Abstract:
Mine-like explosion simulators are disclosed herein. According to aspects illustrated herein, a landmine simulator device includes a blast fixture; a lower portion of said blast fixture having a proximal end, a distal end and a hollow area therebetween, said hollow area being configured so as to direct channeling of an audio signature internally for maximum sound; and a top portion of said blast fixture having a top plate and a blast cover, said top plate having an opening for engaging and aligning with said proximal end of said lower portion, and said blast cover being configured so as to release a visible signature externally for maximum exposure.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/004,577, filed Nov. 27, 2007, the entirety of this application is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention is generally directed towards mine-like explosion simulators, and is more specifically directed towards devices and systems structurally designed to channel a blast internally for maximum sound, while releasing excess pressure that can result from the blast. The main blast resulting from a detonation is channeled low and away from the underside of a vehicle passing by or overhead. 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Enemy combatants often use explosive devices such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to cause damage, injury, and death. Landmines, which are one type of an IED, pose an extreme threat to military and law enforcement personnel and are widely used in warfare. There are two types of landmines—anti-tank (AT) and anti-personnel (AP). AT landmines are designed to immobilize or destroy vehicles and their occupants. An AT landmine produces a mobility kill (M-Kill) or a catastrophic kill (K-Kill). An M-Kill destroys one or more of the vehicle&#39;s vital drive components (for example, breaks a track on a tank) and immobilizes the target, but does not always destroy the weapon system and/or the crew (i.e., they may continue to function). In a K-Kill, the weapon system and/or the crew is destroyed. AP landmines can kill or incapacitate their victims. The AP landmines commit medical resources, degrade unit morale, and damage non-armored vehicles. Some types of AP landmines may even break or damage the track on armored vehicles. 
     Protection of vehicles and personnel against landmine threats is an important issue in the area of defense research. Accordingly, personnel are trained to deal with landmine-like explosions. During training, military and law enforcement personnel use IED simulators that help personnel identify landmines and react to their effects in real-time simulations. Landmine simulators should provide the power of an explosion—realistic sound with visual impact—a live training scenario without the likelihood of injury. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Mine-like explosion simulators are disclosed herein. According to aspects illustrated herein, a landmine simulator device includes a blast fixture; a lower portion of said blast fixture having a proximal end, a distal end and a hollow area therebetween, said hollow area being configured so as to direct channeling of an audio signature internally for maximum sound; and a top portion of said blast fixture having a top plate and a blast cover, said top plate having an opening for engaging and aligning with said proximal end of said lower portion, and said blast cover being configured so as to release a visible signature externally for maximum exposure. 
     According to aspects illustrated herein, a landmine training system includes a landmine training simulator device having a blast fixture; a lower portion of said blast fixture having a proximal end, a distal end and a hollow area therebetween, said hollow area being configured so as to direct channeling of an audio signature internally for maximum sound; and a top portion of said blast fixture having a top plate and a blast cover, said top plate having an opening for engaging and aligning with said proximal end of said lower portion, and said blast cover being configured so as to release a visible signature externally for maximum exposure; a firing unit operable to simulate one or more distinct signatures of an explosive device; and a power pack operable to provide power to, and control operation of, said firing unit. 
     According to aspects illustrated herein, a landmine training system includes a landmine training simulator device having a blast fixture; a lower portion of said blast fixture having a proximal end, a distal end and a hollow area therebetween, said hollow area being configured so as to direct channeling of an audio signature internally for maximum sound; and a top portion of said blast fixture having a top plate and a blast cover, said top plate having an opening for engaging and aligning with said proximal end of said lower portion, and said blast cover including a top wall and two side walls sloping down so as to engage said top plate, and being configured so as to release a visible signature externally for maximum exposure, and being configured so as to produce a concussion effect, said two side walls interrupted with at least one opening so as to release excess pressure resulting from a detonation; a firing unit positioned within said distal end of said lower portion and operable to simulate an audio and a visible signature of a type classified round, said firing unit including two receptacles each capable of receiving at least two different types of type classified rounds, each of said receptacles having a first boring having a first diameter, a second boring having a second diameter, which is greater than said first diameter, and a third boring positioned between said first boring and said second boring, said third boring having a third diameter, which is greater than said first diameter but less than said second diameter; a power pack in operable communication with said firing unit, said power pack providing power to control operation of said firing unit, said power pack having multi-triggering user-controlled capabilities chosen from one of radio-controlled (RC) detonation, victim-operated (VO) detonation, command/hard wired (CW) detonation, disable power/jamming functions, or combinations thereof; and at least one external triggering device in operable communication with said power pack by way of plug and play cable connection, said triggering device controllable by a user to trigger detonation of said type classified rounds. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The presently disclosed embodiments will be further explained with reference to the attached drawings, wherein like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the presently disclosed embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a landmine simulating device of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  2 C show perspective views of some of the main components of an illustrative embodiment of a landmine training system of the present invention.  FIG. 2A  shows a perspective view of the device illustrated in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2B  shows a perspective view of a firing unit that can be used with the device illustrated in  FIG. 2A  to provide a realistic sound and visual signature.  FIG. 2C  shows a perspective view of a power pack that can be used to receive a command to detonate, and respond to the command, by detonating the firing unit; 
         FIG. 3  shows a bottom perspective view of the device illustrated in  FIG. 1  housing a firing unit, which provides a material or a cartridge that can simulate a visual/audible signature; 
         FIG. 4  shows a side view of the device illustrated in  FIG. 1  housing a firing unit, which provides a material or a cartridge that can simulate a visual/audible signature; 
         FIG. 5  shows a front elevational view of the device illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  shows a cross-sectional view of the device illustrated in  FIG. 5  taken along line  5 - 5 ; and 
         FIG. 7  shows a top perspective view of the device illustrated in  FIG. 1  positioned for use during a training exercise for an anti-tank (AT) or other landmine simulation. 
     
    
    
     While the above-identified drawings set forth presently disclosed embodiments, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. This disclosure presents illustrative embodiments by way of representation and not limitation. Numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of the presently disclosed embodiments. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to devices and systems for simulating a mine-like explosion. The systems of the present invention can simulate a landmine, which is a form of an improvised explosive device (TED), and provides realistic, yet safe, audio and visual simulations of explosions. The systems of the present disclosure generally include a structurally designed blast fixture device for channeling a blast internally for maximum sound, while releasing excess pressure that can result from the blast. The main blast resulting from a detonation is channeled low and away from the underside of a vehicle passing by or overhead. In an embodiment, when a detonation occurs, the structural design of the blast fixture is capable of producing a concussion effect, so that during an anti-tank (AT) or other type of landmine simulation exercise, occupants of a vehicle can feel a shock. At least one firing unit is moveably positioned within a portion of the blast fixture, and provides a material or a cartridge that can simulate a visual/audible signature (blast). A power pack in operable communication with the at least one firing unit provides the power and the logic necessary to detonate the material or cartridge of the firing unit. A trigger device in operable communication with the power pack can trigger detonation of the material or cartridge of the firing unit in response to a trigger signal. The power pack of the present invention has multi-triggering capabilities, including, but not limited to, radio-controlled (RC) detonation, victim-operated (VO) detonation, command/hard wired (CW) detonation, and disable power/jamming functions. 
     Embodiments of the present invention and its advantages are best understood by referring to the figures, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a landmine simulator device  100  of the present invention. The device  100  may be referred to as an under vehicle explosive device (UVED). The device  100  is a blast fixture specially configured to allow for the directional control of a blast occurring from the detonation of a firing unit. In general, a firing unit that can be used with the device  100  represents a device operable to simulate one or more distinct signatures, for example, the visual, audio, or both visual and audio signatures, of an explosive device. The blast fixture channels the blast internally for maximum sound, while releasing excess pressure that can result from the blast. The blast resulting from the detonation is channeled low and away from the underside of a vehicle passing by or overhead. 
     The device  100  includes a top portion  120 , which includes a top plate  130  and a blast cover  140 . The top plate  130  engages a lower portion  190  that is hollow, such that an opening (not visible in  FIG. 1 ) in the top plate  130  aligns with the lower portion  190 . The lower portion  190  of the device  100  is at an approximate 45° angle with respect to the top plate  130 . The top plate  130  also engages the blast cover  140 . The blast cover  140  includes a top wall  142  that slopes down to engage the top plate  130 , and two side walls,  144  and  146  respectively, that also engage the top plate  130 . Each of the two side walls  144  and  146 , are interrupted with holes  147 , which allow for release of a visible signature after the firing unit has been detonated, as well as release of any excess pressure that may exist as a result of the detonation. In an embodiment, two pieces of metal  180  are positioned to create a three-channeled opening  160 . The two pieces of metal  180  can be positioned between, and engage to, an inner surface  141  of the top wall  142  of the blast cover  140 , and an upper surface  131  of the top plate  130 . The opening  160  allows for release of an audio/visual signature after the firing unit has been detonated, as well as release of any excess pressure that may exist as a result of the detonation. The top wall  142  aids in the echoing of the audio signature after detonation, and is capable of producing a concussion effect, a pyrotechnic effect that produces a loud jarring shock that can be felt by the occupants of a vehicle. All of the components of the device  100  can be constructed from one piece of material, or may be constructed by welding, soldering or brazing various pieces of material together. In an embodiment, the material is a metal such as an aluminum or aluminum alloy metal. The hollow lower portion  190  has a handle  198  for easy transportation of the device  100 . A reinforcing strap  150  surrounds the distal end  195  of the lower portion  190  and is used to engage the firing unit within a distal end  195  of the lower portion  190 , as will be described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
       FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  2 C show perspective views of some of the main components of an illustrative embodiment of a landmine training system  200  of the present invention. The system  200  includes the landmine simulating device  100  ( FIG. 2A ), a firing unit  170  ( FIG. 2B ), and a power pack  250  ( FIG. 2C ). A cable  270  attached to the firing unit  170  attaches to ports  252  on the power pack  250 , thus establishing a pathway for communicating a detonation command to the firing unit  170 . The firing unit  170  can receive an explosive device, such as a pyrotechnic, or a non-pyrotechnic, cartridge or material. In an embodiment, the firing unit  170  can receive one or more pyrotechnic cartridges that can direct a pyrotechnic explosion in a predetermined direction. The pyrotechnic cartridge includes pyrotechnic material which comprises a chemical mixture that can be used to generate an exothermic reaction by combustion, deflagration, or detonation to produce visual and audio effects. The material may include an oxidizing agent (oxidant) and a fuel that produces the exothermic reaction when heated to its ignition temperature. The pyrotechnic cartridge may have electrical contacts operable to receive a detonation signal to heat the fuel. Any suitable pyrotechnic cartridge that displays an audio and/or visual signature may be used, for example, a type classified Army approved ammunition/pyrotechnic (e.g., M30 rounds or M31 black or yellow smoke). 
     In an embodiment, the firing unit  170  can hold type classified M30 rounds. The type classified M30 rounds can realistically yet safely simulate the smoke puff (visual) and bang (audio) signatures of an IED, without producing a starburst (flash) signature, such as those found in a type classified M31 rounds. In an embodiment, the device  100  is used during a training exercise to simulate an anti-tank (AT) or other type of landmine. During such a use, it may not be desirable to use a cartridge or material that has a flash starburst-type signature, since the material expelled can become ignited. In an embodiment, the firing unit  170  can hold type classified M31 black or yellow smoke rounds. In an embodiment, the firing unit  170  can hold one type classified M30 round, and one type classified M31 black or yellow smoke round. In an embodiment, the firing unit  170  has two receptacles, each of the receptacles including a first boring having a first diameter, a second boring having a second diameter, which is greater than the first diameter, and a third boring positioned between the first boring and the second boring, the third boring having a third diameter, which is greater than the first diameter but less than the second diameter. The first, second and third diameters can be selected such that each of the receptacles can selectively and interchangeably receive at least two different types of type classified rounds, such as an M30 and an M31 round. In an embodiment, the firing unit  170  has two receptacles, each of the receptacles having a single boring of a single diameter for accepting only one type of type classified round, such as a type classified M30 round. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to use a type classified round that includes a flash starburst-signature, as long as the area near the blast is considered nonflammable, i.e., there are no trees, brush, fuel, or any other material or object that is considered ignitable. In an embodiment, the firing unit  170  can hold non-pyrotechnic material that can direct a non-pyrotechnic explosion in a predetermined direction. Any suitable non-pyrotechnic material that can simulate a visual/audible signature known in the art may be used. 
     In the illustrative embodiment shown in  FIG. 2B , two firing chambers of the firing unit  170  can receive two type classified Army approved rounds. The firing unit  170  includes an electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter for preventing electrostatic discharge. As illustrated in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2B , the firing unit  170  engages a bottom plate  175  having a handle  177 . The handle  177  allows the firing unit  170  to be inserted in, or removed from, the device  100  with ease. Although the embodiments described herein show the device  100  holding one firing unit  170 , those skilled in the art will recognize that the dimensions of the device  100  can be adjusted to hold more than one firing unit  170  and any related components and still be within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Additionally, the device  100  can be enlarged or diminished for other landmine applications. 
     The firing unit  170  is positioned to lock/unlock within a portion of the distal end  195  of the lower portion  190  of the device  100 , such that upon receiving a detonation command, a blast will penetrate the hollow lower portion  190  towards the inner surface  141  of the top wall  142  of the blast cover  140 , and be channeled out the openings  160 , and the two side walls,  144  and  146 . The design and shape of the hollow lower portion  190 , and the blast cover  140 , provide maximum echoing of the audio signature resulting from the blast. The blast is displaced in a controlled direction by the placement of the blast cover  140  and the unique angling of the lower portion  190 . Approximately all of the blast is channeled in a horizontal plane out of the opening  160 , and the two side walls,  144  and  146 , for safety considerations. The firing unit  170  is configured to fire a blast in a direction that minimizes the hazards of the simulation, maximizes the accuracy of the simulation, or both minimizes the hazards and maximizes the accuracy. The blast creates a realistic audio (loud bang) and visual (smoke puff) signature. The firing unit  170  may have any suitable safety radius that designates a region safe from the hazards of an explosion. For example, the firing unit  170  may be have a safety radius of less than 100, 50, 30, 20 or 10 feet. 
     The power pack  250  represents a device operable to provide power to the firing unit  170 , as well as a module operable to control the operation of the firing unit  170 . The power pack  250  has multi-triggering user-controlled capabilities that can be switched on or off by a user at anytime during a training simulation (i.e., victim operated (VO)). All triggering methods are electronically isolated from one another. The power pack  250  has the ability to initiate detonation in one of three ways: command/hard wired (CW) detonation, radio-controlled detonation, and victim-operated detonations, such as a pressure plate/switch, a trip wire, a passive infrared detector, that connect to the power pack  250  via plug and play cable connections to isolated external ports. The power pack  250  also has a jammer plug and shunt plug (not visible in  FIG. 2 ) that can be connected to an interrupter cable, which can be connected to an interrupter box which will disable the power pack  250 . Disabling of the power pack  250  in such a way may be desirable for certain training exercises to simulate a jammer that may be trying to jam the entire electronics of the power pack  250 . 
     The radio-controlled detonation feature allows a user to enable/disable the victim-operated triggers, while individual control cards within the power pack  250  provide the programming necessary to turn on/off input to the victim operated triggers and various other triggers. Any suitable trigger device operable to detect a trigger event from, for example, a vehicle or a person, and send a trigger signal in response to detecting the event can be used. As a first example, a keyfob transmitter  259  or command wire may detect a user inputting a command, such as pressing a button when a vehicle is close to the device  100 . As a second example, a motion sensor may detect motion. As a third example, a photoelectric beam detector may detect disruption of a photoelectric beam. As a fourth example, a trip wire detector may detect movement. As a fifth example, a vibration sensor may detect the vibration of a vehicle movement. As a sixth example, a passive infrared detector may detect a change in infrared radiation. As a seventh example, a pressure plate may detect a change in pressure on a plate. In an embodiment, the power pack  250  has a sixty (60) second safety. The power pack  250  has the ability to add on additional devices in a daisy chain method by use of a plug and play output port. 
     The power pack  250  has the ability to initiate via plug and play cable connections. The power pack  250  includes various interfaces for connecting with the various multi-triggering user-controlled capabilities, including, but not limited to, ports  254  which connect with a cable leading to a victim-operated trigger, and ports  256  which connect with a cable leading to a command wire. In an embodiment, the command wire input port cannot be blocked. 
     Transceiver  258  represents a device operable to communicate signals with keyfob transmitter  259  for the radio-controlled detonation of the firing devices of the firing unit  170 . For example, transceiver  258  may transmit, receive, or both transmit and receive signals over an air interface. Transceiver  258  may be used to receive signals from keyfob transmitter  259  to trigger detonation of the firing unit  170 . Any suitable transceiver  258  may be used. In an embodiment, transceiver  258  comprises a 315 MHz wireless transceiver operable to initiate the operation of device  100  from 250-350 meters, for example, approximately 300 meters. In an embodiment, transceiver  258  comprises a 433 MHz wireless transceiver operable to initiate the operation of device  100  from 250-350 meters, for example, approximately 300 meters. Keyfob transmitter  259  represents a device operable to communicate with device  100  over a wireless link, and may communicate signals to, from, or both to and from, transceiver  258 . Keyfob transmitter  259  may include user controls (shown as buttons on the keyfob transmitter  259 ) that a user may use to send commands to device  100 . For example, user controls may include buttons that can be used to turn off the victim operated trigger. Similarly, user controls may include buttons that can be used to turn back on the victim operated trigger. 
     A charger interface can be used to couple a power supply charger to the power supply of the power pack  250 . Other external device interfaces can be used to couple any suitable external device to the power pack  250 . An exemplary external device may comprise a hit simulator that simulates projectiles resulting from the detonation. One or more interfaces may be used to perform other suitable operations, such as receive commands or provide information. For example, the interfaces can include an arming switch and a detonation indicator. The arming switch can be used to arm the device  100 . The firing unit  170  may not be operable to detonate unless the arming switch is selected to arm system  200 . A detonation indicator may indicate when a detonation is about to occur. The detonation indicator may include, for example, a visual or audio signal such as a light or a buzzer. In an embodiment, a beeper can be used to test whether or not the keyfob transmitter  259  is still in range of the power pack  250 , by pressing one of the buttons on the keyfob transmitter  259 . The beeper also beeps when hot (e.g., after a 60 second safety has elapsed). The beeper also communicates a fault when turning the power pack  250  on. A power supply within the power pack  250  is selected to provide a suitable amount of power over a suitable period of time without requiring recharging. For example, the power supply may comprise a 12 volt rechargeable battery that can operate for two to four weeks before requiring recharging. 
       FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view showing the device  100  housing the firing unit  170  (only the bottom plate  175  of the firing unit  170  is visible). The firing unit  170  is maintained in position within the lower portion  190  via barrel pins  179 . The reinforcing strap  150  that surrounds the distal end  195  of the lower portion  190  has holes  197  that align with a corresponding number of holes on a surface of the distal end  195  of the lower portion  190 . Similarly, there are a corresponding number of holes  177  in the bottom plate  175  of the firing unit  170 . When the firing unit  170  is positioned within the lower portion  190 , the barrel pins  179  are placed through all of the holes to lock and maintain the firing unit  170  within the lower portion  190 . In an embodiment, when the firing unit  170  is locked in place within the lower portion  190 , a small gap  183  exists between an inner surface  193  of the lower portion  190 , and an outer surface  173  of the bottom plate  175 . This small gap allows relief of back pressure that may result from detonation of the firing unit  170 . 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of the device  100  showing the firing unit  170  housed within the distal end  195  of the hollow lower portion  190 . The hollow lower portion  190  is at an approximate 45° angle with respect to the top plate  130 . This design of the hollow lower portion  190  increases structural integrity of the blast fixture by minimizing upward pressure, while channeling a blast directionally towards the blast openings. The firing unit  170  is placed within the distal end  195  of the lower portion  190  of the device  100 , such that firing devices (e.g., type classified M30 rounds) of the firing unit  170  are at an approximate 45° angle with respect to the top plate  130 . Thus, after detonation of the firing unit  170 , the audio and visual signature from the firing devices will travel along the path of the hollow lower portion  190 . The top plate  130  engages the hollow lower portion  190 , as well as the blast cover  140 . The blast cover  140  includes the top wall  142  that slopes down to engage the top plate  130 , and two side walls,  144  and  146  respectively, that also engage the top plate  130 . Each of the two side walls  144  and  146 , is interrupted with holes  147 , which allow for release of a visible signature after the firing unit has been detonated, as well as release of any excess pressure that may exist as a result of the detonation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any number of holes  147  can interrupt the two side walls  144  and  146 , and still be within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Similarly, instead of multiple circular holes  147 , there may be one or a few elongated tubular hole(s). The shape, size, and number of holes  147  interrupting the two side walls  144  and  146  are not limited to those recited herein, as long as there is some means of allowing for release of a visible signature after the firing unit has been detonated, as well as release of any excess pressure that may exist as a result of the detonation. The engagement of the top plate  130  with the three-walls of the blast cover  140 , creates the opening  160  for release of a visible signature after the firing unit has been detonated, as well as release of any excess pressure that may exist as a result of the detonation. The top wall  142  aids in the echoing of the audio signature after detonation, and is capable of causing a concussion effect, a pyrotechnic effect that produces a loud jarring shock that can be felt by occupants of a vehicle. 
       FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of the device  100  and  FIG. 6  is a side cross-sectional view of the device  100  of  FIG. 5  taken along line  5 - 5 , with the firing unit  170  removed from the distal end  195  of the lower portion  190 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the top plate  130  is wider than the lower portion  190 . In an embodiment, the top plate  130  has a width ranging from about ten inches to about twelve inches. In an embodiment, the lower portion  190  has a width ranging from about six inches to about eight inches. In an embodiment, the width of the three openings  160  together ranges from about eight inches to about ten inches. The metal pieces  180  may be positioned between, and engage with the inner surface  141  of the top wall  142  of the blast cover  140 , and an upper surface  131  of the top plate  130 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that the metal pieces  180  may be positioned anywhere between the top wall  142  and the top plate  130 , along the inner surface  141  and the upper surface  131  and still be within the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the top plate  130  engages the hollow lower portion  190 , such that an opening  135  in the top plate  130  aligns with an open proximal end  192  of the hollow lower portion  190 . The opening  135  in the top plate provides a passageway for a signature from a blast to travel from the hollow lower portion  190  to the blast cover  140  and out the openings  160  and the holes  147  of the side walls  144  and  146 . In the side cross-sectional view shown in  FIG. 6 , one piece of the metal  180  partition is visible. The metal  180  is positioned between, and engages with the inner surface  141  of the top wall  142  of the blast cover  140 , and an upper surface  131  of the top plate  130 . In an embodiment, the pieces of metal  180  strengthen the engagement of the blast cover  140  with the top plate  130  at the joints therebetween, acting as load-bearing walls. 
       FIG. 7  is a top perspective view showing the device  100  positioned for use during a training exercise for an anti-tank (AT) or other type of landmine simulation. The structural design of the device  100  channels a blast internally for maximum sound, while releasing excess pressure that can result from a blast. The main blast resulting from a detonation is channeled low and away from the underside of a vehicle passing by or overhead. For example, the blast may be directed in a horizontal direction parallel to the surface of the earth, while projectiles in a vertical direction perpendicular to the surface of the earth are minimized. Directing blasts in this manner reduces risk of injury to participants The nature of the blast creates a realistic audio (loud bang) and visual (smoke puff) signature of an explosion occurring underneath a moving vehicle. In an embodiment, when a blast occurs, the structural design of the device  100  is capable of producing a concussion effect, so that during the landmine simulation exercise, occupants of the vehicle can feel a shock. For a typical training simulation exercise, the lower portion  190  of the device  100  is buried within the ground  600  (e.g., in dirt, rubble, stones, grass, mud, etc), while the top portion  120  remains above ground. Typically, areas around the top portion  120 , such as the holes  147  and the openings  160 , would be free of debris. The cable  270  which connects to the firing unit  170 , comes out from the ground and connects to the power pack  250 , which can be any acceptable distance away from the device  100  (the cable  270 , the firing unit  170 , and the power pack  250  are not visible in  FIG. 7 ). The power pack  250  is also connected (via ports) to a cable in operable communication with an external triggering device, such as a pressure plate/switch. If the external triggering device function of the power pack  250  has been enabled by a user, as the vehicle passes over the pressure plate/switch, a trigger event is detected by the power pack  250 , which sends a detonation signal to the firing unit  170 . The power pack  250  can also be connected to a cable in operable communication with a command wire. The power pack  250  is also receiving information from a user via the keyfob transmitter  259 . The keyfob transmitter  259  has capabilities to turn off the victim operated trigger, such that logic functions of a circuit board in operable communication with the triggering device are blocked. Similarly, the keyfob transmitter  259  has capabilities to turn back on the victim operated trigger, such that logic functions of the circuit board in operable communication with the triggering device is re-established or unblocked. 
     Initiation of the detonation causes the power pack  250  to provide the power and logic necessary to detonate the firing devices of the firing unit  170 . The detonation of the firing devices generates an explosion or blast which channels through the device  100 , causing an echoing of the audible signature. The visual signature would emanate through the holes  147  of the two side walls,  144  and  146 , and through the opening  160 . The blast cover  140  allows for the visual signature to be released from the device  100  in a substantially parallel direction to the surface of the earth. If the visual signature includes a white cloud of smoke, the cloud of smoke can distribute through the air once released from the device  100 . The top wall  142  of the blast cover  140  aids in the echoing of the audio signature after detonation, and is capable of causing a concussion effect, a pyrotechnic effect that produces a loud jarring shock that can be felt by occupants of a vehicle. 
     It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, all such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.