Expand Lethality of Technologies of Maritime Mining and Mine Countermeasures

EMPI is proposing an innovative solution to use a structural reactive material (SRM) projectile launched from an underwater 12GA gun system to neutralize sea mines by a thermally driven reaction.  EMPI has demonstrated a proprietary SRM known as ICEPK shot from a 20mm gun system that can defeat TNT or Comp B mines with low to no collateral damage.  ICEPK survives ballistic launch and initiates on impact with the mine case.  The ballistic impact is critical to create a rubble zone of fractured explosives inside the mine so that the reactive material starts a thermally driven reaction.  The thermally driven reaction consumes all or part of the explosives but more importantly pressurizes and splits the case without detonating.  This will flood any remaining parts of the mine rendering the mine inoperable.  EMPI is teaming with Zero Point to shoot an SRM projectile from their 12GA TiTAN disruptor.  The TiTAN system is electronically fired and TRL 9 as it has been approved and is currently in application with Navy EOD teams.  The eventual CONOPS is to mount the TiTAN system to a ROUV which will navigate to, aim, and shoot the sea mine with the ICEPK projectile.  The low collateral kill of the mine, will enable survival of the ROUV so that it can reengage and visually confirm neutralization.