Magneto-Inductive Remote Activation Munitions System

Dr. Jon Windham, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center
Dr. James (Don) Cargile, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center
Mr. Richard Andrejkovics, Picatinny Arsenal
Mr. Paul Wrathal, Magneto-Inductive Systems Limited

Abstract:
Under the Magneto-Inductive Remote Activation Munition System (MI-RAMS) program, the capability to remotely initiate explosives and demolition charges when located within buildings, subterranean structures, tunnels and caves that cannot be penetrated by Radio Frequency (RF) Signals has been developed.  The MI-RAMS consists of transmitters and receivers that will allow communication with weapons through any type of material.  Weapons that have Magneto Inductive receivers and fuses installed will allow hand-held, man-portable, and possibly remotely emplaced controllers (activation systems) to communicate with and to arm and fire the weapons on command.  Transmitters will penetrate 150- to 500- meters of any material (soil rock, etc), and vehicle mounted versions will penetrate 1000- to 1500-meters.  An extension of the MI-RAMS program is to  (1) place MI Fuzes and receivers in air-delivered weapons, (2) deliver these weapons to predetermined locations, (3) allow these weapons to remain dormant for some period of time, (4) and finally arm and fire by a “man in the loop” using a MI transmitter.  Weapons can be detonated one-at-a-time, simultaneously or sequentially with prescribed time spacing.  The MI Transmitter generates an AC magnetic dipole field (B) with little or no electric field (E), and produces a low frequency quasi-static, non-propagating field.  The dipole magnetic field has no multi-path modes or reflections and produces low level, highly localized far-field emissions making countermeasures difficult.  The paper will summarize MI basic concepts, channel characteristics and the capabilities of the MI transmitters and receivers and results of field media testing conducted to date that demonstrate the ability of the MI system to transmit through a variety of geologic media and urban construction with minimum attenuation.

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