Lasers Neutralize UXO

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@cpeo.org>]

LASERS NEUTRALIZE CLUSTER BOMB UNITS

It sounds like science fiction, but the Air Force is now using lasers in
the field to neutralize unexploded ordnance. According to a paper
presented at the recent UXO Forum '99 in Atlanta, "a four-man EOD
[explosive ordnance disposal] team operating two lasers can destroy
several hundred UXO items in the same period a twelve-man team employing
traditional demolition techniques."

The Air Force used a 2-kilowatt laser, mounted on an armored vehicle, to
neutralize small, surface cluster bomb units at Nellis Air Force Base in
Nevada. Depending upon the angle, beam quality, and beam placement, the
laser either detonates (blows up) or deflagrates (burns) the munition.

The principal advantage of the laser is safety: It can neutralize
ordnance from a distance of 35 to 100 meters. Using conventional
methods, EOD technicians would have to place charges right next to UXO,
which means walking through the "minefield" and handling explosives.

(CMSgt Ernest J. Lorelli, "Laser Neutralization of UXO")

-- 


Lenny Siegel
Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight
c/o PSC, 222B View St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Voice: 650/961-8918 or 650/969-1545
Fax: 650/968-1126
lsiegel@cpeo.org
http://www.cpeo.org