CSIR develops explosion detection system to protect against IEDs

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed a system for detecting explosions, and an active explosion prevention system (called Active Mitigation System (AMS)) to protect troops and vehicles against landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The Active Mitigation System (AMS) detects an explosion and neutralizes the initiator by directing anti-explosion resources like a water bomb on to it. According to CSIR, the whole process consists of sensor hardware to detect a detonation in progress, signal processing electronics that implement a unique algorithm for discriminating between background signals, and electronics that issue a trigger signal to the AMS within 67 microseconds (67 millionths of a second) from the start of the detonation.

CSIR believes that the Active Mitigation System (AMS) is beneficial to troops in vehicles in IED prone areas in the frontline. Furthermore, the council believes that its Active Mitigation System (AMS) is quite unique with no similar currently in existence or under development.

The Active Mitigation System (AMS) is best suited for armoured vehicle manufacturers who supply to defence forces in developed and developing countries. The Active Mitigation System (AMS) can be fitted to new armoured vehicles or retrofitted to existing ones.

The Active Mitigation System (AMS) is currently undergoing fine-tuning, with a prototype being tested in a simulated and real-life environment.

“The technology needs integration with an active mitigation system (third party) and testing of the complete mitigation system, to move on to industrialization. A general electronics manufacturing partner would be recommended. The CSIR is able to conduct specialized tests at its Detonics, Ballistics, and Explosives Laboratory with sophisticated and unique apparatus and techniques,” the Council said.

CSIR has previously done work on similar sector, in February, it developed a missile launch and gunshot detection system. The system which has both air and ground application is based on optical devices and does not rely on acoustic or electromagnetic wave sensors.