Answering the Call-Portable X-Ray Apparatus Developed for EOD Community
NAVSEA News Wire
Release Date: 7/11/2003
By Tara Sine Landis, NSWC Indian Head Division Public Affairs
INDIAN HEAD, Md. -- The Large Package X-Ray Apparatus (LAPAXA) recently developed by engineers at Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (IHDIV) will provide the Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community with a portable device enabling them to un-intrusively locate the placement of an improvised explosive device (IED) inside large or small packages while in the field.
When encountering suspect containers, EOD personnel and others in military and government agencies need an accurate picture of the contents of the suspicious package. Capable of accurately locating the IED's fuse mechanism, LAPAXA, a collaborative effort between IHDIV Weapons Simulation Department 64 engineers Miguel DeLeon, B.I. Mattingly, and David Pipes, was created to meet this need.
Systems currently used by EOD personnel in the field employ four 8 by 10 x-ray film cassettes (similar to those used in a doctor's office), taped side by side to form a 32 by 40 inch x-ray area. Depending on the size of the package, several of these cassette configurations are required to capture the complete interior of a package. After processing (also performed in the field), the film is put together like a puzzle, revealing the suspect contents.
One drawback of this method is that it renders areas where the edges of the cassettes are joined "dead areas" or unexposed, where potentially an IED could go unseen. If dead areas are found, additional x-rays need to be taken, which increases the "time on target" for EOD personnel.
Recognized as a "wish list" item for EOD special forces personnel, Ronald Cochran, the EOD/Low Intensity Conflict Program Manager within the Combating Terrorism Technology Support Office, funded this IHDIV team to design an x-ray system that was portable, would eliminate the possibility of "dead space," and would be able to handle x-raying larger packages, specifically up to a 55-gallon drum.
This effort began in 2001 as an advanced technology demonstration project. The team was given six months (Phase I) to design, fabricate, and test a viable concept using existing tools and equipment. Five units have since been developed and tested by EOD communities within the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force.
"One unique feature of this system is the layering and overlapping of the film," explained Mattingly. "This eliminates any dead space so a complete and accurate picture of the entire contents can be taken."
With the case and foam inserts manufactured by Advanced Packaging, Inc. of Baltimore, Mattingly also noted that the system is extremely cost-efficient, incorporating off-the-shelf materials and costing approximately $800 per unit.
"Another significant aspect of LAPLAXA is its portability," explained DeLeon. "If a suspicious package, barrel, or any other item is found, equipment can be brought right to the source and within minutes it is known if there is an explosive device inside and what type it is."
At a recent Technology Development Indian Head Showcase, LAPLAXA was a featured IHDIV capability, with the team presenting its advancements. As a result of this presentation, discussions are occurring with outside sources extremely interested in pursuing the licensing and packaging of this unique product. In addition, a patent has been filed with the US Patent & Trademark Office.
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