Flamethrower Decontamination
HDIAC SUCCESS STORY
Customer
U.S. Marine Corps Joint Project Manager for Protection (JPM-P)
Challenge
The JPM-P is responsible for fielding chemical agent hazard mitigation equipment and developing state-of-the art terrain chemical agent decontamination technologies. JPM-P investigates and analyzes the efficacy of historic decontamination methodologies, especially DoD's precedence for flamethrower use in the decontamination of chemical warfare agents.
Approach
HDIAC analyzed DoD capabilities and precedence regarding the efficacy of flamethrowers for chemical agent decontamination. HDIAC determined this method of decontamination ineffective, as flamethrower fuel burns too quickly to penetrate porous contaminated surfaces (i.e., concrete, and, soil, etc.). HDIAC's research highlighted effective alternative decontamination methodologies within the DoD.
Value
HDIAC saved JPM-P considerable resources, including future research and development expenditures, by providing information regarding the efficacy of flamethrower use in chemical agent decontamination. The results of this research will be integral in JPM-P's development of novel terrain decontamination capabilities for the U.S. warfighter.
The Homeland Defense Information Analysis Center (HDIAC) is operated by Informational International Associates (IIA) under Contract FA8075-13-D-0001.Distribution Statement A: Approved for public release; distribution unlimited..