Is there something that could detect an IED before it explodes?

Question

Just seems like there should be something (infrared, magnetic sweeper, etc) that could warn a Hummer driver BEFORE an IED goes off.
And I may be wrong, but I believe there should be some kind of way to design a vehicle to minimize the damage of an IED.

Answer 1

No, too many different ways of making one. They can be triggered by radio, cellphone, wire, even a good old pullstring. It could be on timer too.

Here's a little story relayed by Dick "Rogue Warrior" Macinko... (paraphrased, don't sue me if I missed some details) when he was working Red Cell, consulting "security" for various places in Europe, including an US embassy, he brought over a little device that he proposed to put on rooftop. It is known to trigger many types of truck bomb detonators out to 1000 yards. He showed it to the ambassador, who's obviously NOT a military guy, and proceed with a show and tell. The ambassador listened, then suddenly had a horrified expression on his face when he heard "detonate".

Macinko: "Sir, do you have a question?"
Ambassador: "Wait, so this thing TRIGGERS car bombs?"
Macinko: "Before they reach us here, yes sir."
Ambassador: "But there are civilians out there!"
Macinko: "Yes, sir. But the idea is to protect you and your staff, sir."
Ambassador: "I cannot consciously endanger citizens of our host nation to keep myself safe. You will NOT install that device in MY embassy!"

Ambassador then storms out, while Macinko wondered if the ambassador was brave, stupid, or both.

Yes, are are virtually IED proof vehicles: it's called the Bradley AFV. :) You need a pretty hefty charge to break the skin of an AFV, much more bullet resistant than ever armored humvees.

Answer 2

There is truth to what you say but there is a simplicity to IED's that makes them genius. In many cases it is nothing more than an explosive charge (low grade plastique exlposive, black powder, or even just gasoline) coupled with shrapnel.

An "up-armoured" hmmmv is an example of how we are changing vehicle standards in order to minimize the damage caused by an IED, however they seem to again be one step ahead of us. It is becoming more and more common that the shrapnel in an IED is coupled with Magneseum. When the charge goes off the magneseum, is simultaneuosly melted and projected outward into a spike which is super hot and can penetrate most armour.

For more information on this growing trend, research "shape charges"

Answer 3

Yes. Kill the person making it. Send the press home and get down to business. With the rules now in place, Sherman would still be marching to Georgia.

Answer 4

There are so many different IEDs being created daily. They are made up of crude material of anykind. There are simple ones and very complex ones. it would be impossible to come up with one device that could accurately detect all of them. However, EODs are discovering new ways to detect them all of the time. These are devices created by desperate cowards with diminishing resources.

Answer 5

YES, THERE IS SOMETHING THAT WARNS A DRIVER BEFORE IT GOES OFF. IT NOT %100 ACCURATE BUT ITS PRETTY GOOD. AND WE HAVE STRYKERS, THEY ARE BUILT WITH A CAGE AROUND ITS BODY TO PREVENT LESS DAMAGE WHEN AN IED GOES OFF. ALSO WE ARE CONSTANTLY UPGRADING OUR ARMOR ON THE HUMVEES

Answer 6

this web site might give a clue
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ied#Detecting_and_disarming_an_IED