Engineers & Scientists - Can You Help Our Troops?

Question

I just saw National Geographic Channel’s “Iraq’s Guns for Hire”. One of the points made on IED’s (improvised explosive devices), was that they are often set off using a cell phone signal or even a garage door opener signal. These devices have killed over 1,000 coalition and supporting forces. If this is the case, wouldn’t it be possible to have our troops vehicles equipped with a signal generating device (radio & cell waves, etc.) to set these explosives off ~100 yards in front of our troops before they get there? Obviously, we would have to make sure there were no other coalition forces in front of the vehicle, but still a way to have them go off away from their intended target. Maybe we can have them go off as the insurgents are setting these things up. What do you think? Can this work? The NG program will air again on Jan 29th and Feb 4th.

Answer 1

That's an interesting idea. But they'd have to send out signals in all possible cell phone frequencies and nobody in Iraq would be able to use a cell phone because all the freqencies would essentially be blocked. And the insurgents could place cell phone bombs in places like schools and hospitals and the army's signals would set them off.

Answer 2

If we'd flush the Geneva Conventions down the toilet and use the weaponry we have, this whole mess would get cleared up real quick with a minimum loss of American life. I am a firm believer in ultimatums, then action. And if anyone doubts if the Russians, Chinese or any other future world superpower wouldn't resort to it, you are sadly deluded.

Answer 3

I saw this program too...the IED's they showed going off were on open roads away from schools and populated areas...in addition, the radio signals could have limited range, so it could protect our troops along the road only...you have my vote...I hope this works...

Answer 4

that is coming soon to an Iraqi near you:)--also this was just in the press, its a pulse of i forget which kind sound light..but any way it heats the skin like a millimetre deep to 130 degrees f ,makes ya feel like your on fire:) this is beamed from a satellite looking thing mounted on a tank in illustration. think if ya use that on an enemy,or even for interrogation! what would stop them from shooting that beam into the ground and heat the ied so it detonates?

Answer 5

We have had these things for 3 years.