Development of an Electronically-Controlled Smoke Pot Aerosol Dispenser

摘要

Engineering Technology, Inc. (ETI) and the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical and Biological Center (ECBC) have completed the technology application demonstration of a general-purpose Smoke Pot having an electronic controller. The smoke pot employs propellant-based aerosol dissemination technology to expel obscurant materials. A patent is currently pending for this dissemination technology. The smoke screen produced by this device is effective in the visual (VIS), infrared (IR) or millimeter (MM) radar spectrum. Each smoke pot is integrated into a standard M2A 1 ammunition container for convenience in handling, storage and use. The total weight of the prototype device is 32 lbs. The smoke aerosol material is loaded into 18 separate chambers. An electric igniter initiates each chamber. The smoke pot's battery-powered, electronic controller allows this operator to control the rate of smoke production by the pot, the time at which the unit will start to function and how much of the total payload will be expelled. The controller may be set to produce a single, instantaneous cloud of very dense smoke or a continuous curtain of smoke for up to 1 minute's duration. This capability provides broad utility for the smoke pot and allows one or more units to be used in a pre-planned, coordinated event. This device is well suited to military operations in urban terrain (MOUT) scenario where it would allow troops to move from building to building over several city blocks under cover of smoke. It would also be effective as a sniper countermeasure, diversion and distraction and crowd control. A turret- mounted adaptation in conjunction with threat warning sensors could be employed for vehicle self-protection smoke applications.