Demolitions

Demolitions provide a rapid means to clear and reduce impediments to the free movement and maneuver of friendly forces. As technology progresses to allow more explosive power to be packed into smaller, lighter, more effective packages, the opportunities to take advantage of the utility of these improved munitions have increased. A number of programs being pursued will provide significant improvements in capability. Demolitions also provide an ability to rapidly create obstacles to assist friendly forces in denying assets to the enemy and to obstruct enemy mobility.

The Fighting Position Excavator (FPE) is one of several fighting position initiatives undertaken by the Soldier Enhancement Program. Its objective is to loosen the soil of a specific area designated for a "foxhole" on the battlefield, thus greatly reducing the physical effort and time it takes to create a two-man fighting position.

The Modern Demolition Initiator (MDI) is a suite of initiating components used to activate all standard military demolitions and explosives. It consists of non-electric blasting cap assemblies with an integral time delay interior, a time fuse or shock tube, and a "J" hook that can be attached to a detonating cord. The suite will replace electric and non-electric firing systems for conventional forces while maintaining compatibility with existing Army systems. MDI makes it safer, quicker, and easier for soldiers to successfully complete demolition missions.

The Remote Activation Munition System (RAMS) is a secure, radio-controlled system designed to remotely control demolition charges. Initially developed for use by Special Operations Forces for a wide range of operations, RAMS gives the user a remote control capability to destroy, delay and disrupt an enemy far forward of the Forward Line of Own Troops (FLOT) while avoiding direct enemy contact. A similar version or RAMS is used by the U.S. Marine Corps and Army Explosive Ordnance Detachments (EOD).

Picatinny developed a unique kit, the Special Operations Forces Demolition Kit (SOFDK), to meet requirements of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Special Operations Forces in 1997. The kit contains a variety of inert and plastic items that, when field loaded, provide the user with charges to use against numerous targets and mission scenarios. It combines state-of-the-art components with methods to accomplish the mission safely, efficiently and more effectively. The soldier is able to remotely acquire the target from a safe standoff distance of up to 50 meters and defeat it using fewer explosives than conventional demolition operations. Lighter loads and reduced time-on-target allow the operator the flexibility of constructing the smallest, lightest charge feasible with the maximum precision for numerous types of targets and mission scenarios.

The Selectable Lightweight Attack Munition (SLAM) is an antimaterial and anti- vehicular handheld devise used to destroy enemy vehicles, parked aircraft, ammunition sites, storage facilities and other small targets without direct contact with the enemy. SLAM's multiple fuzing modes increase its effectiveness against hard-and soft-armored vehicles, and other targets.

The Penetration Augmented Munition (PAM) is a lightweight, man portable demolitions device also developed for Special Operation Forces. The compact device is 33 inches long and weighs approximately 35 pounds. It can be emplaced by a single person to defeat large reinforced concrete structures. The PAM can be carried in a rucksack or strapped to load-bearing equipment without interfering with the solder's ability to walk, climb or rappel. It can be initiated by any standard military detonation device.

The Time Delay Firing Device (TDFD) is used by Special Operations Forces and other units to initiate charges placed on high-value targets such as bridges, tunnels and ammunition storage depots, with set times, which allow the soldier to safety depart from hostile areas. It is capable of being set in the field for time delays ranging from five minutes to 30 days and is typically used behind enemy lines to destroy and disrupt their forces and efforts. The TDFD is capable of initiating a standard military blasting cap.

The Sympathetic Detonator-Timer (SYDET) is a time delay device that allows for the simultaneous detonation of multiple charges without a physical connection. It was designed to enhance the performance of Special Operations Forces operating in strike and engagement missions. SYDET is small and easy to carry, initiates detonation on recognition of an acoustic stimulus caused by the detonation of a nearby pre-determined explosive charge and can be set to self-destruct using a digital liquid crystal display. If the unit does not respond to a pre-selected acoustic signature prior to the expiration of shut down time, it becomes a non-functional dud.

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