Detection techniques and specific systems with assessed Technological Readiness Levels (TRLs) are described by both capabilities and characteristics.
A list of detection techniques and systems' capabilities include:
detection rate of explosives and/or explosive precursor components
the false positive rate
the effective range
the detection depths in various soils
foliage penetration capability
type of explosive and/or explosive precursor component that the system is capable of detecting (metal, non-metal, radio controlled, etc.)
impacts of different types of weather
processing time
day/night capability
A description of the characteristics includes:
size
weight
power
directionality
approximate cost
reliability
mean time to repair (MTTR)
availability of components
intellectual property issues
Also of concern are any hazard identifications, the impact of each system and/or technique on DOTMLPF-P, and acquisition recommendations.
Robots
Talon: The TALON transmits in color, black and white, infrared, and/or night vision to its operator, who may be up to 1,000 m away. It can run off lithium-ion batteries for a maximum of 7 days on standby independently before needing recharging. It has an 8.5 hour battery life at normal operating speeds, 2 standard lead batteries providing 2 hours each and 1 optional Lithium Ion providing an additional 4.5 hours. It weighs less than 100lb (45kg) or 60lb (27kg) for the Reconnaissance version. Its cargo bay accommodates a variety of sensor payloads. The robot is controlled through a two-way radio or a Fiber-optic link from a portable or wearable Operator Control Unit (OCU) that provides continuous data and video feedback for precise vehicle positioning. The (IED/EOD) TALON Carries sensors and a robotic manipulator, which is used by the U.S. Military for explosive ordnance disposal and disarming improvised explosive devices.
Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV): SUGVs are lightweight, rugged, specialized systems suitable for military applications in congested urban settings to give users the ability to see around corners and into tight spaces.
Throwbots: Throwbots (from "throwable robot") are rugged, highly portable, and instantly and easily deployable reconnaissance robots.
US Navy 090512-N-2013O-013 A Mark II Talon robot from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5, Det. Japan, is used to inspect a suspicious package during a force protection-anti-terrorism training exercise.
Bomb disposal robot "tEODor" of the German Bundeswehr destroying an IED dummy
Dragon Runner robot on exercise with the British Army in 2012
Wheelbarrow robot on the streets of Northern Ireland in 1978
Soldier-worn protection
Body Armor: Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines have a large assortment of wearable protection against the effects of blasts and shrapnel. There have been many advancements made in ergonomics, blast resistant material and infection prevention over the last couple decades. Currently there are many options available for dismounted troops to protect them from all types of danger. Below are a few of the currently-fielded systems and what is to come.
E-SAPI/X-SAPI ballistic plates: Armored plates (of a shape and curvature to be placed against the body) that provide protection from explosively-formed projectiles.
Pelvic Protection System: To reduce casualties and minimize damage to vital areas of the body the U.S. Army teamed with other organizations and the industry to develop and rapidly field the Pelvic Protective System. The system is currently composed of two layers: an inner layer (underwear), and outer layer (ballistic protection)[1].
Armored/Mine-Resistant and Counter-IED Vehicles
MRAP (Cougar variant) being blast tested
Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles
The MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles) program was prompted by U.S. deaths in Iraq.[2] These vehicles are designed specifically to withstand improvised explosive device (IED) attacks and ambushes.
As recently as 2007, the U.S. military has ordered the production of about 10,000 MRAPs at a cost of over $500,000 each, and planned to order more MRAPs. Currently there are many different variants produced by several different manufacturers.[3] Similar vehicles have been built and are in active service with military, police and private sector security companies worldwide.
The Husky VMMD (Vehicle-Mounted Mine Detection) is a South African configurable counter-IED MRAP designed for route clearance and demining. It is designed to assist in the disposal of land mines and improvised explosive devices.
The Husky was initially deployed in the 1970s. The South African Defense Force used the Husky extensively to clear mines from military convoy routes in Namibia and Angola during the South African Border War.
In the mid-1990s, Husky underwent a two-year foreign comparative test program within the United States Department of Defense that resulted in additional follow-on modifications and testing. In 1997, production systems were delivered under the U.S. Army Interim Vehicle Mounted Mine Detection Program.
Over the next twenty years, the Husky went through a number of iterations and upgrades. U.S. and International military' route clearance units currently employ Husky vehicles as IED detection and clearance vehicles. Husky VMMD
The Israel Defense ForcesCombat Engineering Corps uses an armored version of the Caterpillar D9, called IDF Caterpillar D9 "Doobi", to clear paths and operational terrain from landmines and a various IEDs. The heavy armor and durable construction of the IDF D9 enable it to withstand very heavy "belly charges" (IEDs weighing more than 100kg planted underground to hit the hull of an armored fighting vehicle) which are capable of destroying main battle tanks. The IDF also have a remote-controlled version of the D9N (called "Raam HaShachar", "Dawn Thunder" in Hebrew) and the D9T (called "Panda") to clear IEDs in very dangerous environments.
Duke V3 Counter Radio-controlled Electronic Warfare jamming system
Duke Version 3 Vehicle mounted CREW system: "Duke V3"., manufactured by SRCTec, Inc., is a counter radio-controlled improvised explosive device (RCIED) electronic warfare (CREW) system that was developed to provide U.S. forces critical, life-saving protection against a wide range of threats. It is a field deployable system that was designed to have minimal size, weight and power requirements while providing simple operation and optimal performance in order to provide force protection against radio-controlled IEDs. CREW Duke V3 consists of a primary unit known as the CREW Duke V2 and a secondary unit that features advanced electronic warfare subsystems to counter emerging advanced RCIED technologies. Advanced EW components and techniques are implemented to combat complex threat infrastructures in order to provide a maximum protection radius while minimizing the overall system cost and prime power consumption requirements.
CVRJ CREW Vehicle Receiver Jammer
CVRJ (CREW Vehicle Receiver Jammer) U.S. Marines:[4] The primary purpose of the CVRJ system is to defeat existing Radio Frequency (RF) threats and newly identified Hard-to-Kill RF threats. The CVRJ system accomplishes its primary mission by jamming each threat's transmitted RF signals. The secondary purpose of the CVRJ system is to add the capability to combine multiple internal RF signals and external RF inputs from other systems, and serve as the conduit for transmitting those RF signals while maintaining system interoperability. It accomplishes both missions via 15 waveform programmable RF channels. The system is software controlled to meet specific threats. Indicators on the CVRJ front panel and Remote Control Unit (RCU) allow the operator to observe system health and diagnostic messages. Built-In-Test (BIT) routines run during system initialization and operation that notify the operator of system faults by illuminating indicators referred to as "annunciators" and by displaying text messages on the RCU display. The system is highly automated which reduces operator interaction. The system draws up to 36amps of vehicle power, weighs approximately 69lbs, and measures 13″H × 14″W × 19″D.
Vehicle Jammer System STARV: Protective modular jamming system STAR V740 is intended for a protection against RCIED. The system either prevents the activation of RCIED or it can significantly reduce the distance for a bomb activation. The system is used to protect the special EOD teams or for a convoy protection. The jamming is performed by random frequency sweeping in a few frequencies sub-bands at the same time. Each sub-band has a possibility to set up to two communication windows for mutual radio communication. The jamming system is equipped with 8wideband transmitters, 3low-pass filters, 1combiner, 6omni-directional antennas and 8wide-band digital exciters. The higher level of jamming efficiency is accomplished by using more parallel subsystems and digital technology. The jamming system is intended as a mobile system which is installed in the vehicle. It is equipped with the Omni-directional antennas that are part of the system. The output power of the jammer is up to 740W. The jamming system is easily controlled and the failures are easily diagnosed. It is controlled on the front panel. The operator can switch on/off particular transmitting systems and subsystems, set up to three jamming sub-bands in each. Dwell time in each sub-band can also be modified. Jammer is equipped with IP, RS485 and USB interface. System is also equipped with special SW which can be installed on a notebook or a PC. Special remote control box is also included. The system's voltage is from 22 to 30Volts.
HP 3260H convoy jammer system installed in a GMC vehicle
Convoy Jammer System HP 3260H: Modular jamming system intended to protect surrounding vehicles and personnel against RCIED. Designed for maximum frequency coverage and protection range, the system is used for both, civilian and military motorcades. The modularity enables users to scale the system according to operational requirements and the software allows programming of all signal generators independently to ensure utmost configurability and maximising the effectiveness of the jamming signals.
Two soldiers with the 25th Infantry Division operate Thor and Minehound, two counter-IED devices.
Thor III dismounted CREW system: The Thor III system consists of three dismounted man-pack subsystems, one battery charger, and twenty-four batteries (BB-2590/U). Each subsystem contains a R/T (low band, mid band or high band), a Remote Control Unit (RCU), an integration/pack frame, an Rx/Tx Antenna (low band, mid band, or high band), a GPS antenna, cables, and software. Each subsystem is housed in a separate transit case with protective covers. The purpose of the Thor III dismounted system is to provide the user in the field with a wearable Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) jammer that has been designed to counter an array of frequency diverse threats. The system is an expandable, active and reactive, scanning-receiver-based jammer with multiple jamming signal sources that allow it to counter multiple simultaneous threats.
Joint IED Neutralizer (JIN): In 2005, Ionatron attempted to develop an anti IED device that would "zap" IEDs from a distance by using lasers to ionize the air and allow man-made lightning to shoot towards the devices detonating them at a safe distance. By using femtosecond lasers light pulses that last less than a ten-trillionth of a second JIN could carve conductive channels of ionized oxygen in the air. Through these channels, Ionatron's blaster sent man-made lightning bolts.
Thor IED Zappers: The vehicular system is mounted on a remotely controlled weapon station, carrying the laser beam director and high-energy laser and coaxial 12.7mm machine gun to neutralize improvised explosive devices from a safe, standoff distance.[5]Restricted link[6]
Ultra Wide Band High Powered Electro Magnetics: An UWB-HPEM system typically consists of the following components: a battery-based direct current power supply, an actuation system, a semiconductor-based ultra-wideband pulse generator and an ultra-wideband antenna. Depending on the type of threat, it can either set off a sensor-triggered IEDs in a controlled explosion or prevent it from being remotely detonated by radio or mobile phone. A UWB-HPEM system can be loaded onto a vehicle, creating an electromagnetic protection zone for a convoy, potentially in combination with other systems.[7]
IED Countermeasure Equipment (ICE): In the fall of 2004, the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico and New Mexico State University's Physical Science Laboratory developed a jamming system that uses low-power radio frequency energy to block the radio signals that detonate enemy IEDs.[8][9][10] The IED Countermeasure Equipment is typically mounted on a vehicle and is used to neutralize IEDs when avoiding, disarming, or destroying them is not practical.[11] So far, several thousand ICE systems have been deployed to U.S. military personnel.[12]
Other Countermeasures
Ground Ordnance Land Disruptor: G.O.L.D. is a user filled, explosively driven Counter-IED system that renders buried IEDs safe through a combination of disruption, component separation and expulsion from the ground allowing the IED to remain biometrically intact.[13]
Rhino:Rhino is a box-shaped heating device attached to a long pole that can be mounted to the front of a vehicle to prematurely detonate any buried IEDs in front of the vehicle.[14]
Detection Systems
A variety of technologies are used to detect landmines, improvised explosive devices (IED) and unexploded ordnance (UXO), including acoustic sensors, animals and biologically-based detection systems (bees, dogs, pigs, rats), chemical sensors, electromagnetic sensors and hyperspectral sensor analysis, generalized radar techniques, ground penetrating radar, lidar and electro-optical sensors (including hyperspectral and millimeter wave), magnetic signatures, nuclear sensors, optical sensors, seismic acoustic sensors, and thermal detection.
Microwave Based Explosive Caches Detection: Raytheon UK's Soteria vehicle-mounted stand-off system provides high-definition IED detection, confirmation and threat diagnostics from a significant distance. Soteria's optical processing technology has the following capabilities: a high probability of IED detection with a low false positive rate, detection of high, medium, low and zero metal content IEDs, assisted target recognition, and day and night operability.
Non-linear Junction Detector (NLJD): A portable NLJD allows the operator to search voids and areas where they are unable to gain physical or visual access, in order to detect electronic components and determine if the area is free from IEDs.
Laser IED Detection: Scientists are learning to adapt lasers to detect, or defeat, IEDs.[17]
Mine detectors: A portable, hand-held or worn device to detect buried IEDs. There are many different models from several different companies currently in use worldwide by U.S. and coalition forces. These are not your run of the mill metal detectors that you can buy at your local store, they are highly sophisticated, ultra sensitive, programmable devices.[18]
Unmanned Systems intended for Counter-IED
Current version of PTDS, a widely used Aerostat in combat operations
Aerostats
Tethered Aerostat over AfghanistanLightning Strike at MEZ
Aerostats are balloons equipped with stabilized electro optical, infrared, and radar sensors which are manned 24 hours a day. The Persistent Threat Detection System (PTDS) was the largest and most capable Aerostat ever used in combat. The largest non-combat is the TARS aerostat. First used in 2004 (Camp Slayer, Iraq). It can sit for weeks, thousands of feet above a base, forward operating base or combat outpost. Known as the "unblinking eye", Aerostats provide real-time High Definition imagery of the surrounding area, day or night, and are strategically placed for surveillance purposes. The commands controlling it can be US or NATO forces that control its use and missions. They enhance situational awareness and improve force protection. Aerostats can be used to reconnoiter routes before friendly forces travel them and to provide over watch for dismounted troops or convoys. They can also serve as a communications and Full Motion Video (FMV) relay platform to extend the range and disseminate situational awareness. They are linked with several ground-based sensors, including acoustic sensors that detect and locate weapon fire or blasts.
MASINT-UTAMS tower
Persistent Threat Detection System (PTDS)
The Persistent Threat Detection System (PTDS) is a large helium-filled lighter than air system designed by Lockheed Martin to provide soldiers long range intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and communication assistance.[19]
Since the American Civil War, when Union Soldiers utilized hot air balloons to serve as a surveillance platform, airship technology has been a part of the Army's inventory. As U.S. forces began a troop surge in Afghanistan while maintaining security in Iraq, the need to provide soldiers with a persistent view of the battlefield was critical.[20]
In 2003, Lockheed Martin engineers began updating existing naval aerostats with durable materials capable of achieving lift while carrying larger payloads of sensors, cameras and audio equipment. New tethers—lined with a mix of copper wires and fiber-optic cables—transmitted data to a ground control station, which then disseminated near real-time information of hostile activity to operational forces.[21]
The aerostats are reconnaissance tool, gathering intelligence from 20 miles in every direction, 24 hours a day, for weeks on end.[21] In Iraq and Afghanistan, there was a special need for enhanced surveillance, especially in the attempt to counter improvised explosive devices.[22] In late 2013, PTDS was utilized by Customs Border Patrol in Texas to reduce the criminal activities crossing the Rio Grande. Over 700 Field engineers from Lockheed Martin were scattered across both countries with a small 5 man specialist team known as the 'Tiger Team' used for site setups, repair and more.
The Army Research Laboratory developed and then mounted PTDS with an acoustic-sensor array, known as the Unattended Transient Acoustic MASINT Sensor (UTAMS). The technology detects, locates, and cues a collocated imager to transient sounds, such as enemy mortar, gunfire, rocket launches, and IED attacks, and calculates the ground location of the threat source. Adding this airborne detection – localization – cueing capability provides accurate intelligence to PTDS.[23] PTDS is compatible with other technology developed by the Army Research Laboratory, such as Serenity Payload and FireFly.[20] Although the main equipment used was the L-3 Communications MX-20 analog and later, digital cameras. The same platform utilized a high power laser that could be used for spotting and exposing insurgent locations in the dark.
"Fletch" Lockheed Martin's Field Engineers
The first PTDS was deployed by the US Army in 2004 and 37 PTDS units were acquired by 2010. Lockheed Martin delivered the final PTDS to the US Army in May 2012, bringing the total number of systems procured by the US Army to 66.[21] Later systems were developed and used in the return to Iraq in 2015. The contract was eventually lost to another bidder and the program declined in useful status up to the complete removal from Afghanistan and Iraqi draw down.
The airship has been one of the Army's major weapons since 2004 and was recognized by the Department of Army Engineers and Scientists as the Army's greatest invention in 2005.[24]
Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV)
A UGV is a vehicle kit system that advances perception, localization and motion planning to protect from IED threats and increase performance in autonomous missions.[25] They typically are adaptable to any tactical wheeled vehicle for the purpose of supervised autonomous navigation in either a lead or follow role. UGVs are multi-sensor systems which use registration techniques to provide accurate positioning estimates without needing to rely on continuous tracking through a lead vehicle or GPS signals. When equipped with a UGV, each vehicle is capable of navigation to the objective independently.
Related Research Articles
Bomb disposal is an explosives engineering profession using the process by which hazardous explosive devices are disabled or otherwise rendered safe. Bomb disposal is an all-encompassing term to describe the separate, but interrelated functions in the military fields of explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and improvised explosive device disposal (IEDD), and the public safety roles of public safety bomb disposal (PSBD) and the bomb squad.
An improvised explosive device (IED) is a bomb constructed and deployed in ways other than in conventional military action. It may be constructed of conventional military explosives, such as an artillery shell, attached to a detonating mechanism. IEDs are commonly used as roadside bombs, or homemade bombs.
An unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) is a vehicle that operates while in contact with the ground without an onboard human presence. UGVs can be used for many applications where it is inconvenient, dangerous, expensive, or impossible to use an onboard human operator. Typically, the vehicle has sensors to observe the environment, and autonomously controls its behavior or uses a remote human operator to control the vehicle via teleoperation.
The Foster-Miller TALON is a remotely operated, tracked military robot designed for missions ranging from reconnaissance to combat. It is made by the American robotics company QinetiQ-NA, a subsidiary of QinetiQ.
The Rapid Equipping Force (REF) was a United States Army organization headquartered in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The organization was charged with quickly providing Army units deployed globally with innovative government off-the-shelf and commercially available solutions that address urgent requirements within 180 days or less. The REF was able to do this through unique authorities and by maintaining a presence near the point of need. REF personnel were positioned in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait and mobile laboratories are available for quick solutions. Additionally, the REF empowered the Army at a grassroots level, enabling individual soldiers to communicate needs directly through simple request forms.
The Zeus-HLONS, also known as HMMWV, Laser Ordnance Neutralization System, is a solid-state laser weapon which is used by the U.S. military in order to neutralize surface land mines and unexploded ordnance. The Zeus-HLONS system was a co-operative effort between SPARTA, Inc. and Naval EOD Technology Division to demonstrate that a moderate-power commercial solid state laser (SSL) and beam control system could be integrated onto a Humvee and used to clear surface mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), or unexploded ordnance from supply routes and minefields.
Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division is the principal tenant command located at Naval Support Activity Crane in Indiana.
The Fido explosives detector is a battery-powered, handheld sensory device that uses amplifying fluorescent polymer (AFP) materials to detect trace levels of high explosives like trinitrotoluene (TNT). It was developed by Nomadics, a subsidiary of ICX Technologies, in the early 2000s as part of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) Dog's Nose program. The Fido explosives detector is considered the first artificial nose capable of detecting landmines in the real world. The device was named after its ability to detect explosive vapors at concentrations of parts per quadrillion, which is comparable to the sensitivity of a bomb-sniffing dog’s nose, i.e. the historical “gold standard” for finding concealed explosives.
The Husky VMMD is a configurable counter-IED MRAP vehicle, developed by South African-based DCD Protected Mobility and American C-IED company Critical Solutions International. Designed for use in route clearance and de-mining operations, the Husky is equipped with technologies to help detect explosives and minimise blast damage.
Target acquisition minefield detection system is a bomb-detection system engineered to detect improvised explosive devices (IED). It provides a unit of action (UA) asset that can be used in tactical operations in day or night, to detect and locate surface obstacles and recently buried minefields. ASTAMIDS is currently being tested in the Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aerial vehicle.
Program Executive Office Soldier is a US Army organization that is responsible for rapid prototyping, procurement, and fielding of equipment for the soldiers.
The THOR III is man-portable, counter-radio-controlled improvised explosive device (IED) jammer built by Sierra Nevada Corp, designed to counter specifically Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Devices (RCIED). It was employed by the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and partnered Afghan National Army soldiers in Afghanistan. Sierra Nevada received the initial contract in December 2007. This system uses three transceivers mounted on backpacks to jam radio-controlled IEDs; each of the three different transceivers jams a different frequency bandwidth. Power requirements: Low-band, 2.5amps; Mid-band, 4.0amps; High-band, 5.0amps.
Counter-IED efforts are done primarily by military and law enforcement with the assistance of the diplomatic and financial communities. It involves a comprehensive approach of countering the threat networks that employ improvised explosive devices (IEDs), defeating the devices themselves, and training others. Counter-IED, or C-IED, is usually part of a broader counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, or law enforcement effort. Because IEDs are a subset of a number of forms of asymmetric warfare used by insurgents and terrorists, C-IED activities are principally against adversaries and not only against IEDs. C-IED treats the IED as a systemic problem and aims to defeat the IED threat networks themselves.
The Ground-Based Operational Surveillance System, (G-BOSS) created by Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, is a trailer-mounted tower with mounted surveillance systems. It was integrated with the command operations center (COC) used primarily by the United States Marine Corps during the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021) and the War in Iraq. The G-BOSS is used primarily for force protection, checkpoint security, route reconnaissance, patrol over watch, improvised explosive devices emplacement detection, intelligence gathering, and personnel/vehicle identification.
The Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor System, or JLENS, was a tethered aerial detection system designed to track boats, ground vehicles, cruise missiles, manned and unmanned aircraft, and other threats. The system had four primary components: two tethered aerostats which utilized a helium/air mix, armored mooring stations, sophisticated radars, and a processing station designed to communicate with anti-missile and other ground and airborne systems. Each system was referred to as an "orbit", and two orbits were built. The Army-led joint program which fielded JLENS was designed to complement fixed-wing surveillance aircraft, saving money on crew, fuel, maintenance and other costs, and give military commanders advance warning to make decisions and provide notifications. Following cost overruns, underperformance, declining support in Congress, and public scrutiny following a snapped tether which allowed one craft moored at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland to drift on a 100-mile uncontrolled descent across Pennsylvania, dragging its cable tether which damaged power lines and cut power to 20,000 homes, the program was suspended in October 2015, and completely discontinued by 2017.
The Véhicule Blindé Multi-Rôle Griffon or VBMR Griffon is a French six-wheel multi-purpose armoured personnel carrier developed and manufactured by Nexter, Arquus and Thales. The vehicle entered service in 2019 and is, alongside the four-wheel VBMR-L Serval co-developed by Nexter and Texelis, the successor of the Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé (VAB).
The Rhino Passive Infrared Defeat System was an early detonation Counter-IED system. It was mounted to the front of a vehicle and used heat to prematurely detonate any hidden improvised explosive devices (IEDs) while the vehicle was at a safe distance away from the blast. It was developed by the Joint Improvised-Threat Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) in 2006 during the war in Iraq to counter the rise of IED-related deaths.
The Improvised Explosive Device Countermeasure Equipment (ICE) is a vehicle-mounted electronics-based jamming system that uses low-power radio frequency energy to thwart enemy improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The radio frequency energy it emits blocks the signals broadcast by radio-controlled detonators, such as cell phones and cordless telephones, that would otherwise trigger the hidden IED to explode. ICE was developed by the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) at White Sands Missile Range and the Physical Science Laboratory (PSL) at New Mexico State University in 2004 to counter the rising IED threat in Iraq. Due to the urgent demand for counter-IED equipment, ICE was designed and built within three weeks and was provided to troops in less than six months after the project started.
Unattended Transient Acoustic MASINT Sensor (UTAMS)Mortar, Rocket, Explosive Locator System is an acoustic localization sensor system developed by the Sensors and Electronic Devices Directorate (SEDD) of the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) in 2004. This technology is utilized to detect and isolate transient events such as mortar or rocket firings, munition impacts, and other explosive events. It consists of an array of acoustic sensor stations that are linked via radio to a receiving base. Each sensor has the ability to monitor hostile territory, international borders, and/or detect indirect weapon fire covertly with 24-hour surveillance. These small, inexpensive, non-imaging sensors can monitor large areas without a significant need for power sources and manpower.
The infrasonic sensing array, designed by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL), was a military device that detected and located explosive events with inaudible frequencies at long ranges, such as artillery, missiles, and helicopters through the use of the array process. It was also used for direction-finding and positioning for navigational purposes and for detecting atmospheric events for battlefield weather prediction.
↑ GRAPHIC: The Washington Post - September 30, 2007 (2007-09-30). "More Attacks, Mounting Casualties". Washingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2014-05-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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