VAMPIRE

SRI's VAMPIRE system neutralizes buried mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) through a process of low-order burning of the main explosive charge. Within a 50-cm-diameter region of uncertainty, VAMPIRE can be used to disable buried mines when the exact location is unknown. Past SRI advances in long rod penetrator design and pyrotechnic combustion of explosives contributed to the development of VAMPIRE.

Advantage
The VAMPIRE system neutralizes the explosive charge through low-order burning rather than the traditional high-order detonation. As a result, no collateral damage is incurred on roads, runways, or nearby buildings or bridges. Other detonation techniques use shape charges, which typically produce high-order detonation of mines or UXO.

Opportunity
VAMPIRE's applications include antitank and antipersonnel land mines, unexploded UXO, ship limpet mines, underwater moored mines, and other devices. Opportunities are available for licensing and production of the system by the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps as well as by commercial humanitarian companies. SRI has a patent pending for this technology.

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