An EOD operator positioning Alford Vulcan shaped charge and Dioplex cutting charge against UXO

Understanding UXO

Author: Jon Hall

Published: 12th December 2024

What is UXO?

Unexploded ordnance (UXO) refers to military munitions, such as bombs, shells, grenades, landmines, and other explosives, that were deployed but failed to detonate as intended. These Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) are prevalent in post-conflict zones, military training ranges, and areas subjected to airstrikes or artillery bombardment.

UXO poses significant risks, remaining hazardous for decades and potentially lethal to people, equipment, and infrastructure.

The Dangers of UXO

Unexploded ordnance in Vietnam

Pit of peril! A collection of UXO in Vietnam

 

UXOs are ticking time bombs that can increase in sensitivity over time as they can contain unstable compounds. Because they can explode upon disturbance, even simple activities like construction, farming, or environmental surveys can trigger detonations. The risks include:

  1. Lethal Threats: UXOs are designed to kill or incapacitate when they explode. Inadvertently detonating them can cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
  2. Economic Disruption: UXOs hinder land use, delaying reconstruction, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
  3. Environmental Impact: Detonations can damage ecosystems, pollute water sources, and destroy habitats.
  4. Long-Term Risks: Even decades after conflicts, UXOs remain buried in the soil, posing a constant threat to communities.

Types of UXO

UXO varies widely depending on the conflict and munitions involved. Key categories include:

Landmines

Anti-personnel and anti-tank mines are designed to explode when disturbed or triggered by pressure.

Air Dropped Weapons

Air-delivered ordnance – such as high explosive or incendiary bombs and parachute mines – that fail to detonate are common UXO hazards, especially in heavily bombarded areas.

Shells

Explosive or incendiary shells from tanks and other unexploded artillery can cause significant harm.

Submunitions

Cluster bombs release smaller bomblets, many of which fail to explode, leaving behind lethal hazards.

Naval Mines

These underwater explosives pose significant risks to maritime operations.

Grenades and Mortars

You often find these smaller munitions in combat zones and training ranges.

UXO Management and Mitigation Strategies

Managing UXO requires a proactive approach that combines risk assessment, land management, and mitigation strategies to safeguard lives and assets. Key practices include:

  1. Risk Assessment: A comprehensive risk assessment is crucial before any land development. This assessment involves historical research, ground surveys, and geospatial analysis to identify suspected UXO areas.
  2. Land Use Planning: For areas with high UXO contamination, planning should include exclusion zones, buffer areas, and land-use restrictions.
  3. Awareness and Training: It is vital to prevent accidents by providing training for local communities, construction teams, and other stakeholders on recognising and avoiding UXOs.
  4. Marking and Fencing: Marking contaminated zones and using fencing or barriers to prevent unauthorised access can help reduce accidental detonations.

UXO Clearance Methods and Technologies

Clearing UXO is complex, hazardous, and often time-consuming, but technological advancements have improved safety and efficiency.

Manual Clearance

Traditional clearance relies on Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians using metal detectors, probes, and hand tools to locate and dispose of UXO. While effective, this method is slow and risky.

Mechanical Clearance

Operators can use armoured machines and flails to clear minefields and UXO-contaminated areas. These machines can rapidly cover large areas but may struggle in uneven or densely vegetated terrain.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)

Drones with sensors can map large contaminated areas and provide data for risk assessments and clearance planning. In some cases, UAVs can deploy sensors or initiate controlled detonations.

Geophysical Surveys

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and magnetometers allow for non-intrusive detection of UXO buried underground. These methods are vital for identifying munitions in areas unsuitable for manual or mechanical clearance.

Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV)

Underwater ROV positions a Pluton shaped charge against UXO

Using Alford’s REDS system, an underwater ROV positions a Pluton shaped charge against UXO

ROVs, both land and underwater, have become increasingly crucial in UXO clearance. These vehicles can safely enter dangerous areas to locate and disarm UXOs without risking human lives.

Explosive Methods

In many cases, operators use controlled detonations to destroy UXOs in place, minimising the risk of moving or handling unstable munitions.

Many of these operators, whether on land or water, trust in Alford’s renowned shaped charges and cutting charges for trepanning, low-order deflagration, and deliberate ordnance detonation.


 

Unexploded ordnance is a persistent and dangerous problem, but modern clearance technologies and proper management strategies significantly mitigate the risks. Professionals in ordnance disposal play a vital role in ensuring safety, restoring lands for productive use, and preventing UXO-related casualties. As clearance techniques evolve, combining traditional methods with advanced technology will be crucial to overcoming UXO challenges and ensuring a safer future for all affected areas.

Learn more about Alford Technologies proven UXO-defeating tools

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