NCJ Number
196651
Journal
Gazette Volume: 64 Issue: 1 Dated: 2002 Pages: 12-14
Date Published
2002
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the new technology of protecting dignitaries from bomb attacks while in transit.
Abstract
Security experts report that 80 percent of attacks on dignitaries occur while they are in transit. Armored and bulletproof vehicles have become a popular life saving measure for people at constant risk of assassination and abduction. These high-tech cars are designed to resemble ordinary passenger vehicles, but come equipped with protective features. However, this vehicle does not have the extreme level of protection needed for modern explosive devices. It is reported that 50 percent of attacks on VIPs are related to explosive devices. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has an Armoured Systems Engineering Section that has conducted a series of scientific tests to construct an armored vehicle capable of defeating explosive threats. Their efforts have led to the secret to resisting high impact blast from a bomb. While a bullet hits a target in a very small area, a high impact blast will apply the same amount of force to every square inch of a vehicle. The biggest concern is shrapnel, which can propel lethal fragments toward the armor system and the passengers inside. While conducting a series of stationary tests on retired vehicles, the Armoured System Engineering Section observed the effects of a blast on different levels of protection. They experimented with different types of armor and built a test fixture to conduct further testing. The backbone of the new technology is two layers of steel--one to absorb or repel the energy; and the second to prevent any shrapnel from getting inside the vehicle and injuring the passengers if the first layer fails to defeat the blast. The new explosive resistant armor was incorporated into some of the vehicles used for the Fourth Summit of the Americas in Quebec in April 2001. The technology was determined based on who the client was and the threat against them. Now that the outer shell of armored vehicles can protect the passengers from the effects of a blast and flying shrapnel, the next step is concerned with the people inside the vehicle and their motion. One possible option may be the deployment of air bags to cushion the blow.