The U.S. Air Force will receive laser detonators that can handle unexploded ordnance at long distances
The Defense Post reported on February 9 that the U.S. Air Force is about to have a detonation convoy equipped with laser equipment to deal with unexploded ordnance in the airport at a distance. The detonator, called the Recovery of Weapons-Blocked Air Base (RADBO) system, weighs 18 tons and uses a 3-kilowatt Zeus III laser to detonate explosives such as bombs, grenades and improvised bombs.
The RADBO detonator is also equipped with a robotic arm to search dangerous areas and move unexploded ordnance, minimizing the threat to the lives of detonators.
Tony Miranda, RADBO Project Manager, said: "If we are in an extremely dangerous environment and there is unexploded ordnance in the airport, then the maintenance staff will not have time to take care of the aircraft and the aircraft will not be able to leave the runway." With the RADBO detonation vehicle, the detonation technicians can use them to process the unexploded ordnance at a distance so that our aircraft can return to normal flight. ”
The Agile Combat Support Service (ACS) of the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center will receive the first of 13 RADBO detonation vehicles this fall as part of its Rapid Airfield Damage Repair (RADR) program.
Al Bello of the Agile Combat Support Division of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center added that the RADBO detonation vehicle was only part of the RADR program.
Bello said: "The attack on the airport may leave unexploded ammunition as well as craters. Obviously, it is necessary for the staff to quickly investigate the damage to the airport, determine the location of the unexploded ordnance, and then use the RADBO detonator to dispose of all the unexploded ordnance. Once this work is complete, heavy machinery can enter the airfield, safely repair the damaged airport runway, and allow the airport to return to normal operations, thereby increasing the number of sorties of fighters. ”
