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|  One
of the toughest challenges facing coalition forces operating
in Iraq and Afghanistan is the threat of Improvised
Explosive Devices (IED). In the U.S., a joint task force
was assigned with evaluating, developing and rapidly fielding
suitable measures to protect from and defeat IEDs. Capabilities
shown at AUSA 06 included IED detection concepts, convoy command
and control systems, and various countermeasures ranging from
vehicular to man-portable and individual RF jammers, protection
systems, and specialized vehicles such as the JERRV
and various robotic systems, designed to combat IEDs.
One of the companies tasked with counter-IED research is SRI,
which introduced the Mobile Obliteration Platform, (MOP) to
combat IEDs. The system uses a low cost wireless controlled
platform mounting SRI's Engineered Neutralization and Dispersion
Source (ENDS), combining a fragmentation panel placed on an
explosive sheet made of low-pressure explosive, backed by a
tampering plate. Other counter IED concepts demonstrated by
the company included aerial sweeps, using laser-induced fluorescence,
detecting IED vapor traces, and the use of airborne ground penetrating
radar, to spot suspected locations of buried IED.
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 Two
types of the Broadshield
counter-IED jammers were displayed by the UK based TRL company,
a member of the L3 Communications group. Broadshield is offered
in vehicular version and two-set man-portable system, addressing
different waveforms and frequency ranges from 25 to 2500 Mhz.
Future models of the system, currently under development will
extend frequency coverage of the BroadShield to 25-2500 Mhz
in a single unit, fully integrated with a signal generator and
power amplification components. Other jammers, designed for
dismounted operations include the Thor, from ACM Systems, a
15 lbs (6.8 kg) system, transmitting 16 watts.
The company also provides the ShadowBolt IV vehicle borne RCIED
jammer, which not only disrupts RC communications but also provides
warning on suspected threats. The system also logs the geo-location
of the points where signals are located, for further analysis
and post-mission intelligence processing.
 Thales
launched its latest, Storm
H man-portable individual Radio-Controlled IED (RCIED) counter-measure
jammer at AUSA, designed to protect dismounted troops on
foot patrols. The device is sized similar to a hand-held radio,
and can be worn in a pouch or pocket, or clipped to webbing.
These new devices enable dismounted troops to move safely away
from the restricted field of operation immediately surrounding
an ECM vehicle or the ECM member of a foot patrol, enabling
each individual soldier to move freely, taking their IED protection
with them.
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