SBIR-STTR Award

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop and demonstrate a low cost, accurate, and single-use aiming device for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) disruptors. Current low cost aiming require the removal of the device before firing affecting the aim of the disrupter and tend to become damaged after firing due to the high recoil forces. PSI plans to overcome the shortcomings of current aiming devices without sacrificing the low cost and develop a single-shot aiming device that allow for the disrupter to be aimed and fired simultaneously. The device will wrap around any disrupter barrel size from 1 to 6 inches. The device will achieve an accuracy of under 1 inch from the intended target at a 50 foot distance in both day and night conditions, allow for an installation of the device in under 30 seconds with no tools required and operate at a wide range of operating conditions exceeding current state of the art aiming devices. In the Phase I, PSI will design a custom housing to integrate the aiming components in a low cost and weight manner. The device will be tested on a 12 gauge PAN disrupter to ensure the device achieves the aforementioned performance metrics.

Benefit:
The proposed aiming device will allow for reduction in costs due to reduced material costs and labor hours required for ordnance disposal. The ability to use the aiming device while firing will significantly increase the accuracy of the disruptor and reduce the number of shots necessary to properly dispose of an explosive ordnance. The technology will be transitioned to federal (Joint Service Explosive Ordnance Division) and state governments (bomb squads, etc) for EOD.

Keywords:
disruptor, disruptor, EOD, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, aiming device

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to continue the development of a low-cost, single use, precision aiming device for explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) disrupters and tools. This unique low-cost aiming device will ensure the Navy has tools to improve EOD personnel safety by increasing standoff distance without sacrificing performance. In the Phase I, the aiming device performance was quantified for visibility and accuracy at distances up to 50 feet in daylight conditions. In addition, size, weight, and power were minimized to ensure the device results in mission durations for all temperature environments. In the Phase II, prototype aiming devices will be produced and tested in land and underwater to confirm the performance of the aiming device achieves the metrics deemed critical by the Navy. The results from this activity will serve to refine the aiming device for production and commercialization in the Phase III.

Benefit:
The development of a low-cost, scalable, precision aiming device would have multiple applications for the EOD community, from the Navy to local and state bomb squads. The aiming device allows for a significant increase in standoff distances, enabling safe operations. Furthermore, the time to install and verify the aim spot is reduced over existing aiming solutions. Integration of the aiming device into the EOD tools and disrupters procurement will aid in performance and increased mission flexibility.

Keywords:
aiming, Low-cost, EOD, Lasers, precision, Explosive Ordnance Disposal