Remote explosion of improvised explosive devices

Abstract

A method and apparatus triggers motion triggered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from a distance outside the device's zone of destruction. IEDs having infrared motion detection trigger mechanisms are detonated by passing remotely generated laser beams over the area within which the IED is located. The moving reflected background scattering of light from the passing laser beams as well as possible direct passing laser illumination of the IED infrared motion detector activate the IED trigger mechanism, causing the IED to detonate. Operation of the invention is remote from the destruction zone of the IED, thereby preserving personnel and materiel.

1 . An apparatus for remote detonation of a motion detection triggered improvised explosive device, comprising:
 a laser assembly, comprising
 a laser emitting infrared radiation; and 
 optics receiving radiation from the laser and emitting the radiation as a beam projected on an area in the vicinity of the improvised explosive device; and 
   a means for moving the projection area of the beam in the vicinity of the improvised explosive device.   
   
   
       2 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the means for moving the projection area of the beam comprises a vehicle on which the laser assembly is mounted. 
   
   
       3 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the optics comprises lenses shaping the projected beam. 
   
   
       4 . A device according to  claim 3 , wherein the optics shapes the projected beam to form an elongated projection having a major axis and a minor axis, the major axis having a length more than twice the length of the minor axis in the projection area. 
   
   
       5 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the optics comprise a scanner. 
   
   
       6 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the laser emits infrared radiation in the range of 8 to 14 micrometers in wavelength. 
   
   
       7 . A mobile apparatus for detonation of a remotely located motion detection triggered improvised explosive device, comprising:
 a vehicle; and   at least one laser assembly affixed to the vehicle, the laser assembly comprising
 a laser emitting infrared radiation; and 
 optics receiving radiation from the laser and emitting the radiation as a beam projected on an area in the vicinity of the improvised explosive device, 
   whereby, responsive to the motion of the vehicle, the area in which the beam is projected in the vicinity of the improvised explosive device is moved, thereby triggering the detonation of the device.   
   
   
       8 . A method for detonating a motion detection triggered improvised explosive device, comprising:
 projecting an infrared laser beam on a first area in the vicinity of the improvised explosive device, and   moving the projection of the beam to a second area in the vicinity of the improvised explosive device.