Not Applicable.
Not Applicable.
As is well known in the art, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) have been used by terrorists and others to kill and injure those in proximity to the device. Some IEDs include a device, such as a cell phone, that can be used to detonate the IED. As is also known in the art, IEDs can be difficult to locate and recognize. Different types of “camouflage” or “disguise” for IEDs, such as canvas bags to hide artillery rounds and other materials, can be found in various theaters of military operations. There are also a variety of different triggering methods currently utilized for IEDs, such as hard wired, Radio Frequency (RF) operated, and trip wired.
The present invention provides a training system for an improvised explosive device (IED). The system can be used to train personnel to locate and recognize IEDs. The system can include an inert explosive component resembling an actual IED. The system can also include one or more of audio devices, visual devices, and pyrotechnic devices that can be activated when the system is triggered. The system can be triggered by sensors, such as motion sensors, trainer actions, and the like.
In one aspect of the invention, a training system for an improvised explosive device (IED) includes an inert explosive component configured to resemble a real improvised explosive device, an explosion simulation device coupled to the inert explosive component, and an interface device assembly coupled to the explosion simulation device that can be activated upon triggering of the system. The system can further include one or more of the following features: the explosion simulation device includes a canister to hold powder that can be discharged; the explosion simulation device includes a pyrotechnic device; an audio device coupled to the interface device assembly to make sound upon triggering of the system; a visual device coupled to the interface device assembly to generate visual effects upon triggering of the system; a trigger device coupled to the interface device assembly to enable a user to trigger the system; the trigger device includes a wired and/or wireless device; a motion sensor to trigger to the system; the interface device assembly is adapted to connect to one or more simulation systems, such as the Anti Tank Weapons Engagement Simulation System (ATWESS), the Main Gun System Simulator (MGSS), and the Direct Indirect Fire Cue (DIFCUE), for example.
In another aspect of the invention, an improvised explosive device (IED) training system includes an interface device assembly, a trigger input device to provide trigger inputs to the interface device assembly, at least one audio cue device receiving signals from the interface device assembly, at least one visual cue device receiving signals from the interface device assembly, and at least one external trigger device coupled to the interface device assembly. The system can further include one or more of the following features: an inert explosive component; the inert explosive component resembles a real IED; the inert explosive component includes a canister that can discharge powder; a pyrotechnic device coupled to the inert explosion component for activation upon triggering of the system; the input trigger device includes a motion sensor; the audio cue device includes a speaker;
In another aspect of the invention, a method includes initializing a training system for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) having an inert explosive component resembling a real IED, and activating one or more of an audio cue device, a visual cue device, and a pyrotechnic device upon triggering of the system. The method can further include one or more of: initializing a motion sensor that can trigger the system; receiving a signal from a user to trigger the system; and, the visual cue device includes a canister containing power under pressure that can be released.
The exemplary embodiments contained herein will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIGS. 15 and 15A-15H are schematic diagrams of a portion of an exemplary training IED system in accordance with the present invention.
The training IED can include various components to enhance device functionality and realism for the trainee. It will be appreciated that training is improved by providing the user with a more realistic experience.
The training IED can include various pyrotechnic features to enhance the training experience. It is understood that pyrotechnic features can be real, e.g., include gunpowder, and/or simulated.
In another embodiment, the interface device assembly is coupled to a conventional M-80 TOW blast simulator (approximately ¼ stick of dynamite). The interface device assembly can be coupled to various simulation systems, such as an Anti Tank Weapons Engagement Simulation System (ATWESS). The ATWESS, when triggered, provides a flash and smoke signature that replicates the launching of shoulder fired munitions, e.g., Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG), Viper, Stinger missile, etc. Another simulator system is the Main Gun System Simulator (MGSS), which is normally mounted on armored vehicles, simulating the firing of a main gun by electronically igniting a pyrotechnic cartridge. Another simulator system is the Direct Indirect Fire Cue (DIFCUE), which is normally mounted on armored vehicles, to simulate incoming artillery fire by electronically igniting a pyrotechnic cartridge.
Referring again to
A first switch 258 enables and disables external triggers, a second switch 260 arms and disarms the system, and a third switch 262 selects pulses or continuous sound from the speaker. An audio alarm 264, which can be provided as a piezo-type alarm, can indicate when the system has been triggered.
The interface device assembly 250 can also include various status indicators. In the illustrated embodiment, a system ready indicator 266 provides external trigger safety status and a system status indicator 268 provides an indication of system readiness. A power on indicator 270 indicates whether power is one or off.
A battery charger input connector 272 enables charging of a battery under the control of a battery charge on/off switch 274. Battery level indicators 276 provide an indication of the battery charge level. Fuses 278 limit current flow to prevent damage to the electrical components in the interface device assembly.
Referring again to
In operation, the training system for IEDs can provide various operating modes and have certain safety features to enhance the overall IED training experience. For example, with the exception of the battery power indicators, the interface device assembly 250 (
When all LEDs are green on the interface device assembly 250 and the wired trigger box 200 of
In step 604, the system activates various external devices, including, for example, one or more of the strobe lights, the speaker, and the powder canister. These devices provide an indication to the trainee that the simulated IED has been triggered. In optional step 606, the trainer can provide feedback to the trainee based upon performance in conjunction with the training IED. The system can then be reset for the next training exercise in step 600.
The training IED system can also include visual cues including a howitzer shell 120 (
While an exemplary microcontroller circuit diagram is shown, it will be readily appreciated that a wide variety of alternative circuit implementations are possible with different partitions between hardware and software.
The present invention provides a training device for IEDs to teach service personnel how to identify IEDs in the field. By enhancing the ability of trainees to locate IEDs, lives will be saved and injuries reduced.
One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the invention based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
4014262 | Betts | Mar 1977 | A |
5235127 | Findley | Aug 1993 | A |
5326268 | Campagnuolo | Jul 1994 | A |
5474452 | Campagnuolo | Dec 1995 | A |
5481979 | Walder | Jan 1996 | A |
6065404 | Ripingill, Jr. et al. | May 2000 | A |
6386879 | Varshneya et al. | May 2002 | B1 |
6450817 | Deinlein | Sep 2002 | B1 |
6579097 | Sampson et al. | Jun 2003 | B1 |
6599127 | Hopmeier et al. | Jul 2003 | B1 |
6616452 | Clark et al. | Sep 2003 | B2 |
6814667 | Jeffway, Jr. et al. | Nov 2004 | B2 |
7001182 | Lazecki et al. | Feb 2006 | B2 |
20040096806 | Davidsson et al. | May 2004 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20070015115 A1 | Jan 2007 | US |