Enhanced detonators detection in X-ray baggage inspection by image manipulation and deep convolutional neural networks

The detection of dangerous objects in X-ray images of baggage has become important, particularly due to rising crime rates. The performance of screening devices is strongly influenced by the target visibility, image display technology, and the security officers’ knowledge. However, Read More …

Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company supports new bomb suit helmet program

FORT BELVOIR, Va. – U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians are helping the Army improve state-of-the-art combat helmets to better protect them on high-stakes missions. EOD technicians from the 55th Ordnance Company (EOD) are working with Program Executive Office Soldier Read More …

Ukraine is now the most mined country. It will take decades to make safe

In a year and a half of conflict, land mines — along with unexploded bombs, artillery shells and other deadly byproducts of war — have contaminated a swath of Ukraine roughly the size of Florida or Uruguay. It has become Read More …

Rapid and selective screening of organic peroxide explosives using acid-hydrolysis induced chemiluminescence

Organic peroxide explosives (OPEs) are unstable, non-military, contemporary security threats often found in improvised explosive devices. Chemiluminescence (CL) can be used to detect OPEs, via radical formation consisting of peroxide moieties (-O-O-) under acidic conditions. However, selectivity for specific OPEs Read More …

India: State university develops IED detectors

Chhattisgarh’s Ravishankar Shukla University has developed sensor system by isolating bacteria that react against DNT — used to produce explosives. This technique will be helpful to detect landmines buried under the ground. These sensors can be dropped in suspected areas Read More …

DEVCOM CBC Team Supports Data Collection Event in Alaska

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD – The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC) participated in an Army-sponsored data collection event at the Cold Regions Test Center (CRTC) in Fort Greely, Alaska as part of its work Read More …

Australia: CATJAT jammer designed to protect soldiers against IEDs

Imagine a squad of soldiers on foot patrol, somewhere hostile. As they pass by the wreck of an old car, or traverse a culvert under the road, or get spotted by a drone, there is a flash, a bang, and Read More …

The deadly legacy of landmines

More than two decades since the adoption of the landmark Mine Ban Treaty and the creation of the UN Mine Action Service, millions of landmines have been destroyed, but land in nearly 70 countries globally is still contaminated and innocent Read More …

Improving the speed and safety of airport security screening

For decades, airports around the nation have employed sensitive canine noses to detect concealed explosives. While this four-legged fleet has been effective and efficient, researchers have yet to build a mechanical method that can mimic their abilities. Sasha Wrobel and Read More …