GSL's live fire evaluations of structures for department of state

Published April 6, 2012
ERDC researchers set off an explosion during a live-fire demonstration at Fort Polk, La.

ERDC researchers set off an explosion during a live-fire demonstration at Fort Polk, La.

April 6, 2012

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EGLIN and TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASES, Fla. — ERDC Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory's (GSL) Survivability Engineering Branch recently performed full-scale evaluations of a Modular Guard Tower System (MGTS) and a Hardened Alternative Trailer System (HATS) at Eglin and Tyndall Air Force Bases, respectively.

The MGTS and HATS concepts and prototypes were developed by the Department of State (DOS) Bureau of Diplomatic Security Physical Security Division and the ERDC team.

Altogether, six full-scale, live-fire experiments (three on each concept) occurred over the two-day event.

Discussions have begun on Phase II of the MGTS program, and preparations for near-future HATS testing are also under way.

Those attending the event included DOS Deputy Assistant Secretary and Assistant Director for Countermeasures Gentry Smith, ERDC Deputy Director Dr. John Cullinane, ERDC GSL Director Dr. David Pittman, and other GSL personnel. Also in attendance were representatives from the DOS's facilities design team, Office of Overseas Building Operations.

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