An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) is a homemade bomb constructed out of common household materials and is used in unconventional military action. IEDs, as the name implies, are bombs manufactured in an improvised manner which incorporates a combination of noxious, lethal, incendiary chemicals to destroy personnel or vehicles. IEDs may also incorporate commercially sourced or military grade explosives, and can combine both types or can be constructed out of homemade explosives. IEDs have been traditionally employed in unconventional warfare by guerrillas and commando forces in combat areas. By the end of 2007, it is predicted that IEDs were responsible for as many as 63% of coalition deaths in Iraq.
IEDs can be detonated both physically or remotely. IEDs detonated via physical contact are known as booby traps and are designed to function upon contact with a victim. Remotely triggered IEDs can be detonated from a distance using a radio link or a cell phone. Radio controlled improvised explosive devices (RCIED) are constructed to a receiver and transmitter which is connected to an electrical firing unit. A pulse is fired which operates a switch to detonates the bomb after the transmitter receives a signal. Oftentimes, the transmitter and receiver operate on a matching coding system to prevent the bomb from being accidentally activated by rogue radio frequencies. RCIEDs can be triggered by a number of different devices including wireless doorbells, cell phones, pagers, encrypted GMRS radios and car alarms.
IED jammers were created to counteract remote controlled IEDs. Device weapons which require radio control are designed to detonate with some basic form of radio frequency coding. This is a protective measure which prevents the accidental activation of the bomb by random radio frequencies. IED jammers save lives by disrupting radio signals and preventing them from reaching the bomb.
Jammers are able to emit a modulation rates with extended power levels required to suppress radio triggers in remote controlled roadside bombs. IED jammers have an extended frequency to provide coverage without frequency gaps to ensure the full jamming protection. IED jammers are capable of broadcasting RF jamming interference on multiple frequencies simultaneously and are designed for the sole purpose of jamming radio signals. IED jammers are designed to immerse an area with electromagnetic energy to prevent radio signals from reaching the trigger used to detonate an IED. Each IED jamming unit produces a jamming barrage over a known threat band and radiates through its own high efficiency, multidirectional antenna.
IED jammers can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Roof mounted jamming systems are designed to conserve internal vehicle space. Transportable RF jammers are built into a rugged carrying case and can be easily carried in the back of a vehicle. Stationary RF jamming tools are considerably larger than the previous two models and are used to secure government buildings, border locations or check point areas. While some RF jamming systems are used to counter terrorist threats, this type of communication jamming is employed to eliminate the abuse of cellular or radio communications.
The sale of IED jamming devices and RF jamming devices is strictly regulated by the US Department of State.
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