Recent technical and tactical trends in terrorist use of Improvised Explosive Devices.

The presentation will cover recent technical and tactical developments and trends in terrorist attacks. Areas of attention will include car and truck bombs, suicide bombs and radio controlled explosive devices.
The presentation, drawn entirely from open source material, will examine explosive types, and associated tactics, examining why terrorists use certain materials or modus operandi.  It will highlight key issues to be addressed and discuss possible future challenges that current incidents suggest may become more prevalent.

GICHD - DEMINING STUDIES

The Geneva IntThe Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining, (GICHD) supports International Mine Action in a number of ways, including:

• The provision of a support and implementation unit to the States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty
• Operational outreach supporting information management and International Mine Action Standards (IMAS);
• Field research to assist various aspects of mine action, including programme management issues, use of mine detection dogs and mechanical and manual clearance systems; and
• Stockpile destruction advice and EOD support.

The presentation will focus on operational outreach from study findings, specifically the application of IMAS to national mine action standards and future roles for dogs, rats and machines. The presentation will conclude with examples of the role of explosive engineers in South East Asia mine action programmes.

EXPERT IN EXPLOSIVE EXPORT
The presentation will be talking about export controls in general - why we have them, who they affect and what those affected need to do to be compliant.  We are also likely to touch on aspects of the Export Control Act. 

LESSONS FROM IRAQ

NON-LETHAL WEAPONS – TRENDS AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

The lines between police action and war crime continue to blur more than ever before. Police now face very dangerous, well armed criminals and have developed  paramilitary capabilities in countering this threat. In armed forces there is a widening gulf between warfighting, and a “police action” or implementation operations. During warfighting operations, militaries are employing weapons that are approaching hyper-lethal in capability (e.g. thermobarics). When warfighting winds down and implementation and stabilization operations are in order then there is high sensitivity to collateral damage and non-lethal, or less-lethal, weapon options are sought for deployment. This is where policy and technology clash.
A non-lethal technology such as CS tear gas grenades are perfectly acceptable in the hands of police, but are considered chemical weapons in the hands of a soldier. Non-lethal weapons that only discourage opponents rather than incapacitate them can be worse than useless. Blunt trauma from wooden or rubber projectile may leave a nasty bruise but be non-lethal at 100 meters, but at 50 meters its now lethal. Out of this complex problem there is one particular technology that meets many of these requirements – Neuromuscular Disruption (NMD).
NMD is an incapacitating effect that is brought about by delivering of high frequency, high voltage electrical shocks to the body. NMD interrupts the brain’s motor control and related muscular response functions instantaneously resulting in complete paralysis. Current NMD non-lethal weapons are typically range limited to 7 meters. Battelle and Taser International have teamed together to develop an NMD projectile which is not tethered to the launch weapon and therefore has a range of at least 50 meters and can be extended even further. The development of this technology is likely to change how non-lethal weapons are approached by military and law enforcement agencies alike.

SELECTION OF RAPID MITIGATION SYSTEMS

The presentation was put together following a detailed survey and comparison of general mitigation systems carried out during 2003

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN WATER MITIGATION FOR TERRORIST DEVICES

Cintec International Ltd produces a range of self-inflating water filled structures that are capable of mitigating the effects of large explosions. The paper presents an over view of their development and testing.
Water having a relatively high mass, has often been used to mitigate against the effects of explosions. In sufficient quantity, it can dramatically reduce the damage caused by primary and secondary projectiles and interact with the chemistry of the explosion, reducing heat and the overall effectiveness of the primary explosive material.
The water wall system provides security personnel and first responders with cost-effective solutions to contemporary high-risk situations. The way in which the mitigating effect of water is harnessed to create a temporary barrier is unique. Made from a relatively lightweight waterproof fabric, each component of the system is capable of rapid inflation using urban water supplies and deployment with minimal storage and transportation requirements. The initial challenge of how to make water stand up without external support and yet continue to act as an effective blast-mitigating barrier has been met. Work continues to improve the usability of system in different environments and adapt it to meet alternative uses and unusual applications.
Tests undertaken in 2003 and witnessed by representatives of the British Home Office, Army and Atomic Weapons Establishment, clearly show that pressure reductions of up to 90% with complete capture of secondary fragmentation arising from explosive devices up to 10kg are possible.
The system is completely flexible and can be easily reconfigured. The Water Wall System is capable of defeating a large spectrum of threats caused by accidental or deliberate explosions.

Evolution of the terrorism in Spain

TEDAX UNIT, who we are, how long since we were formed and what of the future. Problems in Cataluña with regard to the Spanish civil war artefacts (exceptional case). Evolution of the current terrorism in the Spanish territory. ETA,  AL' QAEDA...International terrorism

Humanitarian Demining - Operation Emirates Solidarity

Operation Emirates Solidarity is the United Arab Emirates initiative to undertake the clearance of the former Israeli Occupied Zone of Southern Lebanon. The UAE has funded three clearance phases – a) Investigation and clearance of over 280 booby traps Nov 2001 – May 2002 – Phase I, b) Clearance of 4 discrete areas (Areas 1–4) of Southern Lebanon, including over 200 minefields, sub-munitions strike areas and ordnance. May 2002 – Aug 2003 - Phase II, c) Clearance of discrete area (Area 5), including 75 identified minefields and hazardous areas – June 2003 – Nov 2003 – Phase III. Project has seen the clearance to date of over 60,000 mines, and clearance of over 4,000,000 sqm of mine-contaminated land. Challenges have included lack of laying information records and any clearance carried out by NGOs, Lebanese military and other local agencies.

Evaluation of a Commercial Water Tank Barrier System for Mitigation of Explosives Fragmentation and Blast

This paper describes the process undertaken to determine the effectiveness of a specific water barrier system for screening of Primary Weapon Fragments and preventing Sympathetic Response between large HE stores.
This paper will describe modelling and trials undertaken by the Defence Ordnance Safety Group in response to a task set by an internal MoD customer. The DOSG initiated a three phase investigation into the properties of a specific Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) Water Barrier. The potential of water as mitigant has been known for a considerable time. The three linked phases were:

1. Computer modelling to simulate the retardation of idealised high speed fragments as they pass through water (with and without explosive shock).
2. A series of firings of high speed idealised fragments with and without shock and proximity trials with 155mm HE shell to verify the model predictions.
3. Proof trials in order to determine the effectiveness of the specific barrier system for screening of Primary Weapon Fragments and preventing Sympathetic Response between large Steel and Aluminium cased HE stores.

During the investigation it was determined that these barriers would be significant in the unitisation of risk pan MOD and to this end the results have been recommended to the munitions processing, storage and transportation groups. 

MANAGING THE MODERN THREATS: TRAINING FOR CBRN & SUICIDE INCIDENTS

Implications for managing unconventional threats such as CBR and Suicide) (dynamic, insidious, contagious) have yet to be successfully understood and a different approach to conventional terrorist attacks (i.e. static, overt) may be required, i.e. a shift of responsibilities from Emergency Responders to private sector employees and from evac to invac/containment. This paper addresses some of the issues that may arise

SELECTION OF UK ARMY PERSONNEL FOR AMMUNITION TECHNICAL DUTIES

The paper describes the procedures used in the psychological assessment of candidates for training in ammunition technical duties with the British Army’s Royal\Logistics Corps.
QinetiQ Centre for Human Sciences (CS) provides a psychological assessment service to the British Army’s Royal\logistics Corps (RLC) for the selection of candidates for training in ammunition technical duties, including explosive ordnance disposal. The assessment consists of the measurement of general intelligence and personality, and the collection of biographical data. Candidates attend a feedback interview with a psychologist and are graded according to their suitability for ammunition technical duties.
CHS recently conducted job analysis of RLC ammunition technical roles as the basis for optimising the process for selecting personnel for these duties. The results provided the basis for a review by the RLC of the procedures for the selection and training of personnel for ammunition technical roles.

Blast Mitigation in Public Places

This could equally have well been titled ‘Mitigation of Blast from Public Places’. Many technologies can be used to defeat the effects of blast, some very effectively. These systems are however often at odds with allowing people to move easily from one location to another and go about their daily business. The focus of this presentation will be on systems that minimise this intrusion and those that can rapidly deployed or stored away according to perceived threat level.

The VULCAN: a Tool for the Low Order Disruption of Conventional Munitions

The VULCAN is a kit of parts from which the user assembles any one of a variety of explosive charges which are filled extemporaneously with plastic explosive. The most used application is the low-order disruption of conventional munitions. This is achieved by an assembly constituting a shaped charge with a magnesium liner. This result is obtained with a surprisingly high level of probability using a method which, according to conventional theory, would be expected to result in frequent unwanted detonations. A probable mechanism of disruption is propounded to explain this happy departure from expectation. Examples of the use of the charge for bringing about low-order disruption in air and under water are given.
Other tested EOD applications of the device are also outlined. These include the projection of water at very high velocity and the projection of aluminium and copper projectiles. Use of the “nozzle” for very precise determination of the point of impact and the “trepanning attachment” for cutting holes of large diameter are illustrated.  

CERTIFICATION FOR X-RAY OPERATORS

QinetiQ Centre for Human Sciences (CHS) provides a psychometric assessment service to the British Army’s Royal Logistics Corps (RLC) for the selection of candidates for training in ammunition technical duties, including explosive ordnance disposal. The assessment consists of the measurement of general intelligence and personality, and the collection of biographical data. Candidates attend a feedback interview with a psychologist and are graded according to their suitability for ammunition technical duties.
In 2001, the RLC tasked CHS with conducting job analyses of ammunition technical roles as the basis for optimising the processes for selecting personnel for these duties. The results provided part of the basis for a review by the RLC of the procedures for the selection and training of personnel for ammunition technical roles

 
PROTECTED VEHICLES

For many years there has been a steadily increasing need for protected vehicles. The world situation today will not diminish that need. The vehicles chosen for the role can vary from standard saloons to a variety of 4 x 4 vehicles. Few of the vehicles are actually protected by the original engineering manufacturer, and hence are procured as completed vehicles, which are subsequently stripped and rebuilt with armour inserted. 
This retrospective protection is often very basic, sometimes with scant regard for the capabilities of the base vehicle, leading to in-service problems. The lack of easy to work to specifications can also lead to a very varied protection system, which unless care is taken can in turn lead to a very limited protection system. There is therefore a need to address items such as threat, materials to be used in the protection process, and their weights prior to the installation in the vehicle. Engineering assessments can then be undertaken to assess the effect on the suspension, C of G, handling and brakes.
Installation and integration of the protection materials into the vehicles is of the utmost importance in maintaining an effective protection system, as is the choice of vehicle for the role and the materials for the job.
 

DECISION MAKING UNDER PRESSURE
The paper sets out the processes required to make operational decisions under extreme conditions.

 
Reducing the False Alarm Rate in Chemical Vapor Detectors Using Complementary Detection Modes and Data Fusion

The SAIC Chemical Warfare Detection (S-CAD) system uses multiple phenomenological sensor technologies with a data-fusion algorithm. This approach was developed for detection and identification of different chemical agents, including nerve, blister, and blood agents.
The Small Chemical Agent Detector (SmallCAD), developed by SAIC under a Technical Support Working Group (TSWG) program, addresses the important issue of False Alarms in field detection of Chemical Warfare Agents (CWAs). This is accomplished by integrating two complementary technologies, Ion Mobility Spectrometry and Surface Acoustic Wave sensors using a data fusion algorithm developed by SAIC. Test results from experiments where this sensor system was challenged with a wide range of chemical warfare agents and problematic interferents are reported. The small, hand-held, battery operated system can be used in a wide variety of applications, military personnel protection from CWA, civilian law enforcement, security, and first responder warning of hazardous vapors.   

PELAN-NFI: New Technology for the EOD Professional

PELAN-NFI is an advanced portable neutron inspection tool developed by SAIC for US EOD forces. The system is a well tested device developed with support from a number of programs including TSWG, NAVEOD, ONDCP, along with internal SAIC funding. A portable model is about to go into production as the device of choice for our military’s EOD forces. Collaborative work with SAIC, Duke University and NAVEOD has created a good body of target data and advanced detection algorithms so that PELAN technology can find and identify fillers of unexploded ordnance, classify chemical weapons materials, and probe packages and threat objects for improvised explosive devices. This system is also provides security personnel a rapid, portable system for probing car trunks and small cargo areas for large vehicle bombs.
Technology Basis:
PELAN uses an electronic pulsed generator to emit neutrons. These neutrons interact with the target object and surrounding material. Gamma ray emission is stimulated by the pulsed neutron source and the gamma ray signature is used to classify target material. Through nuclear reactions with the target materials, gamma rays are emitted with characteristic and distinct energies. Using the energy and intensity of the gamma rays and intensity ratios of key elements (e.g., C/O), chemical information of the object and its contents can be determined. The neutrons and gamma rays are highly penetrating so targets with even heavy steel outer walls can be quickly examined with this non-intrusive technique. Since the source is electronic, it can be turned off when not in use so there is no need for heavy shielding and elaborate shipping precautions. .

Operation:
PELAN-NFI is easy to operate, reliable, safe, and can quickly (within minutes) survey a suspicious target or UXO filler and determine if it is chemical, inert, or explosive. The display gives the operator an answer at the conclusion of the scan along with the data used to make the determination.  Key system features include:

• Light weight (under 80 lbs total)
• Easy to deploy: consists of two 38 lbs components that couple together quickly
• Stand off operation with a cable Ethernet link or wireless link to a remote laptop controller
• Rapid scans: complete scans possible in 5 to 10 minutes
• Rapid setup: within 3 minutes
• Environmentally robust: performance tested over wide range of conditions
• Advanced detection

TERRORIST TACTICS & TECHNIQUES IN ASIA PACIFIC

The Al-Quaeda terrorist franchise continues to grab headlines around the world with the bombs on the commuter trains in Spain the latest in a long series of attacks dating from the success of the Mujahadeen in driving the Russians out of Afghanistan. In Asia Pacific we have been the victims of one major attack, Bali, but several more have been interdicted by a combination of luck, good police and counter terrorist work in Malaysia and Singapore and inept planning and lack of security by the individuals and groups involved. This paper reviews the activities of terrorists in Asia Pacific against the world picture and attempts to predict future activities in our region   

INCIDENT SCENARIO EXERCISE

Following the previous papers Dr Leivesley sets a series of problems for the delegates, formed into groups, on which they are required to make operational decisions.

SUICIDE BOMBERS

The Suicides Bomber’s measures of success are, to die and maximise the fear factor. Intelligence and partnership are the main tools used in preventing such an attack in the U.K. 

BARBARA WILDING, Q.P.M. Chief Constable, South Wales Police

TERRORIST CHEMICAL DEVICES & DOWNWIND HAZARDS

This presentation is a shortened version of the full presentation which covers all the devices within the CBRN terrorist capability and will only concentrate on chemical aspects.  Initially looking at threats worldwide that are posed by the delivery of chemical war agents or toxic industrial material in the form of IED's. After which it will move onto an appreciation of how the chemical hazard will look on the ground and how it will move within the current weather and terrain.

Zoonoses, old and new; the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.

Zoonoses are diseases transmitted from animals to man. Of the 40 or so new diseases at least half are derived from animals; SARS, avian flu and mad cow disease are examples. Some can spread rapidly and a constant alert is necessary to ensure infective material is not imported into this country.  Detection dogs must and do play an important role in detecting illegal imports of meat and meat products.

REASSESSMENT OF EOD SAFETY DISTANCES – AIRCRAFT BOMBS

Extract: Reassessment of EOD safety distances. Phase 3: Aircraft bomb fragmentation trials and effectiveness of mitigation techniques
The field manual used when performing EOD operations in the Netherlands, is known as “Verzameling van Gemeenschappelijke Verordening voor de Krijgmacht, Nummer 19 (VGVK-19)”. This manual describes the different safety aspects that must be considered by the Royal Netherlands Army (RNLA) ordnance disposal unit. One of the safety aspects described in VGVK-19 are the safety distances used for EOD activities. Within the Explosives Ordnance Command of the Royal Netherlands Army (EOC-KL) organisation, doubts have arisen concerning the validity of the safety distances used in VGVK-19.
After a request by EOC-KL to examine the safety distances, a research programme was set-up by TNO Prins Maurits Laboratory (TNO-PML). The purpose of this programme was to evaluate and if need be, alter the safety distances in VGVK-19.
Using safety distances that are either too large or too small can be dangerous and/or unnecessary. This has consequences for the safety of the local population in the danger area but also for the EOD personnel themselves. Another important factor is the financial consequence of having to evacuate a certain area, especially if the evacuated area could be made smaller. Fewer people would have to be evacuated, fewer EOD/security personnel would be needed and a smaller percentage of the local infrastructure would have to be held up.
To this end, TNO-PML conducted a series of trials in Hjerkinn Norway to determine fragments safety distances with and without the use of mitigation techniques. The performed trials were:

• Test 1: MK 82 covered with 10 calibres of sand;
• Test 2: MK 82 in an open pit with reinforced sides;
• Test 3: MK 82 in the open, at ground level on marshy ground;
• Test 4: MK 82 in a pit with a protective structure surrounding it;
• Test 5: MK 82 in the open, at ground level on a base of gravel;
• Test 6: MK 82 covered with 15 calibres of sand.

For 5 of the 6 tests blast measurements were performed and after each test, the fragments were collected manually by searching the designated target area.
The distance from the detonation point the fragment position was measured using GPS and all the fragments were weighed and photographed.
All the preliminary results of the safety distances were then presented in tables, and the blast measurement results were presented graphically.
HOWIE LODDER (TNO-LAB NETHERLANDS)

REMOTE AIR SAMPLING FOR CANINE OLFACTION (RASCO)

Remote Air Sampling for Canine Olfaction is a generic detection technique developed by Dstl for the UK Department for Transport as a method to facilitate canine detection of explosives concealed within sealed / closed environments.
In the current world climate the detection of explosives for transport security applications is of ever increasing importance. Currently, instrumental techniques including X-ray and Ion Mobility Spectrometry are deployed to enhance the process to address some of the limitations of these technologies and provide more cost effective and rapid screening.
Detection dogs form an important part of many security-screening procedures and are used by many agencies for the detection of trace to bulk levels of explosives. As the most sensitive vapour detector available, dogs provide the benchmark against which instruments under development are assessed.
Remote air sampling is a method that allows the collection of vapours emanating from material hidden in sealed or closed environments, such as freight containers or packaged cargo. A probe is inserted into the environment and a vacuum system is used to draw air over an absorber cartridge, trapping the vapours. The cartridges are then analysed by a central detector. The sampling technique has been successfully utilised in RASCP where a specially trained canine is used as the detector.
RASCO has two principal advantages:
First, RASCO extends the capability of dogs to allow screening of environments inaccessible or hazardous to a conventional search dog.
Second, by conducting the analysis in a controlled environment and by using control blanks and positives according to robust protocols, canine performance is optimised and can be monitored in the same way as an instrumental detector.
This presentation will provide an overview of the RASCO technique and outline results from trials conducted during development tom illustrate its effectiveness and typical applications.

TERRORISTS GO LOW TECH-NEW CHALLENGES IN THE AVIATION INDUSTRY


THE LAUNCH OF THE NATIONAL OLFACTORY COUNCIL

The Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate OBE  LL.B (Hons)
Brian Mackenzie was a chief superintendent in the Durham Constabulary and is a former president of the Police superintendents' Association of England and Wales, which post he held for three years. He was vice president for the previous two years.
A police officer for 35 years, he has served as an urban, rural beat, CID, and training officer. Having graduated in law with honours from London University, Lord Mackenzie is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Quantico, Virginia in the United States.
He served as head of his force drug squad and also as head of the crime computer project team, spending two years in an advisory capacity seconded to the Home Office. He is a former governor of the Police Staff College, Bramshill and was a member of the Police Training Council for five years.
Lord Mackenzie has held sub-divisional and divisional command in the rank of superintendent and chief superintendent respectively. He has been commended for outstanding police work on seven occasions, by the courts and by his chief constable.
Having traveled extensively, Lord Mackenzie has studied and lectured on police methods in Italy, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Belgium, Ireland, Iceland and Austria, in addition to North America. In May 2000, he travelled to the Russian Federation, visiting Moscow and Siberia for talks with ministers, police chiefs and business leaders on crime and security matters.
Lord Mackenzie has extensive media experience, having broadcast regularly on both national television and radio, on law and policing issues.
He is also the author of numerous articles, in newspapers and magazines on similar issues.
A married man with two grown up sons, Lord Mackenzie resides in the cathedral city of Durham where he held the honorary and historical appointment of Billet Master between 1989 and 2003.
He was awarded the OBE in the 1998 New Years Honours for services to the Police Service and the Police Superintendents' Association of England and Wales.
Having retired from the police service on 5^th May 1998, he was raised to the Peerage on 17^th July 1998, and was chairman of the Peers' Home Affairs Group in the House of Lords between 1998 and 2003.
Lord Mackenzie was a special advisor on policing issues to the former home secretary, Jack Straw from 1998 to 2001.
In March 2000 Lord Mackenzie was appointed president of the Joint Security Industry Council (JSIC) and is also president of the Association of Police and Public Security Suppliers (APPSS).
In February 2003 Lord Mackenzie was appointed vice-president of the British Airline Pilots Association, BALPA

INTRODUCTION OF VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS IN MUNITION AND SEARCH OCCUPATIONS

The presentation aims to introduce the new UK National Occupation Standards for Munition and Search Occupations. There are currently six competency based qualifications covering 5 levels, N/SVQ 1-5

THE WORK OF THE NATIONAL OLFACTION COUNCIL

 

MICRO-DISARMAMENT & STOCKPILE DESTRUCTION

The legacy of regional conflict within South Eastern Europe has resulted in a massive surplus of weapons and ammunition, much of which is easily available on the black and grey markets for illicit use. This presentation examines the issues, challenges and some potential solutions.

EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN DETECTING THREATS

This talk focuses on emerging technologies which are currently being developed and which may, in the future, play valuable roles in security applications.
The talk will address a broad range of emerging technologies including non-invasive techniques such as Terahertz, millimetre wave, X-ray, Quadrupole resonance, remote lasing, advanced metal detection, and vapour detection. It will also address the implementation of RASCO techniques for aviation security – RASCargO and development of automated fast trace detection.

SMALL ARMS & LGT WPNS DETECTION AT BORDERS

This study was commissioned by the South Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC). SEESAC has a responsibility within its mandate to advise on border control measures and provide support to projects related to the control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in the region.

The purpose of the Ammunition Detection Study is to determine if there is evidence to support the SEESAC hypothesis that it may be more productive to specifically target the detection of ammunition for Small Arms and Light Weapons rather than the weapons themselves.  SEESAC is a developing organisation, with a responsibility to identify information on the precise level of smuggling activity and also advise on measures to reduce cross border trafficking; clearly current search methodologies used to detect weapons and ammunition within the region are an important component of this advice.

Initial desktop research examined weapons and ammunition design and manufacture to determine if and why weapons can be more easily concealed than ammunition and what constituent parts are common or exclusive to one particular commodity.  Further analysis was conducted to determine if ammunition and weapons are consistently transported together and examples of occurrences are provided. The investigation has involved visits to specialist organisations and national security agencies that have undertaken to provide data on suitable search and detection methodologies.

Further research was also conducted to identify the benefits and limitations of a wide range of appropriate detection technologies and equipments.  Liaison with suppliers and users permitted direct comparisons of these equipments in use, including some in operational situations. 

This report concludes that there is significant evidence to support the SEESAC hypothesis. However, the scope of the investigation requires broadening before significant progress is to be made towards the implementation of effective control measures.  Any future scope should include:

• The conduct of an Operational Needs Analysis to accurately determine the level of threat, effectiveness of current search methodologies and identify changes to these tactical methodologies that may be necessary to improve the success rate in finding ammunition and weapons. 
• The establishment of suitable criteria to determine the minimum detection thresholds at which ammunition must be detected.

The conduct of trials to determine if suitable scent patterns can be identified from which detection dogs can be trained to consistently locate Small Arms Ammunition.

The identification of the most suitable combination of tools to consistently detect ammunition and establish if this will also provide an integrated solution.

SEARCHING FOR SURVIVORS USING DOGS

MICHAEL MOORE

INVESTIGATION INTO PARTICULATE & CHEMICAL ADDITIONS TO IED DISRUPTORS TO THE RANGE OF SOUTH AFRICAN IED DISRUPTORS, WITH A VIEW TO ENHANCING PERFORMANCE TO TARGET.

The aim of the study was to determine whether the existing range of Cap disruptors performance could be enhanced by retaining more of the focus mass normally lost past the 400mm mark, by chemical formulations or particulate additions.

The Use of Cadaver Detection Dogs

An insight into the use of Cadaver Detection Dogs as part of a multi-disciplinary approach into locating human remains.

OPERANT CONDITIONING & FOCUS TRAINING THE EXPLOSIVE SEARCH DOG

The lecture introduces the audience to the work of the Forensic Search Advisory Group (FSAG) and the components within the group. Emphasis will be placed on using the dog and handler as part of a multi-disciplinary team, each with its own goals and requirements. By using the dog in this manner a greater understanding of the key objectives can be obtained. A defined protocol has been established which basically starts with non-intrusive searching such as aerial recognizance working closer to the target by way of intrusive searching.

Winston Churchill’s Toyshop

Stuart Macrae worked for Odhams Press before World War Two editing a magazine called Armchair Science. An article that he had written on high powered magnets attracted the attention of Major (later Major General) Millis Jefferis who was establishing a team to work on the design and production of sabotage devices for an Intelligence Department of the War Office known at the time as Military Intelligence Research (MIR). Very little is recorded about the gadgets division of this organisation in the official archives and it is thanks to Stuart Macrae and particularly his authorship of “Winston Churchill’s Toyshop” in 1971 that a story survives to present at this conference. It is a story that could only have developed in Britain in the circumstances of the major wars of the first half of the last century. A story of munitions development but above all it is a story men, of ideas and of necessity. Prior to the First World War the military did not need to stimulate irregular developments in the munitions business and after the Second World War industry became so advanced that the likelihood of a band of amateurs usurping either the official organisations of state munitions or the big boys in the defence business became remote.
The paper will touch on a few of the personalities involved: Major General Sir Millis Jefferis, Albert Midgley, Major Cyril Vanderpeer Clarke, Lieutenant Colonel Latham Valentine Stewart Blacker and attempt to highlight the extraordinary talents that they brought to the organisation.
In the late 1930’s the War Office and the Foreign Office had a sizeable number of programmes in train concerned with the forthcoming conflict. Both departments of state had groups tasked with research activity into irregular warfare which would spawn the Commandos, the Special Operations Executive and the British Resistance Organisation known as the Auxiliary Units. The requirement for sabotage devices for the field agents and special forces soldiers would be considerable and the paper will cover the part played by The Toyshop in this activity.
Finally, using some hitherto unpublished photographs, the extraordinary range of weapons devised by The Toyshop will be demonstrated. Starting with a modest device manufactured from a “Woolworth’s” washing-up bowl, cantering through sub-munitions, booby-trap switches, tanks, grenades, anti-tank weapons, a tandem HEAT projectile and closing with a gas operated ship seeking mine with a 50Kg Torpex charge

UNDERWATER MUNITION DETECTION

Present technologies for: underwater munition detection to keep the battlefield moving, and providing anti-terrorism support particularly in the port/harbour environment.
Over recent years many advances have been made in the field of underwater robotics. With the advent of Autonomous Under Water Vehicles (AUV’s), shallow-water, surf zone and harbour area Mine Countermeasures (MCM) is safer and significantly faster.
Clearing harbours of underwater munitions in an anti-terrorism role, or landing humitarian aid, etc. can be a nearly impossible task using divers alone. The AUVs used for MCM have various types of sensors: from acoustic and optical imaging devices to environmental and navigation systems. They are able to survey a small harbour area within hours, at night, and in turbid water. They can inspect ships hulls and harbour walls, providing accurate imagery of the areas covered.
Within the modern battlefield it is very important to keep the front line moving. Landing resources on beaches can make this objective difficult to achieve. Through the use of AUV’s and other cutting edge technologies in the shallow water and surf zone, the detection and neutralisation of munitions can be achieved safely and rapidly hence reducing the bottleneck.
The presentation will cover aspects of port/harbour clearance and very shallow water munition detection showing commercially available solutions. Also shown will be SeeByte’s software processing tools, now in use by the US Navy (and others) to provide sensor data interpretation. These tools can automatically detect and classify man-made objects and can ‘fuse’ together the various types of sensors, producing better results in a fraction of the time needed by human operators. SeeByte’s tools can also improve the navigation data and plan further missions to allow for target reacquisition and neutralisation by unmanned vehicles.

Commercial Blast Testing – COMBLAST

For many years, and more particularly since the Cold War period of the 1950’s, design engineers have worked on ways of providing buildings that can withstand the blast and fragment effects from a range of munitions. In the post war period, and when the threat from nuclear weapons was seen as of crucial importance, the US Army led the way by commissioning a great deal of research, which led to the production of a number of design guides which are still in use today.
These manuals contain a great deal of very useful information on the behaviour of reinforced concrete and steel structures, but relatively little that is applicable to the majority of modern, civilian, buildings. Whilst the manuals have sections on masonry and glazing, they are neither up to date, nor in accordance with modern UK practice. Many lightweight materials are not elasto-plastic in the conventional sense and therefore do not respond to the manuals’ methods of blast analysis.
The obvious way to deal with this problem is to carry out full scale tests. The UK Government has, for many years, led the field in testing a variety of glass types and has presented an enormous amount of data in the form of the ‘Glazing Hazard Guide’. Nevertheless, some windows, particularly when they are so large as to form curtain walling are beyond the scope of the Guide. Similarly, there is always pressure from architects to develop modified glazing technique to give better sight. To meet the requirement for testing these novel glazing systems and other building components it was identified that commercial customers required access to cost effective blast testing tailored to their requirements.
Advantica in association with David Goode and Associates and Grendon Design have developed the capacity to conduct a wide range of blast and ballistic testing at the Advantica Spadeadam Test Site under the COMBLAST trademark. COMBLAST can provide a complete testing package including, defining test conditions, designing targets, conducting tests and reporting test results. Initially COMBLAST was set-up to sell slots in existing arena trials conducted annually by the Police Scientific Development Branch. As demand increased it was no longer possible to meet all customer requirements from this source, which has led COMBLAST to set up a range of independent testing.
The Advantica Spadeadam Test site has been involved in conducting large scale hazardous trials for over 25years and is a 35 hectare site locate within a larger MOD range. Under the auspices of COMBLAST a wide range of blast tests have been conducted including the full range of EXR testing and large scale arena tests with charges with TNT equivalents of up to 500kg. The site can also offer a range of ballistic test options.
Tests have been conducted at Advantica Spadeadam on building components for a number of public building projects. Components tested have included, curtain walling, windows, partition systems, doors, masonry walls and raised floors. It is intended to expand COMBLAST to provide flexible and cost effective solutions to commercial organisations requiring the reassurance of full scale explosive testing.