Route Clearence Team

ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL

ROUTE CLEARANCE TEAM FORMATIONS TTP (ENGLISH)

This publication becomes active on receipt

Issued on the authority of the Chief of the Land Staff

B-GL-361-021/ FP-Z01

WARNING ALTHOUGH NOT CLASSIFIED, THIS PUBLICATION, OR ANY PART OF IT, MAY BE EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE TO THE PUBLIC UNDER THE ACCESS TO INFORMATION ACT. ALL ELEMENTS OF INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN MUST BE CLOSELY SCRUTINIZED TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER OR NOT THE PUBLICATION OR ANY PART OF IT MAY BE RELEASED.

ENGINEER FIELD MANUAL

ROUTE CLEARANCE TEAM FORMATIONS TTP (ENGLISH)

This publication becomes active on receipt

Issued on the authority of the Chief of the Land Staff

OPI: DAD 8 2007-07-24

B-GL-361-021 FP-Z01

WARNING ALTHOUGH NOT CLASSIFIED, THIS PUBLICATION, OR ANY PART OF IT, MAY BE EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE TO THE PUBLIC UNDER THE ACCESS TO INFORMATION ACT. ALL ELEMENTS OF INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN MUST BE CLOSELY SCRUTINIZED TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER OR NOT THE PUBLICATION OR ANY PART OF IT MAY BE RELEASED.

Route Clearance Team Formations TTP

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PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

1. During contemporary counter-insurgency operations Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are often the insurgent’s weapon of choice, and result in very high numbers of coalition casualties. The ever-increasing sophistication of IEDs is a challenge, but not an insurmountable one. IEDs are generally seen as obstacles or as remotely manned weapon systems. Some personnel thus view IEDs simply as hazards to breach or destroy in order to remove their potential to cause harm. But IED attacks by insurgents are also criminal acts, so other personnel view them as crime scenes as well. Evidence must be extracted from explosive debris to aid in tracking down perpetrators and their supporters, and information must be collected to determine how the devices function in order to develop technical countermeasures. Both approaches, in the appropriate balance, are correct; which approach applies at any given moment depends on the circumstance. However, experience has taught that if IEDs are rendered safe using explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) expertise and information is extracted from the device, units are more successful in establishing patterns and discovering the bomb makers and their support networks. Similarly, electronic countermeasures are only available because the enemy’s radio-control systems are captured intact.

2. Engineers conduct route clearance operations with specialized equipment along main supply routes, alternate supply routes, and other routes guided by decisions based on intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB) outcomes. When suspect items are located, and determined through various interrogation methods to contain explosives, engineer clearance operations cease and EOD becomes responsible for dealing with the device. Due to the critical need to capture devices intact for intelligence and law enforcement value, EOD is the only designated agency responsible for rendering safe IEDs. For this reason, an EOD team will always form part of a route clearance team during counter-insurgency operations.

3. The IED is not the enemy. The enemy is in fact the designer, financier, bomb maker, distributor, and, finally, the insurgent who emplaces and detonates the IED. To defeat this enemy, the soldier must be observant not only for IEDs but also IED indicators. Soldiers need to take the fight to the enemy by attacking the entire IED system (financier, bomb maker, etc), not just the device. This requires aggressive tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP), used together with combined arms support.

4. Route clearance operations involve three skill sets:

a. soldiers need to understand the enemy’s basic IED placement techniques, know IED indicators, and be able to identify IED components;

b. soldiers need to be proficient at mounted and dismounted movement in an IED environment; and

c. soldiers need to know the capabilities and limitations of their route clearance equipment.

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5. The purpose of this TTP is to familiarize all personnel who may operate with engineer route clearance teams with the basic structure of these teams and their tactical formations; briefly describe the TTP commonly used in route clearance tasks; and describe the new protected route clearance engineer equipment now being fielded in theatre.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE....................................................................................................................................... i CHAPTER 1 ROUTE CLEARANCE TEAM FORMATIONS

101. General ................................................................................................................. 1-1 102. RC Vehicle Roles and Responsibilities ............................................................... 1-1 103. Formations .......................................................................................................... 1-3

CHAPTER 2 ROUTE CLEARANCE TACTICS, TECHNIQUES, AND PROCEDURES IN URBAN AND RURAL ENVIRONMENTS

201. Urban Operations ................................................................................................ 2-1 202. Rural Operations ................................................................................................. 2-2

CHAPTER 3 ROUTE CLEARANCE TEAM ACTIONS ON CONTACT 301. General ................................................................................................................ 3-1 302. SAID ................................................................................................................... 3-1 303. The Five Cs (Securing an IED Site).................................................................... 3-2

CHAPTER 4 MINE INVESTIGATION VEHICLE 401. General Description ............................................................................................ 4-1 402. Techniques for MIV Arm Interrogations of Suspected IEDs .............................. 4-6

CHAPTER 5 RG-31 MEDIUM MINE-PROTECTED VEHICLE 501. General Description ............................................................................................ 5-1

CHAPTER 6 MINE DETECTION TOWING VEHICLE 601. General Description ............................................................................................ 6-1

RESEARCHED TERMS........................................................................................................RT-1


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TABLE OF FIGURES Figure 1-1: Platoon Column........................................................................................................ 1-3 Figure 1-2: Platoon Staggered..................................................................................................... 1-4 Figure 1-3: Platoon Column with Team Column........................................................................ 1-4 Figure 1-4: Platoon Staggered with Team Staggered ................................................................. 1-4 Figure 4-1: MIV Engine............................................................................................................. 4-3 Figure 4-2: MIV Transmission ................................................................................................... 4-3 Figure 4-3: Hydraulic Crane ....................................................................................................... 4-5 Figure 4-4: Hydraulic Crane on MIV ......................................................................................... 4-5 Figure 4-5: IED Blast Fragment Zones....................................................................................... 4-6 Figure 4-6 MIV: Arm Techniques .............................................................................................. 4-7 Figure 5-1: RG-31....................................................................................................................... 5-2 Figure 5-2: RG-31 Side View ..................................................................................................... 5-3 Figure 6-1 MDTV ........................................................................................................................ 6-1


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CHAPTER 1 ROUTE CLEARANCE TEAM FORMATIONS

101. GENERAL

1. Route clearance (RC) is primarily an engineer mission. The structure and function of the engineer RC package is not only conditioned by mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available, time available and civil considerations, but is also contingent on the operational environment and defined by mission objectives within the AOR. An engineer RC team (RCT) can be effective in both offensive and defensive operations.

2. Although RC is more frequently conducted as a combined arms effort, this TTP focuses on the engineer component. The most common organization engaged in RC is the engineer support troop within the battle group engineer squadron. The RCT consists of one RG-31 mine-protected vehicle (see Chapter 5), one Mine Investigation Vehicle (MIV) (see Chapter 4), one mine detection towing vehicle (MDTV) (see Chapter 6), one RC Team Leader’s vehicle (mine-protected vehicle preferred, but as a minimum, armoured), one sapper section vehicle or EOD team vehicle (LAV Engineer or EOD rapid response vehicle depending on task assigned), and one armoured ambulance.

3. The IPB process and commander’s risk assessment will assist in determining the correct configuration necessary for each clearance mission. Due to the limited fielding of RC vehicles, the RCT should always deploy as a team and not be parcelled out for non-RC tasks. It must be clearly identified that the RCT is authorized to interrogate suspect devices, but that once an IED is confirmed further interrogation ceases and EOD assumes responsibility for dealing with the device. Due to the scarcity of RC equipment this practice must not be compromised.

102. RC VEHICLE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Each type of vehicle within the RCT has a primary function/role, and each vehicle’s personnel are assigned individual responsibilities:

a. Vehicle #1 (RG-31 or similar mine-protected vehicle):

(1) driver monitors road ahead and sets pace of team;

(2) crew commander monitors road and relays information to patrol leader and trail vehicles;

(3) crew commander communicates all suspicious indicators to MIV (or MDTV) for further interrogation;

(4) gunner usually orients turret weapon to 12 o’clock and covers sector of fire from 10 o’clock to 2 o’clock; and

(5) Vehicle #1 provides security to MDTV.


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b. Vehicle #2 (MDTV):

(1) sole responsibility for MDTV operator is marking metal signatures for MIV interrogation;

(2) operator (sole occupant) leading the RCT must maintain situational awareness at all times;

(3) vehicle must be equipped with means to communicate with all other elements of the RCT; and

(4) establish plan to clear full width of road (options are to have MDTV clear one side of road for designated distance and then return along cleared side to start point and clear other side, or to clear one side of road to turnaround point and then clear in opposite direction on other side back to start point).

c. Vehicle #3 (MIV):

(1) driver monitors road ahead and left shoulder, and is alternate arm operator;

(2) arm operator monitors road and right shoulder, and is primary arm operator;

(3) all suspicious indicators are interrogated visually before arm is employed; and

(4) crew commander communicates with other vehicle commanders, provides situational awareness of MIV actions, and halts RCT when necessary.

d. Vehicle #4 (RC Team Leader’s vehicle):

(1) driver monitors road ahead and left shoulder;

(2) team leader (TL) maintains position centered on the road behind the MIV for best visibility and control;

(3) interpreter provides support to TL;

(4) gunner orients turret weapon to 2 o’clock and covers sector of fire from 12 o’clock to 4 o’clock;

(5) TL controls actions of all vehicles and personnel during RC mission;

(6) TL maintains communications with all crew commanders, tactical operations center, task force elements, and land-owning unit;

(7) TL coordinates with battle space owner;

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(8) TL reports checkpoints, dismounted locations, explosive hazard (EH) events, blast craters, and other mission related information (orally when required and in writing upon completion of the mission); and

(9) TL conducts patrol debrief at end of mission.

e. Vehicle #5 (Sapper Section vehicle or EOD Team vehicle—LAV Engineer or EOD rapid response vehicle);

f. Vehicle #6 (Armoured Ambulance); and

g. Vehicle #7 (LAV/RG-31/) RCT rear security vehicle (if available).

103. FORMATIONS

1. Several formations are available to the RCT. Various factors influence the selection of a formation, including mission, enemy, terrain, troops and support available, time available and civilian considerations, local road and traffic conditions, and time of day.

2. The platoon column (in the order of march described in paragraph 4 above) is the most basic formation (see Figure 1-1). It is primarily used to move to and from named and targeted areas of interest (NAI/TAI) at higher rates of speed. It is also used on narrow roads that restrict the use of staggered formations.

Figure 1-1: Platoon Column

3. The platoon staggered is the most common formation, used primarily when travelling through NAI and TAI. It involves offsetting every other vehicle in the column to give greater flexibility in response to an IED event (see Figure 1-2).

RG-31 MDTV MIV TL Vehicle LAV Engr/ERRV RG-31

Vehicle separation along axis of travel: minimum 25 metres, maximum 50 metres. Actual distance determined by TL/unit SOPs and ECM equipment coverage.


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Figure 1-2: Platoon Staggered

4. The platoon column with team column is used when travelling through urban areas along narrow roads, and in dispersed residential areas where a team over-watch is required. The two three-vehicle teams are separated by an appropriate standoff distance (see Figure 1-3).

Figure 1-3: Platoon Column with Team Column

5. The platoon staggered with team staggered is primarily used when travelling through urban developed areas, along multi-lane roads, and in industrial areas where a team over-watch is required. The two three-vehicle teams are separated by an appropriate standoff distance (see Figure 1-4).

Figure 1-4: Platoon Staggered with Team Staggered

Vehicle separation along axis of travel: minimum 25 metres, maximum 50 metres. Actual distance

determinedby TL/unit SOPs and ECM equipment coverage.

Vehicle separation: minimum 25 metres, maximum 50 metres. Actual distance determined by TL/unit SOPs

and ECM equipment coverage. Standoff distance between three-vehicle groupings varies depending on visibility between rear and front grouping.

Vehicle separation along axis of travel: minimum 25 metres, maximum 50 metres. Actual distance

determined by TL/unit SOPs and ECM equipment coverage.

Route Clearance Team Formations

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NOTES The rear security vehicle illustrated in each of the above figures can be substituted with a LAV III as determined by the Task Force commander.

Regardless of the formation type or task, an armoured ambulance will accompany the RCT, located behind the sapper section vehicle or EOD vehicle, forward of the rear security vehicle.

The MDTV may or may not form part of a RC task, and may not accompany all RC task serials (especially for urban tasks)


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CHAPTER 2 ROUTE CLEARANCE TACTICS, TECHNIQUES, AND PROCEDURES IN URBAN

AND RURAL ENVIRONMENTS

201. URBAN OPERATIONS

1. Urban operations are defined as all military actions conducted on terrain where man-made construction affects tactical operations.

2. The following factors must be considered in an urban environment:

a. Buildings provide cover and concealment, limit or enhance fields of fire, and restrict or block movement of mounted and dismounted troops. They also provide cover and concealment for enemy snipers and IED triggermen.

b. Streets afford avenues of approach and are the primary means for rapid ground movement. Most urban areas contain heavy traffic, reducing IED standoff distances and complicating their control.

c. Subsurface or subterranean systems can easily be employed as avenues of approach and escape for friendly and enemy dismounted elements. Friendly forces must identify all subways, sewers, cellars, and major underground utility systems in the urban area.

d. Supra-surface systems are the internal levels and external roofs or tops of buildings, stadiums, towers or other vertical structures. Trees, utility poles, overhead bridges, walkways, and buildings close to streets all provide opportunities for IED placement above surface level. These IEDs, if properly sited, constitute a significant threat to exposed personnel in vehicle hatches.

3. There are several types of urban terrain:

a. dense, random construction;

b. closed, orderly block areas;

c. dispersed residential areas;

d. high-rise areas;

e. industrial and transportation areas; and

f. permanent or fixed fortifications and other military installations.


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4. Three tactical RC methods are particularly suited for use in the urban environment:

a. Urban Hasty Type 1:

(1) swift employment of vehicles to quickly scan and clear main supply routes (MSRs) and alternate supply routes (ASRs) of IEDs;

(2) used when travelling to and away from named areas of interest (NAI), or known hot spots with low frequency and lethality of IED attacks;

(3) lead vehicle maintains control of surrounding traffic and prevents vehicle borne IEDs (VBIEDs) from getting close to the RCT;

(4) higher rate of travel (15-25 kph); and

(5) turret gunners remain down until tactical situation dictates otherwise.

b. Urban Hasty Type 2:

(1) slow, methodical search by vehicles to clear MSRs and ASRs of IEDs;

(2) used while travelling through NAI or known hotspots, and

(3) lower rate of travel (7-12 kph).

c. Urban Deliberate:

(1) used while travelling within targeted areas of interest (TAI) characterized by high frequency and lethality of IED attacks;

(2) dismounts, though effective, are not normally deployed with RCTs in urban areas due to their lack of protection and manoeuvrability;

(3) lower rate of travel (7-12 kph);

(4) should be coordinated as combined arms RC operation (infantry, close air, other support as necessary); and

(5) mine detection towing vehicle (MDTV) is not used due to the large amount of trash, debris, buried infrastructure, etc that produce continuous metal signatures, resulting in false IED indications.

202. RURAL OPERATIONS

1. Rural environment differs significantly from urban areas. Rural routes are normally poorly maintained hard surface or dirt roads, located in less densely populated areas. Coalition forces do not regularly patrol these roads. Due to the scarcity of resources, reconnaissance and aerial surveillance of large rural areas are problematic. Thus many rural areas are not subject to

Route Clearance TTP in Urban and Rural Environments

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continuous surveillance, making the use of victim-operated IEDs (VOIEDs) and command-wire IEDs (CWIEDs) more prevalent.

2. RCTs use the same types of formations as in the urban environment, except that the MDTV leads. Only in a high threat environment, where there is an imminent threat of ambush or VBIED, will the MDTV move behind the lead mine protected vehicle. The formation types are:

a. Rural Hasty: The rural hasty is used on improved hard surface roads, and is similar in structure to the Urban Hasty formations except that:

(1) MDTV leads the formation; and

(2) speed of travel will vary due to the large amount of road which RCTs must clear.

Air reconnaissance (both manned and unmanned) should be used on non-regularly patrolled routes 1-2 days prior to the RC mission and, if available, during the mission.

b. Rural Deliberate. These missions are conducted in high threat areas on unimproved rural roads that are not as heavily travelled as improved roads. These roads are generally free from debris and buried infrastructure found in urban areas. Rural areas generally afford IED emplacers more time to camouflage and conceal their work. The operation of the MDTV will generally be the focal point of the rural deliberate RC mission and set the operations tempo for the RCT. Deliberate sweeps should be combined arms operations that incorporate all available assets with the RCT. Rural deliberate clearance missions can be used to expand the number of routes available for movement (as time permits), thus helping to avoid reliance on a few well-established routes and avoiding pattern-setting behaviour.

c. Dismounts. Dismounts play an important role in rural RC operations and perform a variety of tasks such as:

(1) Looking for IED indicators and triggerman locations.

(2) Locating command wires and tracing to firing points.

(3) Spotting poorly camouflaged and sited IEDs from the triggerman perspective.

(4) Flushing triggermen out of hiding, since they will often flee prior to detonating IED or detonate prematurely if dismounted troops are spotted.

(5) Conducting hasty searches for caches near IED sites along the routes. It must be stressed, however, that searches of nearby buildings, questioning locals, etc should be tasked to other follow-on elements, since security


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elements attached to the RCT must maintain their focus on protecting the RCT and equipment in order to complete the mission in a timely fashion.

3. Route Sterilization in Urban and Rural Environments. Roadside trash and debris are common in many areas in the AO and make spotting possible IEDs more difficult. One solution to this problem is route sterilization, where an RCT, with attached assets including security elements, removes trash and debris from a designated stretch of road. The end result is a road cleaned of all possible IEDs. Sterilization serves multiple purposes: IED detection devices become more effective, it is more difficult for the enemy to emplace IEDs, and all coalition forces can more easily identify IEDs should the enemy attempt to emplace them again along the sterilized route.


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CHAPTER 3 ROUTE CLEARANCE TEAM ACTIONS ON CONTACT

301. GENERAL

1. While executing the RC task all personnel must be prepared to react accordingly when encountering an IED (or suspected IED). Reaction must be swift, relying on well rehearsed drills.

2. An IED attack is an ambush. The effects of the ambush may range from catastrophic to no damage at all. Whether pre- or post-detonation, you are in the enemy’s kill zone, and therefore the RCT response must be appropriate to secure and control the area.

302. SAID

1. The acronym SAID is a useful mnemonic that describes the actions to be taken in response to discovery or detonation of an IED. The following may not necessarily be sequential, since the necessity to react rapidly will likely require concurrent activity.

2. Stop/Strike/Speed. On contact, warn RCT personnel by radio or hand signals. The contact should be immediately reported by means of a contact report to higher headquarters. The decision to stop, strike or speed will probably be the most difficult action to decide upon due to uncertainty concerning the nature of the event and what may unfold. Assessing the situation will facilitate an appropriate decision. ‘S’ is not a default for stop. Within the RCT, different elements may be required to take different actions.

3. Assess. Quickly assess the overall tactical situation. Be vigilant for possible ambush. Understand the nature of the threat to assess the associated risk and determine follow-on courses of action. Confirm the presence of an IED. Look for other indicators. Assess the damage (personnel or vehicular casualties).

4. Inform. The TL gives the RCT further direction on action drills, and provides a detailed report and assessment to higher HQ.

5. Drills:

a. If there has been no detonation, secure the area and use the five “Cs” described below (see section 303) as guidance for follow-up actions. Continue to be vigilant, and be prepared to initiate ambush immediate action drills.

b. If there has been a detonation and the choice is to strike and/or defend a downed vehicle/personnel:

(1) Immediately focus out, look for enemy, and return suppressive fire as quickly as possible (engage as per ROE).


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(2) Immediately move unnecessary personnel and vehicles out of the kill zone. At the new location, conduct 5 and 20 metre drills.

(3) If the decision is to strike at the enemy, then manoeuvre against the enemy to kill or capture him. The period immediately following contact is often critical as there is potential for coalition forces to kill or capture the attacker. Any follow-up must be robust, but also be wary of the potential for secondary devices/attack on or near the perceived FP.

(4) If there is a downed vehicle in the kill zone:

(a) Personnel not in the kill zone move unnecessary vehicles and personnel to a safe area and await orders. Only those required will move into the kill zone to aid the downed vehicle, including actions to strike at the enemy. Supporting personnel in the kill zone is the priority.

(b) Personnel in the kill zone provide protection and assistance to the downed vehicle.

c. Expect other attacks by the enemy and secondary IEDs.

d. Secure the site as needed or as instructed. An investigation or recovery may be required—employ the Five Cs. Preserve forensic evidence for follow-on investigation. Remember that the longer you remain at the site, the greater the risk of a follow-on attack.

e. Recover, treat, and MEDEVAC wounded.

f. Recover vehicles if possible. If not, remove sensitive items.

g. Report.

303. THE FIVE Cs (SECURING AN IED SITE)

1. The Five Cs (confirm, contact ops centre, clear, cordon, control) are a simple set of guidelines to secure a site when a suspected or confirmed IED has been discovered or detonated. The ability to secure the site will depend on the resources at hand and the tactical environment. The steps are not necessarily conducted sequentially, but may occur concurrently. All steps should be conducted using cover to your advantage:

2. Confirm. The presence of an IED should be confirmed. This should be done from a safe distance. Conduct 5 and 20 metre checks to ensure no secondary devices are present. Move the MIV into position to the rear of the suspect IED (to minimize blast effects) to conduct the interrogation. Upon confirmation that the suspect device is an IED, the MIV will immediately move away from the device. MIV arms will not be used in any attempt to dismantle, move, or render safe the IED.

Route Clearance Team Actions on Contact

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3. Clear. Clear the area of people to a safe distance 300 metres beyond the device. Clearance should be systematic and orderly, starting nearest the device and working away from it. All personnel should attempt to remain out of the line of sight of the device, and avoid danger from broken glass and debris should the device detonate. Assess whether your distance and cover are adequate. When moving to another area, always conduct 5 and 20 metre checks at new locations, looking for secondary devices. Report any additional devices found immediately to the TL.

4. Contact Op Centre. Immediately contact ops centre to let higher HQ know what you have found and what actions you are taking to deal with the device.

5. Cordon. A full or partial cordon may already be established while the ‘clear’ is being conducted. Complete the cordon as necessary beyond the 300 metre cleared area to prevent accidental or deliberate ingress to the cordoned area and to protect personnel working within it. Set up incident command post (ICP) for TL, EOD, and medical personnel within the cordon. Conduct 5 and 20 metre checks at new locations. Establish 360 degree security and dominate the area. Establish obstacles to control approaches to security positions.

6. Control. The TL is the Incident Commander and controls operations from the ICP. Only personnel authorized by the TL will entered the cordon area. Control must be maintained until EOD has rendered safe the device and evidence has been collected. If the render safe procedure causes device detonation the cordon and control of the site must be maintained until forensic collection has been completed.


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CHAPTER 4 MINE INVESTIGATION VEHICLE

401. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

1. The mine investigation vehicle is purpose-built for use in mine-clearing operations. Based on a design of South African origin, the vehicle is manufactured and assembled in South Carolina using Mack Truck and proprietary components. The MIV can be employed over all types of roads and can be driven cross-country and in all weather conditions.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Mack 6-cylinder turbo-charged diesel (burns DF-2) (see Figure 4-1)

Horsepower 450 hp @ 1800 revolution per minute (rpm)

Torque 1450 foot-pounds at 1200 rpm

Transmission Allison 5-speed automatic high and low range (see Figure 4-2)

Front axle Fabco SDA 2300 23,000 lb drive steer

Rear axles Mack tandem 50,000 lb

Tires Michelin 1600 R20 XZL, two spares

Drive system Full-time 6x6

Cooling system Liquid, radiator protected against debris

Electrical system Dual voltage 12v/24v

Batteries 4x l2v wired in parallel or series

Brakes Air, brake chambers protected

Air conditioning 44,000 British thermal units (BTU)

Seating Driver, co-driver, and up to four passengers

Armour protection 7.62 x 51mm NATO ball standard

Glass protection 7.62 x 51mm NATO ball standard

Mine protection All wheels and centerline

Hatches 6 topside standard

Doors 1 rear door only, opens into load bay

Height 117 inches (in)

Width 97 in

Length overall 323 in (27 ft)


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Curb/Max weight 45,320 lb/84,000 lb

Ground clearance 16 in under front axle, 20 in under transfer case cover

PERFORMANCE

Range 382 miles with 85 gallon fuel cell

Speed 55 miles per hour (mph) (sprint speed 65 mph)

Fording depth Approximately 40 in

OTHER FEATURES

1. one-piece, welded, armour-plated steel body;

2. articulated arm modified from a commercially available hydraulic crane;

3. fully adjustable, high-resolution video camera mounted on articulated arm; and

4. dashboard-mounted monitor.

Mine Investigation Vehicle

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Figure 4-1: MIV Engine

Figure 4-2: MIV Transmission


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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1. The MIV is equipped with a dual-charging alternator to run 12v and 24v systems.

2. The 12v system is used for the vehicle’s main internal operating functions.

3. The 24v system is used to run all added support equipment (radios, electronic-countermeasures devices).

4. MIV is equipped with a 24v slave receptacle, but can only slave-start other vehicles.

HYDRAULIC CRANE/ARTICULATING ARM DESCRIPTION

1. The articulating arm is a commercially fitted crane with a mine-clearing tool attached (see Figures 4-3 and 4-4).

2. The tool is called a “spork” (from a 1970s fork/spoon eating utensil of the same name).

3. The single spike on the bottom of the spork is used to break the ground around a suspected object that may be buried.

4. When the object is protruding from the ground, the “spoon” portion of the spork is used to surface and remove any loose dirt from the object.

5. The hydraulic arm has two sections, both of which can move simultaneously. The outer section is the only portion of the boom that extends telescopically.

6. The effective working range of the boom is approximately 23 ft.

7. The boom is fitted with a video camera.

LIFT CAPACITY

1. Do not lift anything over 250 lb.

2. Do not use the arm to lift concrete barriers, large concrete objects, vehicles, people, trunk hatches, equipment, or guardrails.

3. Lifting items beyond the arm’s capacity may bend or overstress components, resulting in reduced range of motion or loss of hydraulic power.

4. A damaged articulating arm renders a MIV non-mission capable. Arm replacement can take months.

CAUTION

The MIV cannot be slave-started from another 24v power source. If a MIV needs to be jump-started, use jumper cables from one 12v battery of another vehicle.


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Figure 4-3: Hydraulic Crane

Figure 4-4: Hydraulic Crane on MIV

LESSON LEARNED

The MIV is not a Backhoe!


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402. TECHNIQUES FOR MIV ARM INTERROGATIONS OF SUSPECTED IEDS

1. The stand-off approach is recommended when interrogating suspected IEDs with the MIV arm. This recommendation is based upon Figure 4-5, which shows that the majority of fragments from a detonating mortar or artillery round are explosively propelled in a cylindrical pattern 90 degrees out from the long axis of the round. Fewer fragments come off the round at 0 degrees (the nose) or 180 degrees (the tail), therefore, the arm operator should interrogate long cylindrical objects from the nose or tail, rather than from the side. When the situation/terrain allows, the operator achieves maximum standoff when the arm is nearly fully extended from the 1 o’clock through 2 o’clock position, i.e. on the front passenger side (see Figure 4-6). When investigating a suspicious trash pile, the operator uses slow, methodical raking motions, working from top to bottom of the pile. If possible, the operator pushes the debris forward to maximize standoff from a yet-unconfirmed threat. The same slow raking motion is used when interrogating a patch of disturbed earth or potential buried IED. Once an IED is confirmed, the MIV backs off and the RC TL takes appropriate actions in the reporting and decision-making process.

Figure 4-5: IED Blast Fragment Zones


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Figure 4-6 MIV: Arm Techniques

1. Rake debris piles from top to bottom, using the pick part of the spork.

2. Scratch surface with pick in deliberate movements to check for command wires and detonation cord.

3. Push suspect containers (like debris piles and 5 gallon oil cans) away from MIV with spork while interrogating.

4. Some objects (large white rice bags, cardboard boxes, other soft containers) can be checked for volume by applying slight pressure with the front of the spork.


B-GL-361-021/ FP-Z01 5-1

CHAPTER 5 RG-31 MEDIUM MINE-PROTECTED VEHICLE


1. The RG-31 4x4 medium mine-protected vehicle (MMPV) is purpose-built for use in high mine-threat environments (see Figures 5-1 and 5-2). It is manufactured in South Africa by Land Systems OMC and has been purchased by several other nations besides Canada. The RG-31 can be employed over all types of roads and can be driven cross-country and in all weather conditions.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Cummins QSB 6-cycle Liquid-cooled diesel

Horsepower 275 hp at 2,500 revolutions per minute (rpm)

Torque 627 foot-pounds at 1,600 rpm

Transmission Allison S es5OQ 5-speed automatic

Transfer Case ZF VG 750 2-speed, full-time 4x4

Tires 335/80 R20 Michelin XZL

Electrical system 24v

Batteries 2 x 12v with NATO slave receptacle

Air conditioning. yes

Seating Driver plus four when configured for standard RC mission

Armour protection 7.62 x 51mm NATO ball

Glass protection 7.62x 51mm NATO ball

Mine protection 14 kilograms (kg) TNT under any wheel, 7 kg TNT under hull

Hatches Six top hatches plus turret with gun mount

Doors One, rear entry

Height 110 inches (in) (caution - vehicle is top heavy)

Width 97 in

Length overall 252 in

Curb/Max weight 19,180/25,350 lb configuration and load dependent

Ground clearance 13.8 in

Fuel cell 148 litres (39 gal)


B-GL-361-021/ FP-Z01 5-2

PERFORMANCE

Range 342 miles with 39 gal fuel cell (performance)

Speed 62 miles per hour (mph)

Fording depth 39 in

OTHER FEATURES

1. All-steel welded-armour monocoque body with V-shaped hull.

2. Modular interior layout that can be configured for armoured personnel carrier, command and control, ambulance, reconnaissance or other applications.

3. Shear-off fenders for water and equipment storage.

4. Engine, transmission, and fuel cell reside within armoured hull for maximum protection.

5. Eleven gun ports for personal weapons.

6. Single top-turret that will accommodate one medium-size soldier wearing stripped vest.

7. For RC operations, spare tires are normally removed and additional armour added to protect air tanks and fuel lines.

Figure 5-1: RG-31

RG-31 Medium- Mine Protected Vehicle

B-GL-361-021/ FP-Z01 5-3

Figure 5-2: RG-31 Side View


B-GL-361-021/ FP-Z01 6-1

CHAPTER 6 MINE DETECTION TOWING VEHICLE


1. The towing mine-detection vehicle (MDTV) is purpose-built for use in high mine-threat environments (see Figure 6-1). It is manufactured in South Africa by RSD and has been purchased by several other nations besides Canada, including Australia, France, and the United Kingdom. The MDTV can be employed over all types of roads as well as off road.

2. The MDTV as a stand-alone vehicle is equipped with a mine-detection system with height-adjustable heads to detect surface-laid and buried high-metallic content anti-tank and anti-personnel mines and IEDs containing metal components.

3. The MDTV as a towing vehicle pulls three mine-detonation trailers, each with a different track, providing a full three-metre-wide proofing capability.

Figure 6-1 MDTV


B-GL-361-021/ FP-Z01 6-2

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Mercedes Benz 6-cylinder, liquid-cooled, turbo-charged diesel

Horsepower 201 hp at 2,600 revolutions per minute (rpm)

Torque 553 foot-pounds at 1,250 rpm

Transmission Electronically controlled automatic

Transfer Case Low and high ranges, front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or 4-wheel drive using five drive shafts

Tires Central inflation-control system

Electrical system 24 v with slave receptacle

Batteries 2 x 12v

Air Conditioning Yes

Seating Operator only, with specially designed seat and safety harness

Armour protection 7.62 x 51-mm NATO ball

Glass protection 7.62 x 51-mm NATO ball

Mine protection Mine-blast and fragmentation survivable, front and rear breakaway modules

Hatches Top only

Doors None

Height 2.985 meters(m) (9ft 10 in)

Width 2.56 m (8 ft 4 in) pans up; 3.01 m (9 ft 11 in) pans down

Length overall 7.55 m (24 ft 9 in)

Curb weight 18,100 lb

Ground clearance .35 m (13.8 in) pans down .3 m (11.8 in) pans up

Fuel cell 150 liters (39.6 gallons)

PERFORMANCE

Range 600 miles

Speed 62 miles per hour (mph) (100 kilometers per hour [kph]) maximum road; 20-45 mph (cruise)

Fording depth 0.7 m (2ft 4 in)

Mine Detection Towing Vehicle

B-GL-361-02/ FP-Z01 6-3

DETECTION SYSTEM FEATURES

1. Will detect AT-TM57 mine(7 kg of explosives) at a depth of 75 cm.

2. Will pass over (without detonating) antitank mines with specially designed tires at deflated pressures.

3. Target ink-marking system to mark the detected target. Requires before and after mission cleaning for optimum performance.

4. Actual performance with IEDs depends on speed, height of detection heads, size of device, metal content of device, type and content of soil, and sensitivity settings.

5. Less effective in areas of high metal content trash (typically urban areas).

6. More effective in rural environment where there is less ambient trash.

7. MDTV by itself can negotiate 60 percent slope.

MINE-DETONATING TRAILER SYSTEM FEATURES

1. Formal designation of trailers is first mine-detonation trailer (FMDT), followed by second (SMDT) and subsequently third (TMDT) trailers. They act in a similar manner as a centipede and are used together.

2. Combined weight of the trailers is 25 tons.

3. Trailers are designed to exert large ground pressure to initiate pressure-activated mines and IEDs.

4. Each trailer has two axles of different lengths, providing clearing capability to a width of 3 metres.

5. If a mine detonates under a trailer, wheel bolts are designed to sheer, permitting replacement of a single wheel.

6. Travel speed for the MDTV with trailers is limited to 15 kph.

7. MDTV with trailers can climb 20 percent slope, but descending is difficult due to braking force required.

8. When going downhill, the MDTV must use lowest gear and the trailer brakes must be selectively employed to maintain a safe, controllable speed.

9. MDTV with trailers attached requires a 25.5 m diameter circle to turn around and it cannot back up.


B-GL-361-021/ FP-Z01 RT-1

RESEARCHED TERMS

Mine protected vehicle

http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/2_display.asp?product=73&more=73

Véhicule à l’épreuve des mines

http://www.armee.forces.gc.ca/lf/Francais/2_display.asp?FlashEnabled=1&product=73&more=73

Main supply route (MSR)

http://www.vcds.forces.gc.ca/dgsp/pubs/rep-pub/dda/cjtl/cjtl14/lex_e.asp

Itinéraire principal de ravitaillement (IPR)

http://www.vcds.forces.gc.ca/dgsp/pubs/rep-pub/dda/cjtl/cjtl14/lex_f.asp

Command-wire IED

http://www.suffield.drdc-rddc.gc.ca/ResearchTech/Products/MilEng_Products/RD2005_12_EOD/index_e.html

EEI contrôlés par fil de commande à distance

http://www.suffield.drdc-rddc.gc.ca/ResearchTech/Products/MilEng_Products/RD2005_12_EOD/index_f.html

Range

http://www.armee.forces.gc.ca/lf/Francais/2_display.asp?product=73&more=73

Autonomie


Ground Clearance


Garde au sol


Documents

Route Clearence Team