Landmine Warfare/Barrier - Eng Dev

The Landmine Warfare/Barrier - Engineering Development (PE 0604808A) program is a key element within the Army's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, focusing on the engineering and manufacturing development of advanced countermine, barrier, and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) capabilities. The overarching goal is to enhance force protection, maneuverability, and lethality for Army formations, particularly in support of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) and the National Defense Strategy. This program integrates prototype development, system demonstrations, and technology refreshes to address evolving threats and operational requirements, with a particular emphasis on removing soldiers from direct exposure to explosive hazards.

Project 016: Close Combat Capabilities Engineering Development encompasses several major efforts, including Prototype Integration for Multi-Domain Operations, Enhanced Robotics Payload - Render Safe (ERP-RS), Mine Clearing Line Charge (MICLIC) Wireless Initiation, and the Arresting Cable Release Mechanism (ACRM). The ERP-RS initiative aims to provide EOD teams with modular payloads for unmanned ground vehicles, featuring a Highly Dexterous Manipulation System (HDMS), a Multi-Shot Disruptor (MSD), and a Precision Aim Module (PAM). These modules are designed to enable remote access, disruption, and disposal of explosive ordnance, thereby increasing standoff distance and reducing risk to personnel. In FY 2026, ERP-RS development will focus on interoperability testing and advancing the HDMS module.

The MICLIC Wireless Initiation effort addresses reliability issues in legacy minefield breaching systems by replacing wired command detonation with a wireless solution based on the M152 Remote Activation Munition System (RAMS). This upgrade is critical for enabling remote and robotic employment of breaching systems, aligning with emerging requirements such as the Common Engineer Chassis. FY 2026 funding will support final design, prototype engineering, and qualification testing. The Arresting Cable Release Mechanism (ACRM) is a new start in FY 2026, intended to automatically disconnect and clear the arresting cable on the M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicle, enhancing crew protection and supporting future robotic breaching concepts.

Project CS2: Render Safe Sets Kits and Outfits (RS-SKO) provides for the demonstration, evaluation, and technical refresh of critical EOD equipment sets. The objective is to ensure EOD teams maintain overmatch against evolving explosive threats, including US and foreign ordnance and improvised explosive devices. RS-SKO equips teams with eleven core capabilities, with current priorities focused on electronic countermeasure upgrades and enhanced deep-buried explosive hazard detection. Lessons learned from recent conflicts drive the need for rapid adaptation and integration of new technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning for threat identification and reporting.

Project CS3: Next Generation Advanced Bomb Suit (NGABS) is designed to optimize soldier protection, mobility, and situational awareness for EOD personnel. The NGABS program leverages advanced protective materials and modular design to reduce suit weight and improve comfort, thereby increasing warfighter lethality and operational longevity. Integration of a cutting-edge Heads-Up Display (HUD) enhances visibility under obscurants and low-light conditions, further improving tactical effectiveness. The acquisition strategy utilizes Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contracts through the Fort Belvoir Sensor Communication and Electronic Consortium (SCEC) to efficiently develop and field production-ready prototypes.

Across these projects, the Landmine Warfare/Barrier - Engineering Development program employs a mix of government and industry partnerships, leveraging existing contract vehicles, Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) initiatives, and cross-service collaboration. Engineering support is provided by DEVCOM Armaments Center, C5ISR Center, and other Army research labs, while test and evaluation activities are conducted at facilities such as Aberdeen Proving Ground and Yuma Test Center. The program's acquisition strategies are tailored to expedite development, qualification, and fielding of new capabilities, ensuring rapid response to emerging operational needs.