Explosive Hazards Defeat

The Explosive Hazards Defeat (EHD) program invests in basic research (budget activity 6.1), applied research (budget activity 6.2) and advanced technology development (budget activity 6.3) to support development of new capabilities for:

• The on-the-move standoff detection of explosive hazards in the areas of:
  • Biological sensors
  • Compact modular sensors for tactical (sUAS) platforms
  • Standoff spectroscopic detection
• The on-the-move standoff neutralization of explosive hazards in the areas of:
  • High-powered microwave (HPM) systems
  • Scalable neutralization systems
• The Marking, Reporting, Confirmation, Analysis and Decision Making for:
  • Explosive Hazards
  • Engineer Reconnaissance
    • Airfield Damage Assessment

The basic research focuses on the fundamental and underlying scientific concepts related to the standoff defeat of explosive hazards. The applied research promotes and leverages the interdisciplinary science and technology (S&T) needed to develop innovative concepts to sense, neutralize, mark, report and analyze explosive hazards from the very shallow water (VSW) to the inland objectives—autonomously, from unmanned platforms capable of being rapidly deployed in support of a broader, more effective naval presence in the littorals and ashore. The advanced technology development supports further maturation (additional system development and field tests) of the S&T developed in the applied research portion of the program.

Research Concentration Areas

The Marine Corps has identified a need for an organic explosive hazard detection, neutralization and proofing capability from the VSW mark (40-10’), Surf Zone(SZ) (10’-0’), Beach Zone(BZ) and then through to inland objectives. Previous technologies addressing this area of interest were intended to be deployed by U.S. Navy assets, such as the Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC). However, the Marine Corps is exploring (EHD) technologies that provide capabilities organic to the maneuver force and deployed from new or existing Marine Corps fleet platforms. The portfolio concentrates on the standoff detection and neutralization of explosive obstacles as relevant to the maneuvering forces from the VSW zone to the objective, in breaching, clearance and obstacle avoidance operations. The focus is on-the-move capabilities to provide force protection across the range of military operations. This is a difficult challenge in extraordinarily complex environments, with great scientific and technical challenges that requires both the Navy and Marine Corps to pursue solutions that are complimentary, mutually supporting and interoperable. The Marine Corps defines standoff as the ability to detect or neutralize an explosive hazard with the sensor, platform and warfighter outside the serious injury zone (SIZ). This is per the Institute for Defense Analysis’s (IDA) Conventional Explosive and Explosive Precursor Component Standoff Detection capabilities-based analysis (CBA).

Research Challenges and Opportunities

1. Standoff Detection: The focus of the detection program is the development of sensors and sensing technologies that enable on-the-move true standoff detection, where the sensor, platform and expeditionary warfighters are outside the SIZ. Given the operational needs and guidance, the portfolio will examine detection technologies that can enable forces to maintain operational tempo from the VSW (~40ft depth) to the inland objective. Detection technologies will include the range of mechanical, acoustic, electro-magnetic, electro-optical/infrared chemical and biological systems, as well as assorted techniques to employ them, such as change detection. Standoff obstacle detection may be achieved through a variety of detection technologies in the future. However, in the near to midterm, the detection capabilities will need to be mounted on a platform (unmanned air/ground vehicles) to achieve sufficient standoff. This program solicits research topics and thrust areas related to the following topics.​​

• Compact Modular Sensors for Tactical Platforms: The program is seeking the miniaturization of multiple detection technologies for employment via small tactical platforms including group 1 and 2 UASs, small ground and amphibious platforms organic to ground/naval forces. Exploration includes ground penetrating radar (GPR), wire detection sensors, spectroscopic sensors, chemical sensors, magnetometers, EMI, acoustic sensors and EO/IR sensors. The sensor and sensing technologies should be able to demonstrate the capability to detect explosive hazards (mines, IEDs, UXO, etc.) as well. Research thrusts include:
  • 3D ground penetrating radar transceivers, array architecture
  • Volumetric algorithm development, performance validation and real-time integration
  • System optimization, data collection and performance evaluation
  • Multi-functional sensors
  • Examine data fusion of multiple sensors
  • Multiple sensors on a single platform
  • Test/demonstrate multiple sensors on multiple platforms as a network of sensors
• Standoff Spectroscopic Detection: The development of sensors that enable standoff detection—where the sensor, platform and warfighter are outside the SIZ—by obtaining spectroscopic fingerprints of explosive hazards for detection and confirmation. Given the operational needs and guidance, the portfolio will examine organic technologies that will enable forces to maintain operational tempo through a range of enemy threats from the VSW zone to the inland objective. Research thrusts include:
  • Examine possible technologies for multiple methods of standoff detection in various environments against multiple components of explosive hazards
  • Research spectroscopic fingerprints of explosive threats
  • Expand the range of spectroscopic signatures by multi-functional and/or orthogonal methods of spectroscopies
  • Research topics that address low photon collection due to optical scattering
  • Explore spectroscopic techniques with low integration time and large area imaging techniques in both active and passive method

2. Standoff Neutralization: The intent of the neutralization program is to enable forces to maintain operational tempo through a range of enemy threats by providing technologies that support a family of systems that increases the standoff distance for neutralization of kinetic or non-kinetic, surface or subsurface, manned or unmanned threats from the VSW to the objective. The system should have the ability to neutralize threats with precision from a sufficient standoff distance that enables a maneuver unit to take action, maintain operational tempo and increases the survivability of the warfighter. Research areas include:

• Scalable Neutralization System: This research examines an organic scalable neutralization system for maneuver units that include capabilities for a fuze independent, hard-kill capability at standoff against current and future buried explosive obstacles, and that decreases the logistics burden and limits collateral damage. Criteria include: A scalable neutralization system that can clear a route of various explosive hazards without reducing operational tempo; A reduction capability that defeats both single-impulse and blast hardened mines, as well as proud and buried IEDs; The system will provide pinpoint neutralization at standoff distances; It should be deployable in multiple forms from manned and unmanned vehicles, both from the ground and the air. Research thrusts include:
  • Compact and effective launching technologies
  • Fuse independent kill of buried/obscured objects
  • Charge deployment

3. Marking, Reporting, Confirmation, Analysis and Decision Making: To increase the probability of detection and reduce false alarms the systems of systems much be able to communicate, analyze, make decisions and distribute that information through the force. Multiple sensors may be on a single platform, single sensors may be on multiple platforms, or multiple sensors may be on multiple platforms. This are also includes the use of the same sensors to assess combat engineer areas of interest such as airfield damage, roads, routes, bridges and other infrastructure found in the engineer reconnaissance mission. Research area includes:

• Sensor Integration, Analysis and Decision Making: Research in this area will focus on multiple types of detection sensors linked together to analyze, confirm and report a finding. Linked together the system determines the target they see is the same, and using artificial intelligence and machine learning analysis of the target characteristics of each of the sensors, the systems determines that it is a threat and that information is distributed through the force. Research thrusts include:
  • Artificial Intelligence
    • Computer Vision
    • Machine Learning
    • Complex Neural Networks