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65 result(s) to your search. (Explosive)

David
Thu January 16, 2003 11:24pm

Mk. 80 Series General Pur

Function: General Purpose, low drag free-fall bomb.

Background: The Mk 80 series bombs are is a non-guided, low drag, free-fall, general purpose explosives. The cases are relatively light; approximately 45 percent of their total weight is explosive filler and are designed to be streamlined, so as to reduce aerodynamic resistance. Mk. 80 GP bombs are typically used in situations where pin-point accuracy is not critical and where maximum blast and explosive effects are desired. There are currently four variants of the Mk. 80 GP bomb: the Mk. 81 250 pound bomb, the Mk. 82 500 pound bomb, the Mk. 83 1,000 pound bomb, and the Mk. 84 2,000 pound bomb.

These bombs are usually equipped with both nose and tail mechanical fuses for ground bursts, or a radar-proximity fuse for air-bursts. For low altitude delivery, the Mk. 80 series bombs may be equipped with either a high-drag "popout" tail fin assembly or "ballute" (combination balloon/parachute) drogue assembly. These retardation devices slow the descent rate of the bomb significantly, allowing the releasing aircraft to maneuver clear of the target area prior to detonation.

Thermally protected versions of the Mk. 80 series were developed for use on aircraft carriers. These weapons are filled with a less sensitive explosive and treated to resist "cook off" in the event of exposure to an aviation fuel fire.

Two hard target penetration variants of the Mk. 80 series are currently in production. The BLU-111 is the 500lb variant and the BLU-110 is the 1,000 pound variant. The bomb case is made from forged steel, and the H-6 or Tritonal explosive filler has been replaced with PBNX-109.

Description: The basic Mk. 80 GP bomb consists of a an explosive filled metal case. Specific fuses may be added to the nose and tail sections of the case, depending on the desired blast effect, and the case can be equipped with either low drage guidance fins or a high drag "popout" fin or "ballute" assembly.

General Characteristics, Mk. 80 Series General Purpose Free Fall Bombs

Length:
Mk.81: 46 in. (1.18 meters)
Mk.82: 66.15 in. (2.21 meters)
Mk.83: 119.49 in. (3 meters)
Mk.84: 129 in.(3.31 meters)

Diameter:
Mk.81: 8.9 in.
Mk.82: 10.75 in.
Mk.83: 14.06 in.
Mk.84: 18 in.

Filler types:
H-6, Minol II, PBNX-109, Tritonal

Date Deployed:
1950s

Weight:
Mk.81: 250 lb (113 kg)
Mk.82: 500 lb (227 kg)
Mk.83: 1,000 lb (455 kg)
Mk.84: 2,000 lb (909 kg)

Filler Weight:
Mk.81:
Mk.82: 192 lb (89 kg)
Mk.83: 385 lb (202 kg)
Mk.84: 945 lb (430 kg)

Unit Cost:
Mk.81:
Mk.82: $268.50
Mk.83:
Mk.84: $3,100

David
Thu January 16, 2003 11:24pm

GBU-28 "Bunkerbuster

Function: Bomb with guidance control system.

Description: The Guided Bomb Unit-28 (GBU-28) is a special weapon developed for penetrating hardened Iraqi command centers located deep underground. The GBU-28 is a 5,000-pound laser-guided conventional munition that uses a 4,400-pound penetrating warhead. The bombs are modified Army artillery tubes, weigh 4,637 pounds, and contain 630 pounds of high explosives. They are fitted with GBU-27 LGB kits, 14.5 inches in diameter and almost 19 feet long. The operator illuminates a target with a laser designator and then the munition guides to a spot of laser energy reflected from the target.

The GBU-28 "Bunker Buster" was developed specifically to destroy Iraqi underground hardened command bunkers during the Gulf War. Scratch built from a section of surplus 8" howitzer barrel filled with 600 pounds of explosives, the 5,000 pound GBU-28 is capable of penetrating more than 20 feet of reinforced concrete and deeper than 100 feet underground. Equipped with essentially the same guidance hardware as the GBU-10 Paveway II, the GBU-28 is capable of hitting discrete, hardened targets deep underground. The GBU-28 was successfully used twice during the Gulf War, with each of the weapons being released by FB-111F Aardvarks for use against buried command bunkers.

Background: Precision-guided munitions (PGM) can trace their origins back to World War Two. These early weapons, such as the QB-17G "Aphrodite" were essentially airframes packed with explosives and guided via radio direction signals to their target, where they would crash and explode. While guidance was extremely crude by today's standards, these weapons were more accurate than conventional dropped munitions, and did not expose aircrews to deadly enemy anti-aircraft fire. Unfortunately, such weapons were unwieldy, unsuitable for small targets, and were themselves subject to defensive fire. The first truly precision-guided munitions did not appear until the Vietnam War. Serving as a major supply conduit for North Vietnam, the mile long Paul Doumer Bridge over the Red River was the most important ground target of the war. Unfortunately, it was also one of the most heavily defended, its approaches ringed with anti-aircraft guns and surface to air missile emplacements. While American pilots were able to attack the bridge using conventional munitions, such missions were extremely hazardous and casualties were high. In 1967 the Rockwell International Corporation was tasked with producing a precision munition using electro-optical guidance technology. The end result was the GBU (Guided Bomb Unit) 8 or Homing Bomb System (HOBOS), a conventional Mk. 84 2,000 pound bomb with a TV like electro-optical guidance package in the nose to provide direction and a modified tail fin assembly in the rear to provide lift. To launch the GBU-8 the pilot aligned the TV camera sight in the bomb with the target and the weapons officer locked the bomb's seeker onto the target. Once aligned, the bomb could be released well away from the target area and it would guide itself into the target with a high degree of accuracy.

History: The GBU 28 "Bunker Buster" was put together in record time to support targeting of the Iraqi hardened command bunker by adapting existing materiel. The GBU-28 was not even in the early stages of research when Kuwait was invaded. The USAF asked industry for ideas in the week after combat operations started. The bomb was fabricated starting on 1 February, using surplus 8-inch artillery tubes. The official go-ahead for the project was issued on 14 February, and explosives for the initial units were hand-loaded by laboratory personnel into a bomb body that was partially buried upright in the ground outside the laboratory in New York. The first two units were delivered to the USAF on 16 and 17 February, and the first flight to test the guidance software and fin configuration was conducted on 20 February. These tests were successful and the program proceeded, with a contract let on 22 February. A sled test on 26 February proved that the bomb could penetrate over 20 feet of concrete, while an earlier flight test had demonstrated the bomb's ability to penetrate more than 100 feet of earth. The first two operational bombs were delivered to the theater on 27 February.

The Air Force produced a limited quantity of the GBU-28 during Operation Desert Storm to attack multi-layered, hardened underground targets. Only two of these weapons were dropped in Desert Storm, both by F-111Fs. One weapon hit its precise aimpoint, and the onboard aircraft video recorder displayed an outpouring of smoke from an entrance way approximately 6 seconds after impact. After Operation Desert Storm, the Air Force incorporated some modifications, and further tested the munition. The Fy1997 budget request contained $18.4 million to procure 161 GBU-28 hard target penetrator bombs.

David
Thu January 16, 2003 11:48pm

Mk155 Mine Clearance Laun

Function: To clear a lane through a minefield during breaching operations. The MK155 Launcher, Mine Clearance (LMC) is part of the Mark 2 Mine Clearance System which also includes one M58A3/A4 Linear Demolition Charge (LDC) and one MK22 Mod 3/4 Rocket. The MK155 LMC, mounted on an M353 Trailer Chassis, will normally be towed by an Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAVP7A1). The LDC will clear a lane 100 meters long by 16 meters wide and will be the initial minefield breaching asset used. Because the LDC is only effective against single impulse, non-blast resistant, pressure fused mines, a mechanical proofing device must also be used in a lane that has been explosively breached.

Description: The MK155 LMC is a hydraulic system which can be installed onto any M353 Trailer Chassis. All of the hydraulics are self contained. A hand pump is used to store hydraulic pressure in an accumulator. A lanyard, which runs from the accumulator to inside the towing vehicle, is used to remotely raise the launch rail to its proper firing position. A power cable is fed from the launcher to the towing vehicle which enables the operator to use the M34 Blasting Machine to launch the MK22 Rocket and detonate the LDC from inside the vehicle. The over-pressure created by the LDC will clear a path 16 meters wide and 100 meters long through a minefield consisting of single impulse, non-blast resistant, pressure-fused mines. The width of the lane and the ability to neutralize mines is dependent upon the mine type and fusing.

History: The LDC has been in the US inventory since the 1960's, with wartime use in Vietnam. The early employment, used during the Viet Nam war, was with the LVTE tractor. When the LVTP7 family of vehicles replaced the LVTP5 family of vehicles, an engineer variant of the amphibious tractor was not procured. Throughout the late 1960's and into the late 1970's, the only way to employ the LDC was with a ground-mounted system. Due to the difficulty in moving and employing the LDC in this configuration, the MK155, Trailer Mounted Mine Clearing Line Charge Launcher was developed so that the LDC could be towed behind a tracked vehicle. The trailer-mounted LDC solved the mobility problem for ground operations but did not provide an amphibious breaching capability.

General Characteristics, MK155 Mine Clearance Launcher

Manufacturer:
Several

Host Vehicle:
M353 General Purpose, 3-1/2 Ton, 2-Wheeled, Trailer Chassis

Weight (includes trailer and launch railing):
3,775 pounds (1,699 kilograms)

Fully loaded (includes 1 Linear Demolition Charge and 1 rocket): 6,405 pounds (2,883 kilograms)

Shipping Height:
74 inches (1.88 meters)

Unit Cost:
$4,660

David
Thu January 16, 2003 11:48pm

M18A1 Claymore

Description: The M18A1 antipersonnel mine was standardized in 1960, and replaced the M18 antipersonnel mine. Both mines are similar in appearance and functioning. The M18A1 claymore mine is a fragmentation munition that contains 700 steel balls and 682 grams of composition C4 explosive. It weighs 1.6 kilograms and can be detonated by command It is activated by electric or nonelectric blasting caps that are inserted into the detonator well. When employed in the controlled role, it is treated as a one-shot weapon. It is primarily designed for use against massed infantry attacks; however, its fragments are also effective against light vehicles. The M18A1 mine is equipped with a fixer plastic slit-type sight (knife-edge sight on later model), adjustable legs, and two detonator wells. The number of ways in which the Claymore may be employed is limited only by the imagination of the user. The Claymore is used primarily as a defensive weapon, but has its application in the offensive role. It must be emphasized that when the Claymore is referred to as a weapon, this implies that it is employed in the controlled role. In the uncontrolled role, the Claymore is considered a mine or boobytrap. When detonated, the M18A1 mine will deliver its spherical steel fragments over a 60? fan-shaped pattern that is 2 meters high and 50 meters wide at a range of 50 meters. These fragments are moderately effective up to a range of 100 meters and can travel up to 250 meters forward of the mine. The optimum effective range (the range at which the most desirable balance is achieved between lethality and area coverage) is 50 meters.

David
Thu January 16, 2003 11:48pm

M2 SLAM

Description: The M2 selectable lightweight attack munition (SLAM) is a multipurpose munition with an anti-tamper feature. The SLAM is compact and weighs only 1 kilogram, so it is easily portable. The SLAM is intended for use against APCs, parked aircraft, wheeled or tracked vehicles, stationary targets (such as electrical transformers), small fuel-storage tanks (less than 10,000-gallon), and ammunition storage facilities. The explosive formed projectile (EFP) warhead can penetrate 40 millimeters of homogeneous steel.

The SLAM has two models -- one is self-neutralizing (M2) and the other is self-destructing (M4): The M2 is solid green and has no labels, brands, or other distinguishing marks. This device is used by SOF and is not available to other units.
The M4 is green with a black warhead (EFP) face. This device is normally used by units designated as light, airborne, air assault, crisis response, and rapid deployment.
The SLAM has four possible modes of detonation--bottom attack, side attack, timed demolition, and command detonation. Bottom Attack: The SLAM has a built-in magnetic sensor, so it can be used as a magnetic- influenced munition against trucks and light armored vehicles. It can be concealed along trails and roads where target vehicles operate and can be camouflaged with dry leaves, grass, and so forth without affecting EFP performance. Mud, gravel, water, and other debris that fill the EFP cup have minimal impact on EFP formation and effectiveness as long as the debris does not extend beyond the depth of the EFP cup. The magnetic sensor is designed to trigger detonation when it senses a vehicle's overpass. For the EFP to form properly, it needs a minimum of 13 centimeters from the point of emplacement to the target. The bottom-attack mode is active when the selector switch is set to 4, 10, or 24 HOURS and the passive infrared sensor (PIRS) cover is in place. The SLAM will self-destruct (M4) or self-neutralize (M2) if the selected time expires before the SLAM is detonated by a vehicle. Side Attack: The SLAM is equipped with a PIRS that was specifically developed for the side-attack mode. The PIRS detects trucks and light armored vehicles by sensing the change in background temperature when vehicles cross in front of the PIRS port. The PIRS is directional and aligned with the EFP when the device is aimed. The side-attack mode is active when the SLAM selector switch is set to 4, 10, or 24 HOURS and the PIRS cover is removed to expose the PIRS. The SLAM will self-destruct (M4) or self-neutralize (M2) if the selected time expires before it is detonated by a vehicle. Timed Demolition: The SLAM's built-in timer will trigger detonation at the end of a selected time. The timed-demolition mode is active when the SLAM selector switch is set to 15, 30, 45, or 60 MINUTES. In this mode, the magnetic sensor and the PIRS are inoperable, and the SLAM will detonate after the selected time has expired. Command Detonation: This mode provides manual warhead initiation using standard military blasting caps and a priming adapter (Figure 4-7). The command-detonation capability bypasses the SLAM's fuse and safing and arming (S&A) assembly. The SLAM has an anti-tamper feature that is only active in the bottom- and side-attack modes. The SLAM will detonate when an attempt is made to change the selector switch's position after arming.

David
Sat January 18, 2003 12:59pm

An explosive ordnance dis

An explosive ordnance disposal unit Humvee and cargo trailer is backed into the cargo compartment of a C-17A Globemaster III. This aircraft and crew took people and vehicles of the 437th Civil Engineering Squadron fire department and explosive ordnance disposal unit from their home at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., to a deployed location in Southwest Asia, in support of Operation Southern Watch.

David
Tue February 11, 2003 12:53pm

LG-118A Peacekeeper

Function: The Peacekeeper missile is America's newest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Its deployment fulfilled a key goal of the strategic modernization program and increased strength and credibility to the ground-based leg of the U.S. strategic triad. Since the end of the Cold War, the United States has been revising its strategic policy and has agreed to eliminate the multiple re-entry vehicle Peacekeeper ICBMs when Russia ratifies the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty II.

Description: The Peacekeeper is capable of delivering 10 independently targeted warheads with great accuracy. It is a four-stage rocket ICBM system consisting of two major sections: the boost system and the post-boost vehicle system that includes the re-entry system.

The boost system consists of four rocket stages that launch the missile into space. These rocket stages are mounted atop one another and fire successively. Each of the first three stages exhausts its solid propellant materials through a single movable nozzle that guides the missile along its flight path.

Following the burnout and separation of the boost system's third rocket stage, the fourth stage post-boost vehicle system, in space, maneuvers to deploy the re-entry vehicles in sequence.

The post-boost vehicle system is the Peacekeeper Stage IV that has a guidance and control system and re-entry system. The post-boost vehicle rides atop the boost system. Stage IV weighs about 2,500 pounds (1,333 kilograms) and is 3.5 feet (1.07 meters) long.

The top section of the Peacekeeper post-boost vehicle is the re-entry system. It consists of the deployment module, up to 10 cone-shaped re-entry vehicles and a protective shroud. The shroud protects the re-entry vehicles during ascent. It is topped with a nose cap, containing a rocket motor to separate it from the deployment module.

The deployment module provides structural support for the re-entry vehicles and carries the electronics needed to activate and deploy them. The vehicles are covered with material to protect them during re-entry through the atmosphere to their targets and are mechanically attached to the deployment module. The attachments are unlatched by gas pressure from an explosive cartridge broken by small, exploding bolts, which free the re-entry vehicles, allowing them to separate from the deployment module with little disturbance. Each deployed re-entry vehicle follows a ballistic path to its target.

History: The Air Force successfully conducted the first test flight of the Peacekeeper June 17, 1983, from Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA. The missile traveled 4,190 miles (6,704 kilometers) before dropping six unarmed test reentry vehicles to planned target sites in the Kwajalein Missile Test Range in the Pacific Ocean.

The first two test phases consisted of 12 test flights to ensure the Peacekeeper's subsystems performed as planned, and to make final assessments of its range and payload capability. The missile was fired from aboveground canisters in its first eight tests. Thereafter, test flights were conducted from test launch facilities reconfigured to simulate operational Peacekeeper sites.

The Air Force achieved initial operational capability of 10 deployed Peacekeepers at F.E. Warren AFB, WY, in December 1986. Full operational capability was achieved in December 1988 with the establishment of a squadron of 50 missiles.

The former Ballistic Missile Office began full-scale development of the Peacekeeper in 1979. This organization, formerly located at San Bernardino, CA, integrated the activities of more than 27 civilian contractors and numerous subcontractors to develop and build the Peacekeeper system.

General Characteristics, LG-118A Peacekeeper

Contractor:
Boeing Aerospace and Electronics

Assembly and Test:
Lockheed Martin and Denver Aerospace

Power Plant:
First three stages - solid propellant; fourth stage - storable liquid (by Thiokol, Aerojet, Hercules and Rocketdyne)

Thrust:
First stage, 500,000 pounds

Length:
71 feet (21.8 meters)

Weight:
195,000 pounds (87,750 kilograms) including re-entry vehicles

Diameter:
7 feet, 8 inches (2.3 meters)

Range:
Greater than 6,000 miles (5,217 nautical miles)

Speed:
Approximately 15,000 miles per hour at burnout (Mach 20 at sea level)

Warheads:
10 Avco MK21 re-entry vehicles

Guidance System:
Inertial; integration by Boeing North American

IMU: Northrop and Boeing North American

Inventory:
Active force, 50
ANG, 0
Reserve, 0

Date Deployed:
December 1986

Unit Cost:
$70 million

David
Tue February 11, 2003 1:00pm

Mark 56 Mine

Description: The Mk 56 mine is an explosive-loaded (HBX-3) moored mine operationally planted by B-52H Stratofortress, F/A-18A/D Hornet, and P-3C Orion aircraft.

This 2,000-pound mine consists of an anchor, mechanism section, explosive section, and flight gear. Although intended primarily as an anti-submarine weapon, it can also be used effectively against surface craft. The mine employs a magnetic firing mechanism, which uses a total-field magnetometer as its influence detector. Unlike earlier search coils which responded to changes in only one component of a ship's magnetic field, the Mine Mk 56's magnetometer responds to changes in magnitude of the total background field. The mechanism/explosive sections are painted brick red and the anchor is painted black.

The Mk 56 training mine is a recoverable, inert-loaded mine identical in size and weight to its Service mine counterpart. It is designed solely for training aviation personnel flying B-52H, F/A-18A/D, and P-3C aircraft in the techniques of carrying mines and planting minefields.

This mine consists of a non-functional anchor since it does not separate and moor the mine's mechanism section. It also has an inert-loaded explosive section, an arming device simulator, and functional flight gear. The mechanism and inert-loaded explosive sections are painted either white with orange stripes or orange with white stripes and the anchor remains black.

David
Tue February 11, 2003 1:00pm

Mark 67 Submarine Launche

Description: A Mk 67 Submarine Launched Magnetic Mine (SLMM) weighs approximately 1,790 pounds and is launched from submerged submarines. The SLMM propels itself to the planting site where it shuts down and plants itself until recovery. Approximately twenty seconds after the end of the run, all propulsion and control functions are shut down and the fuse ejector disconnects the main motor fuse disconnect. This action prevents the motor from restarting after planting.

The Service SLMM is a self-propelled bottom mine with a capability that permits it to be covertly placed in a predetermined bottom planting location. It uses a Target Detection Device (TDD) Mk 57 that utilizes magnetic and seismic sensors to detect stimuli generated by enemy vessels. The SLMM's purpose is to restrict ship and submarine traffic in an operational role. The Service SLMM employs a modified Torpedo Mk 37 as the propulsion vehicle, designated the Body, Mine Main Assembly Mk 4. Forward of this main body is the Explosive Section Mk 13/Nose Section Subassembly (Loaded) which contains the PBXN?103 explosive mixture, Exploder Mechanism Mk 19, Arming Device Mk 2, and TDD Mk 57 with its Battery Mk 131.

The Body, Mine Main Assembly Mk 4 is painted green, while the Explosive Section Mk 13 retains its galvanized finish.

The training SLMM is used to provide a means for submarine personnel to develop the proficiency required to plant the mine in a minefield. The training SLMM also uses the Body, Mine Main Assembly Mk 4 for propulsion, modified so it does not flood at end of run and so the energized training battery does not run the propulsion motor when first mated to the main body. The Body, Mine Main Assembly Mk 4 is painted green, while the Inert Loaded Explosive Section Mk 13 or Exercise Head Assembly Mk 91 is painted either white with orange stripes or orange with white stripes.

David
Tue March 11, 2003 5:25pm

MOAB Bomb

MOAB, short for "massive ordnance air burst" bomb, is a 21,000-pound bomb that is pushed out the back of a C-130 transport and guided by satellite. Because it is not dropped by parachute, as was the old Daisy Cutter, the aircraft can let it go from far higher altitudes, making it safer for U.S. pilots.

The MOAB's massive explosive punch is similar to a small nuclear weapon.

It is intended to obliterate a command center hidden in tunnels and bunkers or a concentration of tanks.

One important aspect of using this type of weapon will be psychological impact on enemy troops. It is intended to terrorize troops, drastically reducing their desire to continue the fight.

David
Tue March 11, 2003 5:26pm

MOAB Bomb Rear View

MOAB, short for "massive ordnance air burst" bomb, is a 21,000-pound bomb that is pushed out the back of a C-130 transport and guided by satellite. Because it is not dropped by parachute, as was the old Daisy Cutter, the aircraft can let it go from far higher altitudes, making it safer for U.S. pilots.

The MOAB's massive explosive punch is similar to a small nuclear weapon.

It is intended to obliterate a command center hidden in tunnels and bunkers or a concentration of tanks.

One important aspect of using this type of weapon will be psychological impact on enemy troops. It is intended to terrorize troops, drastically reducing their desire to continue the fight.

David
Fri March 21, 2003 6:14am

Massive Ordnance Air Blas

The US Air Force has developed the 21,000-lb., or 95-hundred kilogram, satellite-guided Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bombs (MOAB) as a successor to the the 15,000-lb. "Daisy Cutters" used in Vietnam and Afghanistan. The Air Force is said to call MOABs (pronounced MOE-ab) the mother of all bombs. As with the earlier Daisy Cutter, these huge bombs are dropped out of the rear of the C-130 cargo plane.

Unlike the Daisy Cutter, the MOAB is released without the use of a parachute. As a result, the aircraft releasing the bomb can fly at higher altitudes, thus making it safer for US pilots. This replacement for the BLU-82 bomb uses more of the slurry of ammonium nitrate and powdered aluminum used in the BLU-82. Other reports indicate that the MOAB might use tritonal explosive as opposed to the gelled slurry explosive of the BLU-82.

Testing began at Eglin as part of an Air Force Research Lab Technology Demonstration Project.

Work on the program began in 2002 and was set for completion in 2003.

David
Fri March 21, 2003 6:15am

David
Fri March 21, 2003 6:17am

High-power microwave (HPM

High-power microwave (HPM) sources have been under investigation for several years as potential weapons for a variety of combat, sabotage, and terrorist applications. Due to classification restrictions, details of this work are relatively unknown outside the military community and its contractors. A key point to recognize is the insidious nature of HPM. Due to the gigahertz-band frequencies (4 to 20 GHz) involved, HPM has the capability to penetrate not only radio front-ends, but also the most minute shielding penetrations throughout the equipment. At sufficiently high levels, as discussed, the potential exists for significant damage to devices and circuits. For these reasons, HPM should be of interest to the broad spectrum of EMC practitioners.

Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) and High Powered Microwave (HMP) Weapons offer a significant capability against electronic equipment susceptible to damage by transient power surges. This weapon generates a very short, intense energy pulse producing a transient surge of thousands of volts that kills semiconductor devices. The conventional EMP and HMP weapons can disable non-shielded electronic devices including practically any modern electronic device within the effective range of the weapon.

The effectiveness of an EMP device is determined by the power generated and the characteristic of the pulse. The shorter pulse wave forms, such as microwaves, are far more effective against electronic equipment and more difficult to harden against. Current efforts focus on converting the energy from an explosive munitions to supply the electromagnetic pulse. This method produces significant levels of directionally focused electromagnetic energy.

Future advances may provide the compactness needed to weaponize the capability in a bomb or missile warhead. Currently, the radius of the weapon is not as great as nuclear EMP effects. Open literature sources indicate that effective radii of “hundreds of meters or more” are possible. EMP and HPM devices can disable a large variety of military or infrastructure equipment over a relatively broad area. This can be useful for dispersed targets.

A difficulty is determining the appropriate level of energy to achieve the desired effects. This will require detailed knowledge of the target equipment and the environment (walls, buildings). The obvious counter-measure is the shielding or hardening of electronic equipment. Currently, only critical military equipment is hardened e.g., strategic command and control systems. Hardening of existing equipment is difficult and adds significant weight and expense. As a result, a large variety of commercial and military equipment will be susceptible to this type of attack.

The US Navy reportedly used a new class of highly secret, non-nuclear electromagnetic pulse warheads during the opening hours of the Persian Gulf War to disrupt and destroy Iraqi electronics systems. The warheads converted the energy of a conventional explosion into a pulse of radio energy. The effect of the microwave attacks on Iraqi air defense and headquarters was difficult to determine because the effects of the HPM blasts were obscured by continuous jamming, the use of stealthy F-117 aircraft, and the destruction of Iraq's electrical grid. The warheads used during the Gulf War were experimental warheads, not standard weapons deployed with fielded forces.

Col. William G. Heckathorn, commander of the Phillips Research Site and the deputy director of the Directed Energy Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory, was presented the Legion of Merit medal during special retirement ceremonies in May 1998. In a citation accompanying the medal, Col. Heckathorn was praised for having provided superior vision, leadership, and direct guidance that resulted in the first high-power microwave weapon prototypes delivered to the warfighter. The citation noted that "Col. Heckathorn united all directed energy development within Army, Navy and Air Force, which resulted in an efficient, focused, warfighter-oriented tri-service research program." In December of 1994 he came to Kirtland to become the director of the Advanced Weapons and Survivability Directorate at the Phillips Laboratory. Last year he became the commander of the Phillips Laboratory while still acting as the director of the Advanced Weapons and Survivability Directorate.

As with a conventional munition, a microwave munition is a "single shot" munition that has a similar blast and fragmentation radius. However, while the explosion produces a blast, the primary mission is to generate the energy that powers the microwave device. Thus, for a microwave munition, the primary kill mechanism is the microwave energy, which greatly increases the radius and the footprint by, in some cases, several orders of magnitude. For example, a 2000-pound microwave munition will have a minimum radius of approximately 200 meters, or footprint of approximately 126,000 square meters.

Studies have examined the incorporation of a high power microwave weapon into the weapons bay of a conceptual uninhabited combat aerial vehicle. The CONOPS, electromagnetic compatibility and hardening (to avoid a self-kill), power requirements and potential power supplies, and antenna characteristics have been analyzed. Extensive simulations of potential antennas have been performed. The simulations examined the influence of the aircraft structure on the antenna patterns and the levels of leakage through apertures in the weapons bay. Other investigations examined issues concerning the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of composite aircraft structures.

Collateral damage from E-bombs is dependent on the size and design of the specific bomb. An E-bomb that utilizes explosive power to obtain its damaging microwaves will result in typical blast and shrapnel damage. Ideally, an E-Bomb would be designed to minimize and dissipate most of the mechanical collateral damage. Human exposure to microwave radiation is hazardous within several meters of the epicenter. However, there is a relatively low risk of bodily damage at further distances.

Any non-military electronics within range of the E-bomb that have not been protected have a high probability of being damaged or destroyed. The best way to defend against E-bomb attack is to destroy the platform or delivery vehicle in which the E-bomb resides. Another method of protection is to keep all essential electronics within an electrically conductive enclosure, called a Faraday cage. This prevents the damaging electromagentic field from interacting with vital equipment. The problem with Faraday cages is that most vital equipment needs to be in contact with the outside world. This contact point can allow the electromagentic field to enter the cage, which ultimately renders the enclosure useless. There are ways to protect against these Faraday cage flaws, but the fact remains that this is a dangerous weakpoint. In most circumstances E-bombs are categorized as 'non-lethal weapons' because of the minimal collateral damage they create. The E-bomb's 'non-lethal' categorization gives military commanders more politically-friendly options to choose from.

David
Fri March 21, 2003 6:21am

Joint Service Lightweight

The Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology or JSLIST consists of a two piece garment designed to replace the Navy's existing Chemical Protection Overgarment (CPO). The JSLIST garment offers a number of advantages over the Navy' s current CPO. The JSLIST garment features state-of-the-art chemical protective lining technology which provides increased chemical protection while allowing more mobility for the wearer, and can be laundered up to three times. The CPO suit contains a charcoal impregnated lining. During wear, this lining is leached onto the wearer causing inner garments to become coated with charcoal dust. The CPO suit would disintegrate if laundered.

In 1993 the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command, the U.S. Army Aviation and Troop Command, the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command and the U.S. Air Force Material Command signed a Memorandum of Agreement establishing the JSLIST Program. The program combined development and testing efforts resulting in the procurement of a single U.S. military CBR Garment at a significantly reduced cost.

The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center is participating in the management, design and development of the next generation chemical/biological protective clothing system. Key requirements of the JSLIST program included protection against chemical/biological agents, a lighter weight, more flexible garment, and the ability to be laundered. Key requirements of the footwear include combined environmental and CB protection, POL resistance, and self flame extinguishing characteristics. In addition, the system is required to be durable, designed to take into account the human factors of (and acceptability to) the user, and reduce the heat stress associated with protective gear.

JSLIST consolidates service programs to develop next generation chemical/biological protective clothing systems into common goal objectives: obtain the best suit possible at the least cost; minimize types of suits in service; maximize economies of scale; and conserve service resources. JSLIST created an avenue for new, potential candidate chemical protective material technologies/prototype ensembles to be evaluated for technical merit and performance. This process screened potential technologies for inclusion into future advanced development programs.

Description:
Components include an Overgarment to be worn over the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU), and the Multipurpose Rain / Snow / CB Overboot (MULO). These items allow complete MOPP and heat stress management flexibility while tailoring the protection levels relative to mission scenarios and threat. Procurement of these items began in FY97.

The JSLIST program developed and is fielding the JSLIST Overgarment and is manufacturing Multi-purpose Overboots (MULO). The JSLIST Overgarment and the Multipurpose Overboot (MULO) were adopted by all four services. These items, when combined with standard CB protective butyl gloves and masks for respiratory protection, allow complete MOPP flexibility. The Joint Firefighter Integrated Response Ensemble (J-FIRE) will also utilize the JSLIST overgarment.

The JSLIST overgarment is designed to replace the Battle Dress Overgarment, the USMC Saratoga, and the Navy Chemical Protective Overgarment. It is lighter and less bulky than the previous Battle Dress Overgarment (BDO) chemical protective garments, is durable for 45 days, can be laundered up to six times and provides 24 hours of protection against liquid and vapor chemical challenges. The overgarment consists of a coat and trousers. The trousers have bellows-type pockets, high-waist, adjustable suspenders, and adjustable waistband. The trousers also have a slide fastener front opening with protective flap and a bellows pocket with flap located on each thigh. Each leg opening has two hook and loop ankle adjustment tabs. The waist-length coat has an integral hood, a slide fastener front concealed by a flap with hook and loop closure, enclosed extendable elasticized drawcord hem with jacket retention cord, full-length sleeves with hoop and loop wrist closure adjustment tabs, and an outside bellows pocket with flap on the left sleeve. The outer shell of both pieces is a 50/50 nylon/cotton poplin ripstop with a durable water repellent finish. The liner layer consists of a nonwoven front laminated to activated carbon spheres and bonded to a tricot knit back. Garments are being procured in 4-color Woodland Camouflage or 3-color Desert Camouflage patterns.

Component Materials: The outer shell is a 50/50 nylon/cotton poplin ripstop with a durable water repellent finish. The liner layer consists of a nonwoven front laminated to activated carbon spheres and bonded to a tricot knit back.

Color: The outer layer is a 40 color Woodland Camouflage pattern or a 3-color Desert Camouflage pattern.

Weight: 2.63 kg (5.8 lbs) per overgarment (Med/Reg)

Size: Coat, 7 sizes, Small/X-Short through Large/Long; Trousers, 7 sizes, Small/X-Short through Large/Long

Basis of Issue: The overgarment will be issued to troops requiring chemical protection.

Price: Coat, Med/Reg $91.80; Trousers, Med/Reg $91.80

NSN: Coat, Med/Reg 8415-01-444-2310; Trousers, Med/Reg 8415-01-444-1238

The JSLIST suit has a five-year shelf life, with an estimated total life of 15 years. Once a production lot of suits has reached five years of age, samples from that lot are visually inspected and chemical agent tested to determine whether the shelf life of that lot should be extended an additional five years with sound confidence of quality / durability. Once the suit reaches ten years of service life it is chemical tested, inspected, and if qualified, is extended annually thereafter. Equipment Assessment Program personnel will perform the visual inspection. The chemical testing will be performed by the Battelle Memorial Institute. Inspection and testing of the JSLIST suits will begin in FY02 (first five year period) for shelf life extension. Representative samples from FY97 production lots will be inspected at that time.

JSLIST suits in packages with some loss of vacuum, but no clearly visible holes or tears, are considered fully mission-capable. If a bag is opened or accidentally torn, and has not been exposed to any petroleum, oil, or lubricant (POL) products or possible contaminants and not damaged in any way, it can be immediately re-packaged or carefully repaired with high quality adhesive tape, "duct tape", or some similar product to re-create the seal, and it will maintain its original shelf life. Repair procedures to the inner bag should not obliterate surveillance data. If a package is visibly torn or punctured with no determination as to when it was damaged or to what contaminants the suit was exposed, the suit should be used for training only. The words training only must be stenciled 2.5 inches high or larger on the outside of a sleeve or leg of the item, in a contrasting colored permanent ink.

The Multi-purpose Overboots (MULO) will replace the black vinyl overboot/ green vinyl overboot (BVO/GVO). The MULO is a 60 day boot that provides 24 hours of chemical protection. The boot has increased traction, improved durability, petroleum, oil, and lubricant (POL) and flame resistance, and better chemical protection than the BVO/GVO.

The focus of Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology Pre-Planned Product Improvement (JSLIST P3I) is to leverage Industry for mature fabric technologies for use in garments. The existing JSLIST design will be used as the baseline, with minimum modification as necessary for improvement. Mature fabric technologies and designs for gloves and socks will be sought as well to address the glove and sock requirements that were not met in JSLIST.

A market survey was conducted in FY97. Materials received from responding forms were evaluated, and material screening was scheduled to be completed in 4FQ98. Field evaluation was projected to start 1QFY99, and technology insertion in 1QFY00.

The JSLIST P3I is a follow-on to the existing JSLIST program which developed a joint service chemical protective ensemble. It will address the JSLIST objectives (i.e. desired) requirements and those that were not met. This joint program will include full participation by the US Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy.

The JSLIST Block 1 Glove Upgrade (JB1GU) Program is seeking an interim glove to replace the current butyl rubber glove. The follow on to the JB1GU will be the JB2GU program that will be produce gloves for both ground and aviation units. The Joint Protective Aircrew Ensemble (JPACE) will be developed to provide aviators with the same advantages and improved protection as JSLIST provides to other warfighters. Similarly, clothing systems for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel and firefighters are required to enhance existing chemical protection systems.

In an attempt to encourage competition and lower costs, the Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology (JSLIST) program solicited in 4QFY00 for JSLIST overgarments in alternate materials, but having the exact same design as the original JSLIST. The purpose of the JSLIST Additional Source Qualification (JASQ) program is to qualify additional manufacturers to provide JSLIST overgarments. Manufacturers could also submit Industry Initiated Demonstration Products (IIDP) in alternate materials that might require a different design. These though will be evaluated for potential use in future garments and can not be qualified for use as a substitute JSLIST overgarment. After release of Request for Proposal in FY00, four candidate materials and two IIDP candidates were received. All have completed field-testing at 29 Palms, Cold Regions Test Center, and Tropic Test Center 4QFY01 – 2QFY02. Due to funding shortfalls, chemical agent swatch testing has been postponed until 1QFY03. Upon completion of agent testing, the candidates will be evaluated for inclusion on the Qualified Products List (QPL).

Suit shortages are projected to escalate in the next few years because the majority of suits in the current inventory will reach the end of their useful life and expire by 2007, and new Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology (JSLIST) suits, along with other new generation protective ensemble components such as gloves and boots, are not entering the inventory as quickly as originally planned. Consequently, the old suits are expiring faster than they are being replaced.

Some ensemble components, particularly suits, may not be available in adequate numbers to meet near-term minimum requirements. As of August 30, 2002, DOD had procured about 1.5 million of the new JSLIST suits, of which the majority were issued to the military services. Others are held in Defense Logistics Agency reserves, provided to foreign governments under the Foreign Military Sales program, or allocated to domestic uses. Together with the existing inventory of earlier-generation suits, it was estimated that DOD had a total of 4.5 million suits.

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