Methods and apparatus to provide training against improvised explosive devices

The present application is a divisional patent application and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/182,495, filed on Jul. 15, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Not Applicable.

As is well known in the art, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) have been used by terrorists and others to kill and injure those in proximity to the device. Some IEDs include a device, such as a cell phone, that can be used to detonate the IED. As is also known in the art, IEDs can be difficult to locate and recognize. Different types of “camouflage” or “disguise” for IEDs, such as canvas bags to hide artillery rounds and other materials, can be found in various theaters of military operations. There are also a variety of different triggering methods currently utilized for IEDs, such as hard wired, Radio Frequency (RF) operated, and trip wired.

The present invention provides a training system for an improvised explosive device (IED). The system can be used to train personnel to locate and recognize IEDs. The system can include an inert explosive component resembling an actual IED. The system can also include one or more of audio devices, visual devices, and pyrotechnic devices that can be activated when the system is triggered. The system can be triggered by sensors, such as motion sensors, trainer actions, and the like.

In one aspect of the invention, a training system for an improvised explosive device (IED) includes an inert explosive component configured to resemble a real improvised explosive device, an explosion simulation device coupled to the inert explosive component, and an interface device assembly coupled to the explosion simulation device that can be activated upon triggering of the system. The system can further include one or more of the following features: the explosion simulation device includes a canister to hold powder that can be discharged; the explosion simulation device includes a pyrotechnic device; an audio device coupled to the interface device assembly to make sound upon triggering of the system; a visual device coupled to the interface device assembly to generate visual effects upon triggering of the system; a trigger device coupled to the interface device assembly to enable a user to trigger the system; the trigger device includes a wired and/or wireless device; a motion sensor to trigger to the system; the interface device assembly is adapted to connect to one or more simulation systems, such as the Anti Tank Weapons Engagement Simulation System (ATWESS), the Main Gun System Simulator (MGSS), and the Direct Indirect Fire Cue (DIFCUE), for example.

In another aspect of the invention, an improvised explosive device (IED) training system includes an interface device assembly, a trigger input device to provide trigger inputs to the interface device assembly, at least one audio cue device receiving signals from the interface device assembly, at least one visual cue device receiving signals from the interface device assembly, and at least one external trigger device coupled to the interface device assembly. The system can further include one or more of the following features: an inert explosive component; the inert explosive component resembles a real IED; the inert explosive component includes a canister that can discharge powder; a pyrotechnic device coupled to the inert explosion component for activation upon triggering of the system; the input trigger device includes a motion sensor; the audio cue device includes a speaker;

In another aspect of the invention, a method includes initializing a training system for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) having an inert explosive component resembling a real IED, and activating one or more of an audio cue device, a visual cue device, and a pyrotechnic device upon triggering of the system. The method can further include one or more of: initializing a motion sensor that can trigger the system; receiving a signal from a user to trigger the system; and, the visual cue device includes a canister containing power under pressure that can be released.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The exemplary embodiments contained herein will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary training improvised explosive device (IED) in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a pictorial representation of an inert explosive component resembling a 105 mm round IED;

FIG. 2B is a pictorial representation of an inert explosive component resembling a rocket propelled grenade (RPG);

FIG. 3 is a depiction of an exemplary wired trigger box;

FIG. 4A is a front view of an exemplary interface device assembly;

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