Neutralization Without Detonation of IEDs in the Field

In this Phase I SBIR project for the DTRA, Energetics Materials and Products Inc (EMPI) of Austin, Texas, will develop an innovative technology to neutralize Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) without detonation or risk to personnel. Neither detonation nor defusing, the two methods currently available to neutralize IEDs, provide acceptable risk. Detonating the device is seldom practical in an urban area. Defusing the IED requires close approach to the IED and exposes personnel to considerable danger, including the possibility that an enemy observer may choose that moment to remotely detonate the device. The EMPI solution will provide a far superior approach – a long standoff technology that results in IED neutralization by deflagration without detonation. The proposed technology is based upon a class of energetic materials generally referred to as Metastable Intermolecular Composites or MIC. In Phase I, EMPI will address the sensitivity and aging issue of MIC materials by developing and testing a Binary-MIC formulation. The resulting material will be suitable for use in a ballistic projectile which, when fired at an IED, will neutralize it by thermal deflagration without detonation. In Phase II, the device will be further developed and tested for actual military operations. A Fast-Track application is anticipated.