Novel Sample Collection Method for Locating Seamines

Nomadics proposes to undertake a detailed investigation of key technical aspects relevant to explosive threats to US military forces, including suicide bombers, vehicle bombs and IEDs. This study will focus on compiling a detailed listing of relevant materials including explosives, detonators, initiators, and other materials employed in these devices. Detailed characterizations of explosive materials will be compiled and furnished on CD-ROM. Typical deployment scenarios for various threats will be cataloged. Signatures relating primarily to the explosive material will be examined and quantified where possible. Signatures amenable to some type of standoff detection will be emphasized. In addition, a detailed survey of promising detection technologies will be conducted. Technologies that have demonstrated promise in other applications will be studied to determine whether they have potential for application in the military context. Promising technologies that have the potential of detecting the explosive signature in some type of standoff fashion will undergo testing. As an option, we will attempt to demonstrate feasibility and validate performance of relevant detector technology. We will adapt the technology to make it amenable to demonstration testing if required. We will also develop appropriate test scenarios that accurately present the signature and allow ROC data to be developed.