WO2013175243A2

WO2013175243A2 - Apparatus for and a method of detonating explosive devices

Info

Publication number: WO2013175243A2
Application number: PCT/GB2013/051394
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter PIERRINI
Original assignee: Extreme Ballistics R&D Ltd
Priority date: 2012-05-24
Filing date: 2013-05-24
Publication date: 2013-11-28
Also published as: GB201209127D0; GB2502324A; WO2013175243A3; GB2502324B

Abstract

The present invention provides apparatus for detonating disrupting or revealing improvised explosive devices, anti-personnel mines, trip wires of the type consisting of an explosive charge detonated by application of detection of pressure on a pressure plate. A detonating cord (40) is deployed by firing a spigot mortar (10) a pre-determined distance before detonating a length of explosive with a non-electric detonator.

Description

APPARATUS FOR AND A METHOD OF DETONATING EXPLOSIVE

DEVICES

Field of the Invention

[0001] This invention relates to apparatus for and a method of detonating explosive devices.

Background to the Invention

[0002] Improvised Explosive Devices (lED's) have been used extensively in most modern day conflicts. It is estimated that in the two significant conflicts of the 21 ^st century (Iraq and Afghanistan), over two thirds of coalition military casualties have been of a direct result of lED's.

[0003] In both Iraq and Afghanistan, significant numbers of lED's were deployed by insurgents against coalition forces. It is estimated that in 2010 alone, over 14,500 lED's were planted by insurgents in Afghanistan, causing 368 coalition deaths and countless serious injuries.

[0004] Most lED's are planted as road side bombs and are detonated either remotely when troops or vehicles pass by, or, by the detection of pressure caused by a vehicle or person applying weight to a pressure plate forming part of the device.

[0005] Common equipment used to detect and neutralise lED's may include: Vehicle mounted ground penetrating radar detection systems, Counter IED electronic countermeasures, RF and hard wired electrical initiators, Percussion initiators, Detonators and charges, Mine detection systems, Recoilless de- armers and disruptors, ROV weapon carriers, C-IED tools and equipment, Demolition stores.

[0006] Each of the equipment types mentioned above is limited in its use due to issues including transportation, training and complexity. Such issues prevent the equipment from being of practical use in combat situations where troops may need to quickly re-locate across terrain containing multiple lED's. [0007] Several attempts have been made to provide portable equipment for neutralising lED's. Up until now, such equipment has typically utilised a rocket to deploy a length of explosives. One example of such equipment is known as the "Python" and is used predominantly by the British Army.

[0008] The "Python" system involves firing a rocket attached to 230 metres of hose packed with explosive. As the rocket travels, the hose unravels and explodes on impact with the ground. It is claimed that the "Python" system will clear over 90% of explosive devices in the explosion zone.

[0009] The US Army utilise several different systems including: SLICE (Scaleable Lightweight Infantry Clearance System), Rheinmetal, APOBS, SAP- LIC and MPLC to provide portable IED clearance devices. Since World War II, vehicles have been available which detonate landmines by impacting the ground with a flail attached to either the front or rear of a vehicle. Such vehicles are highly effective and provide a safe environment for the driver. In combat operations, the use of a large mine clearance vehicles is unlikely to be practical for a number of reasons including: cost, availability, sheer practicality and logistics in running large vehicles. The use of large vehicles would negate any covert activity. Billions of pounds are spent by governments every year in producing new technology to detect and neutralise lED's. This vast investment while undoubtedly preventing many casualties as a direct result of lED's, will not prevent the injury and death of hundreds of troops every year.

[0010] Insurgents in countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan can simply not compete in a face to face armed conflict with coalition forces. It is for this reason that they rely on guerrilla warfare and in particular planting lED's to inflict damage on coalition forces.

[0011] The biggest problem is attacks on small patrols where it is not feasible to use detection equipment, as described above, to locate local lED's.

[0012] A common tactic used by insurgents is to engage coalition troops in an effort to draw them into an area containing lED's. In such circumstances, it may be necessary for troops to withdraw from engagement and make a covert retreat. While this may be possible, any escape route may be compromised by the presence of unseen lED's. At present, no system exists which can be carried by a single person and deployed quickly, quietly, accurately and reliably.

[0013] The Rheinmetal system offers a mine clearance system weighing 23kg and which can be transported in a backpack designed specifically for this purpose. This system, like each of the other systems named previously, utilises a rocket motor to deploy a length of detonating cord along an approximate path. The detonating cord can be either manually or automatically detonated upon deployment of the cord. Use of a rocket immediately identifies its firing position leaving troops vulnerable to attack. A rocket can be unpredictable along its path resulting in the detonating cord being deployed along an undesirable path. There is an element of risk using a rocket in close proximity to detonating cord in that heat or an explosion caused by the rocket could result in a premature detonation of the detonating cord. There is a secondary risk of the rocket starting a fire, along the escape route, particularly in the terrain these systems are generally deployed, potentially leading to greater risk to troops.

[0014] A need has existed for a number of years for a covert, safer and more predictable system of neutralising lED's along an identified path.

Summary of the Invention

[0015] A first embodiment of the invention provides apparatus for detonating explosive devices comprising: a pre-determined length of detonating cord attached at one end thereof to a spigot mortar projectile of the type fired by impact of a firing pin into a percussion cap;

a detonator adapted to be received by an end of the detonation cord; a firing post provided with a firing pin movable longitudinally within the post and an explosive charge to propel the firing pin in an upwardly vertical direction, said firing pin, in use, impacting with the percussion cap in the piston within the spigot mortar projectile;

an initiation device to detonate the explosive charge within the firing post; and, a container adapted to receive at least the detonating cord, spigot mortar projectile, detonator, firing post and initiation device,

whereby detonation of the explosive charge within the firing post fires the spigot mortar projectile a distance limited by the pre-determined length of the detonating cord, subsequent initiation of the detonator detonates the entire length of said detonating cord causing a Shockwave capable of detonating, disrupting or revealing any explosive or triggering device within the vicinity of the explosion.

[0016] The use of detonating cord leaves a visible mark along its path after detonation thus identifying a safe route for troops to follow. An approximate path can be chosen by directing the spigot mortar prior to firing and taking wind speed and direction into account.

[0017] Preferably, the detonating cord is provided with a detonator housing at the opposite end to that connected to the mortar projectile. The detonator housing is adapted to cooperate with a detonator to permit fast and reliable connection of the detonator to the detonation cord. A detonator is a small explosive charge used to initiate a larger explosion.

[0018] The detonator housing and the detonating cord are preferably engaged by a non-explosive cord or wire to attach the detonating cord to the container. The non-explosive cord has two main functions. Firstly, attaching the detonating cord to the container means that the spigot mortar can only be fired a distance equal to the length of the detonating cord plus the non-explosive cord. Secondly, once the spigot mortar projectile has been fired, the non- explosive cord permits the detonating cord to be pulled back to ensure that the detonating cord is in intimate contact with the ground and its end is level with the apparatus. A bridle is attached to the projectile that allows the projectile to rotate freely; the bridle is attached to the non-explosive cord which is attached to the detonating cord eyelet. The cord is of a specific length to allow the projectile to rotate in flight without imparting and twist to the detonating cord. A combination of length and a free floating bridle ensure the detonating cord remains un-twisted. This ensures that the detonating train is always intact. The para cord loop has a series of folds clamped with cable ties and tape to prevent tangling and to act as a shock absorber on launching

[0019] The non-explosive cord is preferably tethered to the container in one location to act as an anchor once the spigot mortar projectile is fired and the detonating cord is fully deployed. When the spigot mortar reaches its maximum pre-determined range, a significant tensile force will be applied to the non- explosive cord. Preferably, the non-explosive cord will be attached to a loop at the end of the detonating cord. The loop is part of the detonating cord with the main length of the detonating cord extending from one end of the loop and the detonator housing provided at the other end.

[0020] A self-contained spigot mortar projectile is used to limit the sound produced during launching. As the mortar projectile utilises a captive piston which retains all of the gases generated during firing within the projectile, only a very low level of sound is produced when the mortar projectile is launched. This ensures no flame, flash, smoke or thermal signature on launch

[0021] The mortar projectile is fired by a remote initiation device thus permitting the apparatus to be used from a safe location known as the firing position. Most initiators used today send an electric signal to an explosive charge but as electric initiators are known to increase the risk of premature detonation of lED's, the present invention will preferably use a non-electric initiator to fire the mortar projectile.

[0022] Preferably the remote initiation device will comprise a grip switch having a grenade pin type safety mechanism. The grip switch is provided with a cable spool for holding a pre-determined length of plastic tubing capable of transmitting a supersonic signal. The plastic tubing is connected to an explosive charge within the firing post whereby firing the grip switch sends a signal along the tube thus activating the explosive charge within the firing post.

[0023] The spigot mortar projectile is fired from a firing post containing a firing pin movable longitudinally therein. Upon application of a signal to the explosive charge, said charge is detonated thus driving the firing pin upwardly into a percussion cap on the underside of the spigot mortar projectile. [0024] Upon firing, a substantial recoil force is produced, causing a number of retaining bolts to shear, allowing the firing post to be driven into the ground thus retaining the position of the apparatus and preventing it from being dragged by the momentum of the spigot mortar projectile. The firing post incorporates a removable foot which is in contact with the ground prior to launching to add stability and by deforming through energy transfer ensures the container is not damaged and remains stable during launching and deployment of detonating cord.

[0025] Each of the components of the apparatus are stored and retained within a sturdy robust hinged waterproof container adapted to fit within a standard army issue Bergen. The container is split into two parts, a body and a lid. The body is adapted to store each of the components of the apparatus.

[0026] Preferably, the container is held closed during transport by a number of quick release pins. The pins will preferably comprise cylindrical rods cooperating with concentric holes between the body and the lid. Each pair of pins will be joined by cord, and connected to the container, or the like, to facilitate removal from the container and to prevent the pins from being mislaid.

[0027] The pins are also used to ensure that the container is locked in a certain angular position to provide an optimum firing angle for the spigot mortar projectile. It will be appreciated that the firing angle is critical. If the angle was too shallow or too deep, the mortar projectile may not travel the requisite distance.

[0028] The detonating cord is preferably coiled within the container with each separate coil being kept apart from adjacent coils by flexible fingers. Each finger is made from a flexible material and is provided with an enlarged top portion to restrict the gap between fingers. As the detonating cord is deployed, it will push against the top portion of a finger to close the gap completely between adjacent fingers. Closure of the gap between fingers ensures that the detonating cord is deployed correctly and limits the risk of obstructions being caused by the cord tangling itself. Once each loop of the detonating cord is deployed, each finger snaps back into its relaxed position to permit the sequence of closing the gap between fingers to be repeated for each subsequent loop of detonating cord.

[0029] Preferably the apparatus will weigh less than 10kg to permit carrying by one person within an army issue Bergen. If the weight of the apparatus is much greater than 10kg, it may not be practical for one person to carry in conjunction with the rest of his equipment.

[0030] A second embodiment of the invention provides an explosive initiation device comprising a grip switch and a cable spool thereon, whereby an initiation cable wound around the cable spool can be unwound a pre-determined distance from an explosive charge to permit detonation of said explosive charge from a pre-determined location.

[0031] A third embodiment of the invention provides a cable separator comprising a base plate and a plurality of protrusions extending normally therefrom, each protrusion being flexible to permit said protrusions to flex as the detonation cord is deployed. Each protrusion is shaped to provide an enlarged upper portion to restrict the gap between adjacent protrusions. As the detonating cord is deployed, the protrusions will flex to allow passage through of the detonating cord. Once each loop of detonating cord is deployed, the protrusions will revert to their at rest position until the next loop of detonating cord is deployed.

[0032] A fourth embodiment of the invention provides a firing platform for a spigot mortar projectile comprising: a firing post provided with a firing pin movable longitudinally therein;

an explosive charge provided within the firing post; a sliding rail; and,

a movable spigot mounted thereon, the spigot being retained by one or more shear bolts,

whereby detonation of the explosive charge causes the firing pin to drive upwardly to impact a percussion cap on the underside of the piston within the spigot mortar projectile, thereby generating a recoil force shearing the bolts and forcing the spigot downwardly along the sliding rail into the ground.

[0033] A fifth embodiment of the invention provides a method of detonating explosive devices comprising: firing a spigot mortar projectile using the apparatus according to the invention to lay out a pre-determined length of detonating cord;

connecting a detonator to the detonation cord;

detonating the detonating cord,

whereby detonation of the detonating cord results in the detonation of any explosive devices within a blast zone in the vicinity of the deployed detonating cord.

[0034] A further embodiment of the invention provides a detonator housing comprising a moulded block with a hole provided longitudinally therethrough, the hole being adapted to co-operate with an end of a detonator and an end of a detonating cord, whereby upon insertion of the detonator into the detonator housing and into contact with the detonating cord, an intimate contact is maintained by an interference fit between the detonator and the hole through the detonator housing.

[0035] The use of a detonator housing reduces the amount of time the detonator is required to be handled compared to the standard method of using tape to join a detonator to a detonating cord. Each time a detonator is handled, there is a risk that premature detonation could occur. This would cause severe injury, or death, to anybody adjacent to the detonator.

[0036] The detonator housing is adapted such that the detonator and an end of the detonation cord are restrained and will not move without application of a significant tensile force. A reliable connection between the detonator and detonating cord is necessary to ensure that the detonating cord is detonated when required.

[0037] Preferably, the detonator housing will be manufactured from plastic but in some embodiments it could be manufactured from plastic explosive to provide an explosive boost upon detonation of the detonator. Such a boost would offer increased confidence that the detonation cord will detonate.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0038] In the drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of the apparatus arranged in its firing position.

Figure 2 is an isometric view of the spigot and sliding rail assembly.

Figure 3 is an isometric view of the lower part of the container showing the detonation cord stowed within the container.

Figure 4 is an isometric view of the grip switch showing the explosive initiating shock tube wound around the cable spool.

Figure 5 is a detailed view of the flexible separators.

Figure 6 is an isometric view of the container when closed.

Figure 7 is a detail view of the locking pin arrangement.

Figure 8 is a plan view of the detonating cord cassette.

Figure 9 is a plan view of the lid insert.

Figure 10 is an isometric view of the detonator housing.

Detailed Description of the Illustrated Embodiment

[0039] Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a spigot mortar projectile 10 mounted on a firing platform 20, the firing platform comprising: a spigot 21 , a box rail 22, a sliding rail 22a and two shear bolts 23. The firing platform 20 is attached to the inside of the lid 32 of a container 30 via the box rail 22. The container is adapted to stow each of the components of the present invention.

[0040] The container 30 is split into two hingedly connected parts, a lid 32 and a body 31 . When stowed, the apparatus is stored within the container 30 with the container 30 being held shut by the provision of four quick release pins (See Figures 6 and 7) 80 passing through concentric fixing holes 33, 34 in both the lid 32 and body 31 of the container 30. [0041] When deploying the apparatus, each of the quick release pins 80 are removed to permit the apparatus to be opened into its firing position. The quick release pins 80 are then inserted into holes 35, 36 on either side of the apparatus to lock the opened angle of the container 30 to ensure that the spigot mortar projectile 10 is fired at the optimum trajectory.

[0042] When the apparatus is not in use, two rotatable clips 24 (See Figure 2), in a locked position, prevent the foot 25 from rotating into its firing position. The foot 25, as shown in Figure 1 , comprises of an aluminium profile having a serrated edge 25a at one end. When stowed, the serrated edge 25a is upwardly facing. When in a firing position, the serrated edge 25a is downwardly facing to permit it to be embedded in the ground once the spigot mortar projectile has been fired.

[0043] The box rail 22 is mounted on the inside of the body 31 of the container 30 and permits the spigot 20 to slide up and down the box rail 22 via the sliding rail 22a. When stowed, the two shear bolts 23 prevent movement of the spigot 20 by engaging the sliding rail 22a against the box rail 22. The shear bolts 23 are inserted through holes in the sliding rail 22a and threaded into the box rail 22a.

[0044] The foot 25 is deployed into its firing position by rotating the two clips 24 into an unlocked position. The foot 51 can then be removed and reversed to allow re-fitting with the serrated edge 25a facing downwards. Once in position, the foot 25 can be locked into its firing position by rotating the clips 24 back into a locked position. When the spigot mortar projectile 10 is fired, a substantial recoil acts through the shear bolts 23, exceeding their shear strength, causing them to shear. This permits the foot 25, and spigot 21 , to slide down the box rail 22, via the sliding rail 22a, and to embed into the ground preventing significant motion of the apparatus.

[0045] The apparatus contained within the lid 32 of the container 30 is stored on a replaceable insert 100 (See Figure 9) which can be removed from the container 30. This permits the container 30 to easily be reused once the apparatus has been deployed. [0046] When fired, a rotatable bridle 12 fitted to the spigot mortar projectile 10 allows the spigot mortar projectile 10 to spin without tangling the detonating cord 40 on deployment. A non-explosive cord (Not Shown) connects the spigot mortar projectile 10 to the detonating cord 40 eyelet (Not Shown). The cord is provided with a series of clamped folds which extend in flight to both act as a shock absorber and prevent tangling of the detonating cord 40.

[0047] Figure 3 shows an internal isometric view of the body 31 of the container 30 and the detonating cord 40. The detonating cord 40 is a continuous length of high explosive, up to forty metres in length, which is attached at one end to the spigot mortar projectile 10 and at the other end, to the body 31 of the container 30. The end of the detonating cord 40 attached to the container body 31 is formed into a loop (Not Shown) which is co-operable with a shaped recess moulded into the body 31 of the container 30. One end of the loop is provided with a detonator housing co-operable with an Instantaneous Firing Device (Not Shown) and the other end extends the full length of the detonation cord 40.

[0048] A cassette 90 (See Figure 8) containing the detonation cord 40 is inserted into the body of the container 30. The cassette 90 can be removed to permit various lengths and diameters of detonating cord 40 to be fitted into the container 30.

[0049] Figure 4 shows an isometric view of the grip switch 50 provided with a cable spool 51 for winding a, non-electric shock tube therearound. The grip switch 50 comprises an outer casing 52 within which is enclosed a low explosive charge detonated by depression of the top part 53 of the casing 52. A safety pin 54 is provided through the outer casing 52 preventing depression of the top part 53 of the casing 52 until such a time that the pin 54 is removed.

[0050] A cylindrical tube 55 extends from the lower part of the casing 52 in the same longitudinal axis. The tube 55 is provided with a shaped slot 55a at one end corresponding to the profile of a retaining plug 56 inserted into the tube 55 to permit an end of the cable to be deployed out of the end of the tube 55 and through the retaining plug 56. [0051] The profile of the shaped slot 55a provides a resistance against the plug 56 detaching from the tube 55 when the cable is deployed. The plug 56 is provided with a slot 56a, centrally aligned with the shaped slot 55a of the tube 55 permitting the cable wound around the tube 55 to enter into the hollow body of the tube 55. The plug 56 is further provided with an aperture in the end abutting the end of the tube 55 thus permitting the cable to extend out of the end of the tube 55 and through the plug 56.

[0052] The upper part of the tube 55 is provided with a fixed plate 57 against which, an outer retaining sleeve 58 abuts. The outer retaining sleeve 58 is held in place at the upper end of the tube 55 by a movable collar 59 having an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the sleeve 58. The collar 59 is open at one end and is provided with an aperture 59a at the other end which is of lesser diameter than the outer diameter of the fixed plate 57.

[0053] The lower end of the tube is provided with a retaining insert 60 which receives the lower end of the tube 55 and the retaining plug 56. Both ends of the insert 60 are open thus permitting the cable to extend out of insert 60. The outer diameter of the insert 60 is less than the inner diameter of the sleeve 58 but greater than the diameter of an aperture 61 a provided in a fixed collar 60 at the lower end of the sleeve 58.

[0054] Locking of the movable collar 59 prevents detachment of each of the components of the cable spool 51 . Although the grip switch 50 and cable spool 51 are intended to be used once only, some of the components may be recycled for reuse.

[0055] Figure 5 is an isometric view of part of a cable separator 70 comprising a base plate and a plurality of fingers 71 extending normally therefrom. A number of separators 70 are spaced around the internal area of the cassette with the detonation cord 40 passing through each pair of fingers 71 at least once. Each finger 72 is configured to have an enlarged upper portion 72 to restrict the gap between adjacent fingers 71 . As the detonation cord 40 is deployed, the fingers 71 flex, permitting the detonation cord to pass through the gap between fingers 71 . After the detonation cord 40 has been deployed, each finger 71 reverts to its relaxed position to again restrict the gap between adjacent fingers 71 .

[0056] Each cable separator 70 is secured to the container body 31 by way of heat welding engaging with retaining inserts. In use, the apparatus is carried in a standard army issue Bergen. To deploy, quick release locking pins 80 are removed from the side of the container 30 to expose the apparatus. The container 30 is opened with the locking pins 80 being used to lock the container 30 in an open position at the correct angle.

[0057] An IFD (Instantaneous Firing Device) (Not Shown) is removed from the container 30 and placed into the operator's pocket. Removal of the firing device is required before the spigot mortar projectile 10 is launched to remove all unnecessary risk of premature detonation of the detonating cord 40.

[0058] The grip switch 50 and cable spool 51 assembly, if not already connected to the firing post 20a, are connected to the firing post 20a. The retaining clips 24 on the firing post are rotated into the unlocked position and the foot 21 is is removed and re-fitted in the opposite direction so that the serrated edge 21 a is facing towards the ground. The retaining clips 24 on the firing post 20a are then rotated back into the locked position to prevent rotation of the foot 21 .

[0059] The grip switch 50 and cable spool 51 assembly are deployed to a firing position some distance away from the apparatus. The safety pin 54 is removed from the grip switch 50 once the operator is in a safe position and the upper part of the grip switch 53 is depressed sending a supersonic Shockwave through the cable to the system.

[0060] The supersonic Shockwave initiates an explosive charge within the spigot 20a causing the firing pin 26 to drive upwardly into a percussion cap (Not Shown) on the underside of the spigot mortar projectile 10. Upon impact of the firing pin 26 with the percussion cap, which is located within a piston on the underside of the mortar projectile, a propellant charge within the piston within the spigot mortar projectile 10 is ignited, the gases generated driving the piston (Not Shown) back against the firing post (Spigot) and launching the projectile 10. [0061] The range of the projectile 10 is limited by the length of the detonation cord 40 which may be in the region of ten to fifty metres. Detonating cord 40 of more than fifty metres may be used but this would add additional weight to the apparatus making it potentially too heavy to carry in a Bergen.

[0062] Upon firing of the projectile 10, a substantial recoil force is produced causing the shear bolts 23 between the sliding rail 22 and the fixed box lid rail to shear thus driving the foot 21 downwardly into the ground. This is necessary to prevent the container 30 from moving under the projectiles 10 momentum.

[0063] Once the detonating cord 40 is fully deployed, the operator can pull the end of the detonating cord 40 back if required by a non-explosive cord (Not Shown) attached to the detonating cord 40 and the container 30. Once in the desired position, the detonator is connected via the detonator housing to the end of the detonating cord 40 and unravelled back to the firing position.

[0064] When the operator is safely positioned within the firing position, the detonating cord 40 is detonated by the detonator causing an explosion along the length of the detonating cord 40, exploding any IED within the immediate vicinity and creating a visible path for troops to follow After detonation of the detonating cord 40, all small components are designed in such a way that they are an integral part of the system and cannot be accidentally left behind to create future problems for returning troops with mine detection equipment. All remaining components including the container 30 and firing platform 20 are designed to be able to be packed up and stowed away in a Bergen for removal from the area.

[0065] Figure 10 shows an illustrative view of the detonator housing 1 10. The detonator housing 1 10 is made from moulded plastic and has a hole 1 12 passing longitudinally therethrough. The detonating cord 40 is inserted through one end of the detonator housing 1 10. Once the detonating cord 40 is deployed, a non-explosive cord, attached to the detonator housing 1 10 and the container 30, permits the detonator housing 1 10 to be pulled back level with the container 30 so that the operator can install the detonator without having to venture into an unsafe area. [0066] The detonator is inserted into the free end of the detonator housing 1 10 and maintained in position by the interference fit between the detonator and the detonator housing 1 10. The detonator is urged into intimate contact with the detonating cord 40 by the operator and then prevented from moving due to the tight fit in the detonator housing 1 10.

Claims

1 . Apparatus for detonating explosive devices comprising:

a pre-determined length of detonating cord attached at one end thereof to a spigot mortar projectile of the type fired by impact of a firing pin into a percussion cap;

a firing post provided with a firing pin movable longitudinally within the post and an explosive charge to propel the firing pin in an upwardly vertical direction, said firing pin, in use, impacting with the percussion cap within a piston within the spigot mortar projectile;

a detonator adapted to be received by an end of the detonating cord; an initiation device to detonate the explosive charge within the firing post; a firing device to detonate the detonating cord;

and,

a container adapted to receive at least the detonating cord, spigot mortar projectile, firing device, firing post and initiation device,

whereby detonation of the explosive charge within the firing post fires the spigot mortar projectile a distance limited by the pre-determined length of the detonating cord and subsequent initiation of the detonator detonates the entire length of said detonating cord causing a Shockwave capable of detonating, disrupting or revealing any explosive device or triggering any device within the vicinity of the explosion.

2. Apparatus for detonating explosive devices according to Claim 1 , wherein the detonation cord is connected to the container by a non-explosive cord, whereby, in use, the detonation cord can be pulled back until one end thereof is level with the container, thereby ensuring that the explosion zone extends from the container to the end of the detonation cord.

3. Apparatus for detonating explosive devices according to Claim 2, wherein the non-explosive cord is attached, in at least one position, to the container, to prevent tangling during storage or deployment.

4. Apparatus for detonating explosive devices according to Claim 1 , wherein the end of the detonating cord which, in use, is nearest to the container is provided with a detonator housing to receive a detonator, thereby providing a secure and intimate connection between the detonating cord and the detonator.

5. Apparatus for detonating explosive devices according to Claim 1 , wherein the detonator is non-electric.

6. Apparatus for detonating explosive devices according to Claim 1 , wherein the firing post comprises a post provided at the lower end thereof with one or more feet movable relative to said post and retained by one or more shear bolts which, in use, shear upon application of a shear force exceeding a pre-determined limit, thereby permitting the, or each, foot to drive into the ground.

7. Apparatus for detonating explosive devices according to Claim 6, wherein the, or each, foot, after shearing of the shear bolts, is permitted to move relative to the cylindrical post along a sliding rail.

8. Apparatus for detonating explosive devices according to Claim 1 , wherein the firing post firing pin shears upon impact with the spigot mortar projectile percussion cap, thereby rendering the apparatus inert and incapable of reuse.

9. Apparatus for detonating explosive devices according to Claim 1 , wherein the initiation device comprises a grip switch provided with a predetermined length of tube which, in use, transmits a shock wave through the tube to the firing post thereby detonating an explosive charge.

10. Apparatus for detonating explosive devices according to Claim 1 , wherein the container comprises two parts hingedly connected and defining between them an inner cavity adapted to receive and engage each of the aforementioned components.

1 1 . Apparatus for detonating explosive devices according to Claim 10, wherein each part of the container is provided with a replaceable insert adapted to be received by the respective part of the container.

12. Apparatus for detonating explosive devices according to Claim 10 or 1 1 , wherein each part of the container, when closed, engages with a waterproof seal to prevent ingress of water into the container.

13. Apparatus for detonating explosive devices according to any preceding claim, wherein the total combined weight of the apparatus is less than 10kg.

14. Apparatus for detonating explosive devices according to any of Claims 10 to 13, wherein the container is manufactured from plastic, carbon fibre, composites, metal, rubber, or a combination thereof.

15. Apparatus for detonating explosive devices according to any of Claims 1 1 to 14, wherein the detonating cord is coiled within the removable insert located within the container.

16. Apparatus for detonating explosive devices according to Claim 15, wherein the coils of the detonating cord are separated by movable fingers.

17. Apparatus for detonating explosive devices according to Claim 16, wherein the movable fingers are replaceable.

18. Apparatus for detonating explosive devices according to Claim 17, wherein the movable fingers are attached, at one end thereof, to the base of the the insert.

19. Apparatus for detonating explosive devices according to Claim 18, wherein the fingers, in use, move together as each coil is deployed from the container.

20. An explosive initiation device comprising a grip switch and a cable spool thereon, whereby a shocktube initiation cable wound around the cable spool can be unwound a pre-determined distance from an explosive charge to permit detonation of said explosive charge from a pre-determined location upon introduction of a Shockwave signal.

21 . An explosive initiation device according to Claim 20, wherein the cable spool comprises a tube with a locking flange at each end thereof and a sleeve secured to the tube by a collar at each end thereof engaging with a respective locking flange.

22. An explosive initiation device according to Claim 21 , further comprising a retaining plug inserted into one end of the tube, wherein the cable passes through the side wall of the plug at one end of the tube.

23. A firing post for a spigot mortar projectile comprising: a firing post provided with a firing pin movable longitudinally therein;

an explosive charge provided within the firing post; a sliding rail; and,

a movable foot mounted thereon, the foot being retained by one or more shear bolts,

whereby detonation of the explosive charge causes the firing pin to drive upwardly to impact a percussion cap contained within a piston within the mortar projectile, thereby generating a recoil force shearing the bolts and forcing the foot downwardly into the ground.

24. A firing post according to Claim 23, wherein the foot, before use, is reversed into a downward facing direction.

25. A firing post according to Claim 23 or 24, wherein the foot is fixed in position by one or more rotatable locking fasteners.

26. A detonator housing comprising a moulded block with a hole provided longitudinally therethrough, the hole adapted to co-operate with an end of a detonator and an end of a detonating cord, whereby upon insertion of the detonator into the detonator housing and into contact with the detonating cord, an intimate contact is maintained by an interference fit between the detonator and the hole through the detonator housing.

27. A detonator housing according to Claim 26, wherein the detonator housing is made from plastic.

28. A detonator housing according to Claim 26, wherein the detonator housing is made from plastic explosive to provide an explosive boost upon ignition of the detonator.

29. A method of detonating explosive devices, comprising:

firing a spigot mortar projectile using the apparatus, as defined in any of Claims 1 to 19, to lay out a pre-determined length of detonating cord;

connecting a detonator to the detonating cord;

detonating the detonation cord, whereby detonation of the detonating cord results in the detonation, disruption or revealing of explosive devices within a blast zone in the vicinity of the deployed detonation cord.