Performance Characterization of LEXFOAM from Hand-Held Systems

LEXFOAM is an explosive foam developed from two non-explosive components to replace C-4 or TNT in humanitarian demining. This paper discusses a recent break through in packaging, the properties of newly developed LEXFOAM and improvement in delivery based on deficiencies noted in field testing. The Hand-held delivery system consists of two disposable aerosol cans. A large aerosol can contains 500 gm of the LEXFOAM stock solution and a small aerosol can contains 60 gm of blended liquid hydrocarbon propellants. LEXFOAM develops only after mixing the two components on-site in the stock solution aerosol can. The LEXFOAM becomes an explosive only after the foam is been dispersed. This paper describes and discusses the physical-chemical properties of LEXFOAM produced by handheld systems and test results of their performance against a variety of unfuzed live mine targets. User interface, target mine types, effectiveness variation as a function of temperature, and potential applicability in humanitarian demining environments are discussed.