scanning with the detector (350) a candidate location for the hidden marker, the candidate location being a location that is indicated by the animal; and rewarding the animal if the detector indicates the presence of the hidden marker at the candidate location.

Abstract: The present disclosure is an explosive matrix assembly that has a single detonating cord formed into a grid. The grid has a first plurality of detonating cord portions lying in a first plane and a second plurality of detonating cord portions lying in a second plane, and the first plurality of detonating cord portions perpendicularly overlay the second plurality of detonating portions. Additionally, the explosive matrix comprises a sheet of adhesive material coupled to the grid to retain a grid shape of the detonating cord.

Abstract: An explosive matrix assembly of the present disclosure has a single detonating cord formed into a grid, and the grid has a first plurality of detonating cord portions lying in a first plane and a second plurality of detonating cord portions lying in a second plane and the first plurality of detonating cord portions perpendicularly overlay the second plurality of detonating portions, wherein the overlay creates a plurality of crossings between the first plurality of detonating cord portions and the second plurality of detonating cord portions. Additionally, the explosive matrix assembly has one or more point explosives coupled to the crossings for initiation of an explosion.

Abstract: The present disclosure is an explosive matrix assembly that has a first single detonating cord formed into a first grid. The grid has a first plurality of detonating cord portions lying in a first plane and a second plurality of detonating cord portions lying in a second plane and the first plurality of detonating cord portions perpendicularly overlay the second plurality of detonating portions. The explosive matrix assembly further has a second single detonating cord formed into a second grid. The second grid has a third plurality of detonating cord portions lying in the first plane and a fourth plurality of detonating cord portions lying in the second plane and the third plurality of detonating cord portions perpendicularly overlay the second plurality of detonating portions. The first grid is coupled to the second grid via a fastener.

Abstract: An explosive matrix includes a grid structure formed from a single length of detonating cord with one set of spaced-apart detonating cord sections lying in one plane that perpendicularly overlays a second set of spaced-apart sections lying in a second plane such that at each section crossing location the crossing consists of no more than two perpendicular sections of detonating cord.

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: Disclosed is a system for detonating a buried explosive device by discharging an electric discharge with at least five joules of energy to detonate the buried explosive device.

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: Systems and methods are presented herein that provide for ignition of explosive devices through electric discharge. In one embodiment, an electrostatic discharge is directionally propagated through air to conduct electric current to the explosive device. The electric current may ignite the explosive device via heat, via triggering of ignition circuitry, via induced electric current conduction to the explosive material therein and/or via direct electric conduction to the explosive material therein. Alternatively or additionally, a system is configured with a vehicle to distally position the propagated energy to the explosive device such that damage caused by the explosive device is reduced.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented herein that provide for ignition of explosive devices through electric and/or electromagnetic discharge. In one embodiment, an electrostatic discharge is directionally propagated through air to conduct electric current to the explosive device. The electric current may ignite the explosive device via heat, via triggering of ignition circuitry, via induced electric current conduction to the explosive material therein and/or via direct electric conduction to the explosive material therein. Alternatively, or in addition to, electromagnetic energy may be directionally propagated to the device through a waveguide. Such electromagnetic energy may be in the microwave region and may heat and/or induce electric current in the explosive device. In either instance, the directionally propagated energy may be time varying.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for detonating a buried explosive device by discharging an electric discharge with at least five joules of energy to detonate the buried 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: Systems and methods are presented herein that provide for ignition of explosive devices through electric and/or electromagnetic discharge. In one embodiment, an electrostatic discharge is directionally propagated through air to conduct electric current to the explosive device. The electric current may ignite the explosive device via heat, via triggering of ignition circuitry, via induced electric current conduction to the explosive material therein and/or via direct electric conduction to the explosive material therein. Alternatively, or in addition to, electromagnetic energy may be directionally propagated to the device through a waveguide. Such electromagnetic energy may be in the microwave region and may heat and/or induce electric current in the explosive device. In either instance, the directionally propagated energy may be time varying.

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 method of identifying and optionally neutralizing an undersea object (1, 1?) that might be an undersea mine and that is of known geographical position, in which an undersea intervention robot (4, 4?) is used suspended under an aircraft capable of stationary flight, such as a helicopter (7) or a drone, serving to bring the robot (4, 4?) into register with the object (1, 1?) for identification and possibly for being neutralized, the object is identified, and optionally it is neutralized.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for detecting and neutralizing remotely activated explosive devices in a combat zone, especially one of relatively limited geographic area such as an urban setting. The apparatus is configured for mounting on or within an airborne drone and includes both transmitting and receiving circuits and antennas. The apparatus detects radio transmissions by analyzing received signals using standard RF direction finding techniques and a spectrum analyzer or other signal processing circuitry. Signals may be classified as threats using predetermined criteria, and the direction of threat signals may be assessed to allow for a determination of an enemy position from which an explosive is to be detonated. The apparatus also transmits a jamming signal which may serve to detonate devices within the dynamic RF footprint of the transmitting antenna. The drone also includes a highly directional low frequency audio device which is periodically directed randomly and at suspected enemy positions.

Abstract: An improved system and method for controlling and directing sound waves is provided. A fuel-oxidant mixture is supplied to at least one detonator having at least one spark initiator. The fuel-oxidant mixture flows through the at least one detonator and into the closed end of at least one detonation tube also having an open end. The timing at least one spark initiator is controlled to initiate at least one spark within the at least one detonator while the fuel-oxidant mixture is flowing through the at least one detonator thereby initiating a detonation wave at the closed end of the at least one detonation tube. The detonation wave propagates the length of the at least one detonation tube and exits the open end of the at least one detonation tube as a sound wave. When multiple detonation tubes are detonated with controlled timing, the resulting sound waves are directed to a desired location. Sound waves can be directed from groups of detonation tubes and from a sparse array of detonation tubes.

Abstract: An improved system and method for ignition of a gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is provided where a gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is supplied to a detonator tube having a fill point and an open end and an igniter placed at an ignition point within the detonator tube is ignited while the gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is flowing through the detonator tube. A detonation impulse is produced at the ignition point that propagates to the open end of said detonator tube where it can be supplied to a detonation tube having an open end, to an internal combustion engine, a combustion chamber, and to a pulse detonation engine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for neutralizing explosives and electronics utilizing a high voltage electrical discharge.

Abstract: An explosive matrix assembly is provided in which a single detonating cord is configured into a first set of at least five parallel sets of paired portions lying in the same plane, with adjacent parallel pairs being spaced about two inches apart. The detonating cord is further configured so that there is a second set of at least five more parallel portions that are substantially orthogonal to the first set and that lie on top of the first set. Finally, the detonating cord is further configured so that there is a pair of portions that operably secure the matrix to an appropriate explosive initiator.

Abstract: An improved system and method for ignition of a gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is provided where a gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is supplied to a detonator tube having a fill point and an open end and an igniter placed at an ignition point within the detonator tube is ignited while the gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is flowing through the detonator tube. A detonation impulse is produced at the ignition point that propagates to the open end of said detonator tube where it can be supplied to a detonation tube having an open end, to an internal combustion engine, a combustion chamber, and to a pulse detonation engine.

Abstract: An improved system and method for controlling and directing sound waves is provided. A fuel-oxidant mixture is supplied to at least one detonator having at least one spark initiator. The fuel-oxidant mixture flows through the at least one detonator and into the closed end of at least one detonation tube also having an open end. The timing at least one spark initiator is controlled to initiate at least one spark within the at least one detonator while the fuel-oxidant mixture is flowing through the at least one detonator thereby initiating a detonation wave at the closed end of the at least one detonation tube. The detonation wave propagates the length of the at least one detonation tube and exits the open end of the at least one detonation tube as a sound wave. When multiple detonation tubes are detonated with controlled timing, the resulting sound waves are directed to a desired location. Sound waves can be directed from groups of detonation tubes and from a sparse array of detonation tubes.

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: Disclosed is a system and method for neutralizing explosives and electronics utilizing a high voltage electrical discharge.

Abstract: A system for executing a method for neutralizing an explosive device disposed within a targeted area. In operation, an artificial lightning generator of the system generates one or more electric sparks. Additionally, a spinning breakout apparatus of the system spins a spark emission point in a predetermined pattern within the targeted area, and for neutralizing the explosive device, discharges the electric spark(s) into the targeted area via the spark emission point.

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: A precautionary measure against wireless phone-triggered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) is described that forces premature detonation of the IED at a safe location, such as a position in advance of a convoy of vehicles or troops, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the IED. Embodiments of the invention provide for transmitting low power alerting signals (e.g., paging, ringing, message waiting, text messages) from a wireless terminal residing on a mobile platform that is operable to navigate a transportation path in advance of a prospective target, to mobile stations within close proximity of the platform defining an “IED detonation zone.” In such manner, mobile stations within the IED detonation zone that are IED triggering devices (as well as mobile stations that are not IED triggering devices) will receive the alerting signals, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the detonation zone.

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 mine clearing device comprises a substantially hollow body forming a cavity. An eccentric ballast is disposed within the cavity and is rotated by a motor powered by an internal power source, thereby imparting rotational motion to the device. A plurality of anti-axial projections of varying lengths and sizes are mounted on the outer surface of the body to interact with the terrain and, thus, impart unbiased motion to the body as it rotates and traverses a mine field. The outer surface of the body is made of blast resistant material. A shock absorbent material, disposed within the cavity, absorbs the explosive force of mines. Circuitry or a marker substance may be used to record or mark the path traveled by the device.

Abstract: A vibratory countermine system and method associated with a propulsion means. The system is comprised of a ground-contacting percussion system assembly that is mounted to the front of the propulsion means. Also, a vibratory subassembly is mounted inside the ground-contacting percussion assembly for inducing vibrations in the ground. The ground-contacting percussion system is in contact with the ground ahead of the propulsion means. It transmits the vibrations, associated forces, and pressure waves below or ahead of the countermine system through the ground, thereby inducing the detonation of land mines.

Abstract: A mine clearing device has an outer body forming a cavity capable of holding a pressurized substance, a conduit in the outer surface for expelling the pressurized substance from the body to thereby cause the device to rotate and traverse a mine field, and a plurality of anti-axial projections on the surface of the outer body that interact with the terrain to impart unbiased motion to the body as it rotates. A regulator controls the flow of the substance and a nozzle directs it as it exits the conduit. The outer body is made of blast resistant material. A shock absorbent material, disposed within the shell, absorbs the explosive force of mines. Circuitry or a marker substance may be used to record the position of the device.

Abstract: Buried land mines, which are triggered by pressure, particularly anti-personnel mines which are triggered by the pressure of a person's foot, are destroyed by impinging laser beam pulses on the surface of the soil. With appropriately chosen beam parameters, a laser supported detonation is created in the atmosphere above the soil by each beam pulse impingement. That results in a blast wave within the soil, the pressure of which causes a mine trigger to explode the mine. A multiplicity of beam pulses are impinged on the soil surface in location- and time-coordination, to create a multiplicity of blast waves which provide pressure-time profiles within the shallow depth of the soil, sufficient to trigger mine types that are configured to resist triggering from a single detonation, whether induced by laser or chemical means.

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: This invention relates to the filed of land mines and in particular to devices and techniques for neutralising and/or retrieving land mines. Existing mine retrieval/neutralisation techniques includes mechanical excavation or shaped charge attack and such techniques are either susceptible to blast damage in the event of inadvertent mine explosion or can produce ambiguous results (i.e. and operator can be unsure as to whether a mine has been successfully attacked or a non-mine target has been attacked in error). The present invention provides a mine excavation technique that involves excavation of the mine by means of an explosive charge.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method and devices for the detection of target objects, such as landmines, using the odor characteristics which may be associated with the target objects as a way of detecting their presence. The invention includes devices used to carry out a method of training live animals, such as rats, to seek out the target objects in the field, or to localize, unearth, and mark the location thereof.

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: 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 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 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, a first interrupter disposed between the line charge array and the fuze, and a second interrupter disposed in the line charge array. The line charge array is defined by a plurality of line charges successively coupled to one another by a detonation line capable of transferring detonation energy therealong successively to each line charge. The line charge array has a first end coupled to the propulsion unit and has a second end coupled to the first interrupter. The fuze generates the detonation energy at the expiration of a first time period provided the fuse is in water. The first interrupter permits the detonation energy to be transferred from the fuze to the second end of the line charge array until the expiration of a second time period.