Terrorist bomb construction

Terrorist Car Bomb versus CBP Protection Barrriers

Background

The September 11 2001 terrorist attacks resulted in elevated public and Government awareness of the potential terrorist threat. This new awareness has stimulated interest in preventative and protective technologies aimed at thwarting planned terrorist attacks, and making the life of the terrorist as uncomfortable as possible.

Creative Building Products (CBP) produce a range of man portable ballistic and blast protection barriers which are designed to provide personnel and facility protection from bomb blasts, bullets, and vehicular attack.

These products were marketed to the military, and other clients, for many years prior to Sept 11 2001. The sudden increased interest in such technologies prompted several potential customers to request that CBP demonstrate the protective capabilities of their products.

Trial Plan

Two terrorist type car bombs were assembled and used against CBP products in two trials conducted during November 2001. At the request of the aviation safety authorities the CBP blast and ballistic protection barriers were positioned around the trial vehicles - at distances as close as 10 feet, to simulate the worst possible scenario. Two small Ford family sedans were used as the bomb carrying vehicles.

The second trial was attended by a significant number of official observers, representing the US military, FBI, law enforcement, CIA, and aviation safety authorities. The blast was observed from a vantage point 600 yards from the car bomb location.

Trial Results

Figures 1 through 5 show the trial site layout, blast, and damage to the car and barriers. Barriers placed 10 feet from the vehicle suffered minor damage from blast and fragmentation. One sand filled barrier was slightly indented over a large area due to blast effects. An adjacent water filled barrier suffered puncture damage several inches in length, and leaked some water - this is highlighted in the large version of Figure 5. All barriers, at all distances, prevented penetration of bomb fragments and would have provided complete protection to any personnel and property which they were shielding.

Click on images to view full size versions
	Figure 1 Car and barrier layout immediately prior to explosion
	Figure 2 Explosion viewed from 600 yards
	Figure 3 Close-up of explosion
	Figure 4 Ouch ! Built Ford Tough ?
	Figure 5 Sand filled barrier (left) & water filled (right) Note that the water filled barrier has a minor split and leak (highlighted on full size picture)