Non-Lethal Area Denial to Vehicles

Problem Statement

There is a critical need for a system capable of non-lethal area denial to vehicles/boats for (1) perimeter protection of high value assets, e.g. marine barracks, from approaching hostile vehicles, carrying explosives and (2) immobilizing vehicles on urban, suburban roads and multi-lane highways and. Currently there is no cure-all technology that:

• stops a vehicle at range
• minimizes collateral damage and human effects
• allows for reversibility
• is man-portable
• has a small logistical footprint
• is not affected by weather or terrain,
• is cost effective.

The host platforms for such system can be (1) high-value assets themselves (e.g. top of the building) and (2) ground vehicle, helicopter or UAV to stop vehicles on roads and highways. Initial target platform will be Ford Crown Victoria police vehicle used by Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.

Who Can Benefit

In addition, there is a critical need for a perimeter protection of (1) Navy’s gas-oil fueling platforms at sea and (2) Navy ships in harbors from hostile boats carrying explosives.

US Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) has outlines a list of desirable operational capability parameters for the area denial to vehicles concept exploration program, where two specific platforms are presented: (1) HMMWV Mtd (for system weight not exceeding 1100 lbs) and HMMWV Towed (for system weight not exceeding 2500 lbs).

The same platform can be used by TACOM in their effort to remotely detonate an improvised explosive devices (IEDs) using the high-power microwave system.

Finally, the law enforcement agencies, such the Department of Justice and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD), are potential users of the technology. LASD currently is providing logistics support to Eureka Aerospace during the system development.

Baseline Technologies

Current approaches used to stop vehicles on roads include mechanical devices (Spiked strips, Barriers, Entanglers/Nets), Electrical Systems (Direct injection).

Spiked-strip technology is basically an array of hollow, sharpened spikes affixed to a deployment platform that is placed across the roadway. Its strengths are (1) no sudden loss of vehicle control, (2) device compactness, (3) can be deployed by a single person and (4) relatively inexpensive. Its weaknesses include (1) after tires are punctured, the vehicle still can move, (2) very difficult deployment on a multi-lane highways, (3) cannot be used on motorcycles, (4) requires good timing.

Barrier systems place an obstacle in the path of the moving vehicle that it cannot pass through. In general, they are either pre-emplaced or can be designed to be retractable. Obviously barrier systems fall short when it comes to a large (5 km) perimeter protection of high-value assets.

An example of an entanglers/nets system is the Vehicle Lightweight Arresting Device (VLAD), formerly called X-Net - spiked netting system that has a low profile and is designed to lay flat across the road. The spikes grab and puncture the tires of a vehicle that drives over it and the net entangles the vehicle’s axle, bringing it to a stop. VLAD is relatively inexpensive-$5000.

The concept of direct injection technology is that contact with the electrical storage source will cause the vehicle’s electronic engine controls to malfunction. The main drawbacks of this technology are the requirement for direct contact with the vehicle and the difficulty of designing a widely acceptable delivery system.

Finally it must be stated that all of the above mentioned systems cannot be used for stopping boats and for any perimeter protection applications.

HPEMS

Eureka Aerospace is developing a high-power electromagnetic system (HPEMS) for remotely immobilizing vehicles using microwave energy to disable/damage vehicle’s electronic control module/microprocessors which control engine’s vital functions. Click here to proceed to the detailed description of the technology applied to the non-lethal area denial application and for more information on current state of development.

Technology Availability

Prototype HPEMS currently is being built by Eureka Aerospace with the anticipated date of prototype completion by October 2005. Then, there will be transition to the first operational HPEMS system hosted by LASD’s Ford Crown Victoria platform - expected to be ready no later than July 2006. Finally, the transition to a Marine Corps’ larger HPEMS unit for 5-km perimeter protection of a high-value building will commence by December 2006.

Finally, Eureka Aerospace is exploring a teaming arrangement with Boeing Aerospace - potential prime to integrate ImpSAR system into an airborne platform (UAV), which may constitute appreciable additional funding opportunity.

HPEMS Application Gallery

HPEMS on a police car
HPEMS on a police car (in action)
HPEMS on an aircraft carrier
(enforcing an immobilization zone)
HPEMS guarding a nuclear station
HPEMS on a helicopter
HPEMS on an offshore platform
(enforcing an immobilization zone)