The Alford Strip™ is a high-efficiency tamped strip charge tool designed to split wooden doors and windows, cut laminated glass, and breach uPVC doors. Its ability to achieve these tasks sets it apart by using only ¼ to ⅓ of the NEQ required by untamped charges. For optimal results, load the Alford Strip with detcord and/or, for larger charges, plastic explosives. Manufactured with safety in mind, the Alford Strip is a plastic extrusion filled with an inert water-based gel or clay. This unique design enhances tamping and ease of use and ensures minimal fragmentation. The Alford Strip is a versatile tool that comes in two charge sizes: 25mm and 42mm diameter and various lengths up to 1m. The strip can be cut down to the required length using a hacksaw or serrated blade and connected using the supplied corners, T joints, and end caps to make breaching frames. The Alford Strip can be attached to the target using Breacher's tape, HydroTape, or a prop stick.
Very low variable net explosive quantity (NEQ)
Highly configurable to suit the target type
Quick and easy to load
Hugely popular with the global breaching community
Choice of water-based gel or clay filling in two sizes, 25mm or 42mm
Videos
Explosive Load and Performance
The Alford Strip™ can be loaded with detonating cord, allowing precise measurement and adjustment of the charge load. The 42mm version can also be loaded with plastic explosive if necessary.
A water-based gel or clay provides tamping, significantly reducing the blast overpressure and shortening the required stand-off distance, minimising operator risk.
Deployment to Target
Strip charges are lightweight and easily assembled, loaded and deployed to a target within minutes. We supply the strips in three different lengths, and you can cut them with a hacksaw if you need to resize them further. Corner pieces and T-joints can be purchased to assist in the construction of frame charges.
The ends of the gel-filled cut charges can be sealed using End Caps, which will contain the water-based gel. Once the charges are constructed, they can be affixed to the target using Breacher’s Tape™ or HydroTape™, which has high adhesive properties and is suitable for most dry surfaces. Alternatively, Hydro Tape™ can be used for damp, dirty surfaces or if the charge may require repositioning.
Safety
Operator safety is essential in developing Alford products, and the Alford Strip™ is no exception.
No metal is used in the construction of the Alford Strip™, ensuring very low fragmentation. Most of the explosive is surrounded by water or clay on all sides (the only explosive exposed is the linkage between multiple charges). This arrangement provides tamping for the explosive, lowers the overpressure and causes a higher proportion of the explosive energy to be imparted to the target structure. The water or clay also suppresses the flash of the explosive, significantly reducing the probability of injury and fire.
Specifications
| Size | NEQ Min | NEQ Max |
| 25 x 15 x 1000 mm | 5g/m (25 grains/foot) detcord | 20g/m (100 grains/foot) detcord |
| 42 x 27 x 1000 mm | 20g/m (200 grains/foot) detcord | 60g/m (300 grains/foot) detcord |
Please note: Other weights of detonating cord may be used to achieve lighter or heavier loads. The clay-filled charge is an alternative product to the standard version based on user preference. The 42mm version can also be filled with Plastic Explosives — please ask for details.
