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Published On: Dec 27, 2005 07:45 AM
Total entries in this category:
Published On: Dec 27, 2005 07:45 AM
Geoff's new ride
NEW VEHICLE AIDS IN IED
DETECTION
A new, heavily armored vehicle in use in Iraq is giving Army engineers a closer look at suspected improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The 23-ton “Buffalo” helps confirm the presence of an IED before an explosive ordnance disposal team is brought to the scene. The Buffalo is equipped with a 30-foot robotic arm, or “iron claw,” that is operated from within the vehicle. When a possible IED is spotted by a route clearance team, the claw is used to probe debris and dirt around the questionable device in an effort to identify the object. A video camera in the claw transfers images to a television screen inside the vehicle.
The Buffalo’s crew of six sits 10 to 12 feet off the ground and has access to searchlights that are maneuvered from inside the vehicle. With the help of the lights, video camera, and claw, they can search anywhere they feel there is a threat.
The Buffalo saves lives when IEDs explode while being inspected. The Army National Guard’s 612th Engineer Battalion has identified 75 IEDs, 16 pieces of unexploded ordnance, and 16 fake devices (planted to study how the coalition forces respond) during its first 3 months in Iraq. Although the Buffalo has been hit several times by small arms fire, grenades, and artillery shells, no one riding inside has been hurt.
The 23-ton Buffalo is the newest piece of equipment Operation Iraqi Freedom soldiers have to identify improvised explosive devices.
A new, heavily armored vehicle in use in Iraq is giving Army engineers a closer look at suspected improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The 23-ton “Buffalo” helps confirm the presence of an IED before an explosive ordnance disposal team is brought to the scene. The Buffalo is equipped with a 30-foot robotic arm, or “iron claw,” that is operated from within the vehicle. When a possible IED is spotted by a route clearance team, the claw is used to probe debris and dirt around the questionable device in an effort to identify the object. A video camera in the claw transfers images to a television screen inside the vehicle.
The Buffalo’s crew of six sits 10 to 12 feet off the ground and has access to searchlights that are maneuvered from inside the vehicle. With the help of the lights, video camera, and claw, they can search anywhere they feel there is a threat.
The Buffalo saves lives when IEDs explode while being inspected. The Army National Guard’s 612th Engineer Battalion has identified 75 IEDs, 16 pieces of unexploded ordnance, and 16 fake devices (planted to study how the coalition forces respond) during its first 3 months in Iraq. Although the Buffalo has been hit several times by small arms fire, grenades, and artillery shells, no one riding inside has been hurt.
The 23-ton Buffalo is the newest piece of equipment Operation Iraqi Freedom soldiers have to identify improvised explosive devices.
Posted: Tue - March 22, 2005 at 09:05 PM