The Van Trepan™ is a lightweight plastic charge which provides military and breacher users with the ability to cut an access hole to support reconnaissance tasks. The charge is filled with
explosive by the user and can be deployed by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) or by hand. The Van Trepan™ can be deployed in a situation where a bomb technician must confirm the presence or absence of an IED in the load carrying area of a vehicle such as on the passenger seat or in the rear passenger area.
The charge case incorporates a chamber behind the explosive which is filled with water. This water tamps the explosive and has the effect of greatly enhancing the cutting power while
decreasing the blast and flash.
Product Design
The Van Trepan™ has an explosive channel which is an incomplete loop which cuts round 9/10 of a circle leaving most of the remaining 1/10 intact to act as a hinge. When the charge is fired, the disc of metal cut-out swings on this hinge before being ripped off and this significantly slows down the metal fragment and ensures it is projected to one side. This reduces the risk of the severed disc striking the IED.
A softer plastic ‘handle’ allows a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to get a better purchase when gripping the product in its jaws for deployment. A large filling nozzle with a screw caps make it quicker and easier to fill using a squeeze bottle.
Attachment to Targets
The Van Trepan™ can be stuck to a target using Breacher’s Tape™ or Hydro Tape™, both available from Alford Technologies. The tape can be affixed to the face of the charge to allow the robot to place the charge and withdraw leaving the charge in place. Magnets can also be attached to the charge if appropriate.
Working Principle
The charge case is made from a circular plastic moulding with a circular groove on the target-contact surface. This is designed to receive either one or two loops of detonating cord with a load of about 10g/metre.
