Neutralization Without Detonation of IEDs in the Field

EMPI will develop a commercially viable prototype of the nanoenergetic bullet (NEB) that was successfully demonstrated in the Phase I program. The program involves a series of experiments in year-one to test the critical functions of the NEB to safely neutralize IEDs and UXO. The program will culminate in year-two with a series of live fire tests against 155 mm artillery shells. The technology exploits a recently developed class of energetic material that is incorporated into a specially designed 0.50 caliber bullet. The energetic material is engineered to cause the explosive inside a cased IED to burn instead of to detonate. The concept will be developed so that it can be used with different caliber launchers ranging from 7.62 mm to medium caliber. However, the focus in the Phase II program will be on the 0.50 caliber round used by EOD personnel. The technology will be developed so that it can be used in a number of different platforms and programs such as C-RAM and APS. Finally, special attention will be given to a system that has the capability to be further developed as an effective tool to neutralize biological and chemical agents by thermal decomposition.