2.6. PROJECTED IED s
ׁ WARNING. Chapter 3, Section 3 provides guidance on the cordon and evacuation of tasks involving projected IEDs that have been prepared for firing and then abandoned.
Since their conception, projected IEDs have spread and evolved into many forms and have been utilised by most NSAGs. They are coveted as they give the ability to remotely deliver an explosive payload to the target. This could be to achieve an effect from an extended range, or to project a warhead so it detonates on the target for optimum effect. They may incorporate military stores, such as the 107 mm rocket motor, or they may be completely bespoke.
ׁ NOTE. Projected IEDs refer to IEDs which project an explosive device, not an IED with a projection hazard such as a directional fragmentation charge. Although both do have a projection hazard, they are distinct from each other.
Projected IEDs have been used in both indirect and direct roles. The following table lists some of the attributes for using projected IEDs in these roles and which type of target they are most suited to.
INDIRECT
DIRECT
ATTRIBUTES
TYPE OF TARGET
ATTRIBUTES
TYPE OF TARGET
Good for extended range.
More accurate.
Good for using off route against moving targets.
Good for attacking large stationary targets like security force bases.
Can pass over the top of physical barriers.
Less flight time.
Not as accurate.
Shorter range.
2.6.1.MEANS OF INITIATION Usually, projected IEDs are initiated either by ‘time’ or ‘command’, enabling the armed group to capitalise on the advantages 1 of these methods of initiation. Although rarely encountered, projected IEDs could be initiated by a victim operated switch, especially in a ‘direct fire’ type role to target vehicles. 2.6.2. PROJECTILES AND FUZING A large variety of projectiles and fuzes have been seen with projected IEDs. This clearly reflects how NSAGs will use what is readily available. The projectile can be completely bespoke, including improvised fuzes, or can incorporate pieces of military ordnance in an improvised way. It can even be a combination of them both. Projected IEDs have a wide range of NEQ, from very small all the way up to several hundred kilogrammes. The fuzing system itself can be improvised or may utilise a military store. Projected IEDs may function on impact, following a delay after impact, or may even function following a delay after firing in order to achieve an airburst. Due to their improvised nature, they are even more prone to failure, or blinds, than conventional ordnance. To combat this, many NSAGs routinely incorporate more than one fuze.
1 See time IEDs and command IEDs in this section for their respective advantages.
IED tactics
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