Purpose:

Clearance of unexploded ordnance (UXO) is a necessary but hazardous function at many Department of Defense (DoD) sites. The traditional technique of detonating an explosive charge in close proximity to the UXO for disposal poses threats to the environment from introducing additional contamination to the soil, air, and water and also impacts indigenous wildlife. Handling, placing, and detonating the explosive charge in the vicinity of the UXO, which may contain anti-disturbance/area denial features, are hazardous for personnel, especially if there are a large number of targets, such as typically found with submunition clearance. A standoff tool to neutralize UXO from a safe distance, while not degrading the environment, is needed. The purpose of this project is to demonstrate and validate the use of standoff laser energy to neutralize UXO in an environmentally friendly way.

Description:

The U.S. Navy and SPARTA, Inc. have jointly developed a prototype laser neutralization system. The laser is a 500-watt diode pumped Nd:YAG laser mounted in a HMMWV as a mobility platform. All supporting subsystems are self-contained within the vehicle. The high-power laser is directed by an operator using a target-designating camera and a laser-beam director. The laser is directed to the target via a stabilized steering/pointing mirror. The target-designating camera is bore-sighted with the laser beam and packaged with the steering mirror on a precision gimbaled pedestal mounted above and behind the cab of an up-armored HMMWV. The system is projected to be able to heat certain UXO cases enough to cause detonation from a standoff range of hundreds of meters. Demonstrations will be held at Nellis Air Force Base (AFB) during normal range clearance operations and possibly at other ranges in the western United States.

Benefits:

The system will safely neutralize dudded munitions at a safe standoff without introducing additional explosive materials to the area. The only expendable material required is fuel for the mobility platform, as plastic explosive, detonators, and detonating cord will not be used on UXO successfully engaged with the laser system. A 1997 analysis of clearance at Nellis AFB showed that over $500,000 worth of plastic explosive was used annually for demolition of submunitions alone. This cost does not include storage and handling costs, nor does it include costs for the associated detonators and detonating cord. Most of these costs could be avoided by using the laser system, not to mention possible use for other UXO targets. Another benefit is that the footprint of the clearance operation will be reduced, since each target will not have to be physically approached, as is the case with current clearance methods. The laser system will neutralize from a standoff of up to hundreds of meters. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2005)

Contact:

Mr. Valter Ezerins
Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division
2008 Stumpneck Road, Code 5022
Indian Head, MD 20640-5070
Telephone: (301) 744-6850 ext. 222
Fax: (301) 744-6947
E-mail: ezerinsv@eodpoe2.navsea.navy.mil