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Development of a Novel Lightweight Recoilless EOD Disruptor
Abstract
The development of a novel lightweight recoilless disruptor, based on the Davis gun principle, for neutralising improvised explosive devices (IED) is described. The principal design drivers were for a system which used ammunition already qualified for UK military service to reduce the acquisition risk; to deliver performance equivalent to current 40mm calibre disruptors and to be capable of integration with small remote control vehicles (RCVs) for bomb disposal. These small RCVs have a much reduced load carrying capacity and their lightweight arms are intolerant of mechanical shock. The design process and the results from the disruptor performance assessment are presented. The disruptor weighs less than 3 kg; it is completely recoilless and has been successfully integrated with a one-man portable RCV. Over 60 firings have been conducted from RCVs and their subsystems without any noticeable adverse impact on the platform.