4.4.BARREL DISRUPTORS
4.4.1. INTRODUCTION The primary purpose of an IEDD disrupter is to neutralise an IED as part of a render safe procedure. Disruptors can also be used to ‘remotely open’ a suspect item to expose the contents, while ‘render safe’ means to penetrate, cut, or separate the components so that the device is neutralised and cannot function as originally intended. Barrel disruptors are normally powered by a cartridge containing a low explosive (propellant) that forces a high velocity charge (usually water) out of the barrel to separate IED components in a manner that has a low probability of the device functioning. Disruptors are most effective against electrically initiated IEDs, especially when the battery (power source) can be effectively targeted. Barrel disruptors can be placed semi-remotely, which requires the MA IEDD operator to manually place the disruptor as close to the IED as possible without disturbing it, or using a remotely operated vehicle. Water is the most common load to be fired by barrel disruptors, however some manufacturers use other substances like gel to improve stand-off. There are also recoilless disruptors available which work in a similar fashion to recoilless rifles. This sub-section will focus on the most common types of barrel disruptors and their application in MA. The user may need to modify this information to suit the technical specifications of the barrel disruptor that they are using.
4.4.2. TWO TYPES OF DISRUPTION
General disruption. A shot that is aligned to the general area of the IED to cause the maximum possibility of disruption as a whole.
Selective disruption. A shot that is aligned at a selected item (usually the power supply) to cause targeted disruption of that item.
4.4.3.WHY IS THE USE OF BARREL DISRUPTORS ‘GOOD PRACTICE’? The use of barrel disruptors complies with the IMAS 09.31 IEDD principle “Water based energetic disruption of the power source(s) is the preferred means of neutralisation.” This is because interaction with the IED is minimised and the time the MA IEDD operator is inside the danger area is kept to a minimum. This is directly linked with the primary IMAS IEDD guiding philosophy of ‘preservation of life’.
ADVANTAGES OF BARREL DISRUPTORS
• Safe, effective and efficient means to achieve the neutralisation of an IED;
• Minimises interaction with the IED;
• Reduces time inside the explosive danger area;
• Delivers a consistent effect;
• Value for money – can be re-used many times and if required some cartridges can be re-used and re-loaded; • Does not require the procurement, storage and transportation permissions associated with high explosives;
• Water and manufactured gels are non-flammable and as such do not present any secondary incendiary hazards during disruption.
IEDD techniques and procedures
353
Powered by FlippingBook