Separated electrical contacts
Tension
Electrical circuit
Image 12. This switch is held in position by the tension in the wire
2.3.2. INFLUENCE VOIED s
There are many different influences that can be used to function a VOIED without the need for the victim to actually come into contact with it. These include:
• Magnetic
• Acoustic
• Seismic
• Heat
• Light
Unlike the majority of contact VOIEDs that the MA sector encounters, influence VOIEDs will normally incorporate a sensor. Most sensors, although not all, will draw electrical current flowing through part of the circuit. Once this battery has been depleted these sensors will no longer be active, however additional batteries and firing switches may still be operational.
Principle advantages:
• Can be incorporated with a means of remote arming, such as a radio controlled (RC) switch. This can combine the advantages of both a command and victim operated IED;
• Can be difficult for an opposing armed group to detect before initiating;
• Flexibility due to wide area coverage or ability to target a very precise point depending on the sensor that is used.
Principle disadvantages:
• Requires more resources and is logistically intensive due to the need for specific components;
• Requires technical training to construct and deploy;
• Generally, less ‘persistent’ than a contact VOIED due to a draw of current.
IED tactics
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