Development of a Multi-Spectral Vehicle Protection Obscuration System
Abstract
Engineering Technology, Inc. (ETI) and the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical and Biological Center (ECBC) have completed the technology development and application demonstration of a general- purpose vehicle protection obscuration system. The obscuration system employs propellant-based aerosol dissemination technology to expel obscurant materials from launched cartridges and vehicle mounted dispensers. A patent was awarded for this dissemination technology. The smoke screen produced by this device is effective in degrading targeting sensors in the visual (VIS) and infrared (IR) spectrum. The operation of the propellant dissemination device presents no measured hazards to dismounted troops outside the visible obscurant cloud. The smoke dispenser releases the screening aerosol directly from the dispenser unit providing concealment in the immediate area around the vehicle. The projected screening cartridges are fired from a multi-chamber launcher unit and release the screening aerosol away from the vehicle at a range of up to 300m. Each dispenser or launcher and it's electronic firing controller is integrated into a modified M2A1 ammunition container for convenience in handling, storage and use. The total weight of the prototype device is 32 lbs. The electronic controller allows the system to control start of function, the rate of smoke production, and how much of the total payload will be expelled. The controller may be set to produce a single, instantaneous cloud of very dense smoke or a continuous curtain of smoke for up to one minute's duration. This capability provides broad utility for the smoke dispenser or cartridge launcher. A fixed mounted or aimable adaptation with a combination of obscurant dispensers and launchers, in conjunction with threat warning sensors, could be employed for vehicle self-protection smoke applications. This paper describes a proposed Vehicle Protection Obscurant System (VPOS) and the propellant dissemination technology for this application.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADP023089
Entities
People
- Daniel J. Hartman
- David J. Johnston
- Edgardo Maldonado
- Noel Gonzalez
- William G. Rouse