Safe, Backpackable Method For Field Neutralization of Small Arms

This Phase I STTR effort involves harnessing the power of accelerated corrosion for the purpose of safely neutralizing small arms caches. A key part of the fight against irregular forces is finding their hidden small arms caches and either removing or destroying them. When removal is not possible or practical, destruction in place is the alternative. During Phase I, Lynntech, in collaboration with Professor Florian Mansfeld at the University of Southern California, proposes to develop a safe, non-toxic powdered formulation to rapidly neutralize small arms discovered by our combatants in place. This formulation will be packaged into sealed pouches which can be easily opened and the contents dispersed over the weapons to rapidly corrode them and damage them beyond use. Absorbing water even from dry air, our powdered formulation will render small arms non-operational within a few minutes and completely non-salvageable within a few hours of contact. We will develop the necessary packaging to enhance the shelf life and usability of the formulation. During Phase II, Lynntech will optimize the formulation and team up with chemical manufacturers and packaging companies to enable commercialization for mass procurement by our armed forces in the future.