Air Force Research Laboratory Robotics Technology Demonstration. Range Clearance of Unexploded Ordnance at Massachusetts Military Reservation

Abstract

Abstract : The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Robotics Research and Development Team conducted a technology demonstration at the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR) from 24 March 2008 to 17 January 2009. This operation clearly demonstrated robotically controlled equipment was a safe and cost-effective method for remotely locating, removing, and neutralizing munitions and explosives of concern (MEC). These demonstrations cleared a total of 38.8 acres of vegetation from BA-1 Grenade Court, Central Impact Area (CIA), L Range, J-3 Range, nine firebreaks and widened two roads. This operation encompassed locating and removing hundreds of potential munitions items, removing approximately 12,103 pounds of scrap consisting of range related debris (RRD) and munitions debris (MD) located on L Range and sifting approximately 5,000 cubic yards of soil from J-1 Range Berms potentially containing UXOs.