PDIC - Explosive and/or Volitile Handling and Transport Systems

Bomb Handling Techniques

expl_page5_photo1.jpg (12125 bytes) Because of the hazards confronting the bomb handling team, they should be given every protection possible without sacrificing mobility. Basic personal equipment provided with the system consists of: (1) 3-piece body armor, (2) ballistic helmet with face mask, (3) hand-held body shield.

Illustrated is one of our 3 recommended methods for remotely moving a suspected device into a bomb basket. This method utilizes the closed bottom basket. The device is approached by one handler and the drawstring net is dropped over the device. The handler then withdraws to any point up to the 50' length of the drawstring, crouches behind his shield or other cover, and pulls the drawstring which secures the net around the device. He then tumbles the bomb to determine if it is booby trapped. The lifting clamps provided with the system have been previously placed at a predetermined pick up point, with the bomb basket placed in line between the two lifting clamps. Maintaining a distance of 50' from the device and staying behind the cover of his shield, the handler moves to the lifting clamps. The drawstring net line is threaded through the snaphook on one lifting clamp. The snaphook at the end of the polypro line, previously rigged through the second lifting clamp, is snapped onto the drawstring. expl_page5_photo2.jpg (20536 bytes) The handlers then move back to the ends of their respective lines, one handling the drawstring net line, and the other handling the polypro line. By manipulating the two lines from 50 to 100 feet distance, the device is towed to the side of the bomb basket, raised, jockeyed into position, and lowered into the basket. A variation on this is to use a single lifting clamp and the drawstring line to drop the device into a bomb basket positioned directly under the lifting clamp.

Basket, now holding the device, is towed to the transport vehicle with the polypro lines, while the handlers maintain a distance of up to 100 feet from the basket. One handler tows the line previously snapped onto lower basket loop, while the second handler guides with line previously snapped onto upper basket loop. This allows easy movement and control over any surface on terrain, including movement down stairs.