Patent Publication Number: US-10760888-B1

Title: Methods and apparatus for disarming an explosive device

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to disrupter cannons used to disable explosive devices. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be further described with reference to the drawing, wherein like designations denote like elements, and: 
         FIG. 1  is a view of a disrupter system prior to firing the disrupter cannon according to various aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a view of the disrupter system of  FIG. 1  after firing the disrupter cannon; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a projectile showing the front and side of the projectile without seals according to various aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the projectile of  FIG. 3  showing the rear and side of the projectile without seals; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the projectile of  FIG. 3  without seals; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the projectile of  FIG. 3  without seals; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the projectile of  FIG. 3  with seals; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross section view of a barrel and a portion of a breech of a disrupter cannon; and 
         FIGS. 9 and 10  are views of a projectile according to various aspects of the present disclosure in flight toward a pipe bomb. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Disrupter cannons are used by military, bomb squad, and other emergency service personnel to destroy and/or disable explosive devices including improvised explosive devices (“IED”), bombs (e.g., pipe bombs, pressure cooker bombs), and ordinance. 
     Disrupter cannons may propel a projectile, water (e.g., a liquid), or both a projectile and water toward an explosive device to impact (e.g., strike) the explosive device. Impact of the projectile with the explosive device may interfere with (e.g., damage, destroy) a portion of the explosive device to disable (e.g., destroy, render safe) the explosive device. 
     The temperature of a projectile when it hits an explosive device may be a factor in whether the projectile disables the explosive device without detonating the explosive device. Temperature of a projectile may be decreased by positioning water between the pyrotechnic (e.g., cartridge) that launches the projectile and the projectile while in the barrel of the disrupter cannon prior to launch. The water decreases (e.g., prevents) the rise in temperature due to friction between the projectile and the inner surface of the barrel of the disrupter cannon and/or the transfer of heat from the burning pyrotechnic to the projectile. A projectile that has a lower temperature at impact with an explosive device is less likely to detonate the explosive device. 
     The weight of a projectile and velocity of launch may be a factor in whether the projectile disables the explosive device without detonating the explosive device. A projectile with more mass may be launched at a lower velocity to provide the same momentum as a lighter projectile launched at a higher velocity. Launching at a lower velocity decreases the likelihood of detonating the explosive device. The velocity of launch of a projectile from a disrupter cannon is the velocity at which the projectile travels on exit (e.g., leaving) the muzzle (e.g., muzzle end portion) of the barrel of the cannon (e.g., muzzle velocity). 
     The material that forms the projectile may be a factor in whether the projectile disables the explosive device without detonating the explosive device. A projectile that produces (e.g., makes, emits) sparks (e.g., fiery particles) via contact with the inner surface of the barrel or on impact (e.g., contact) with the explosive device may increase the likelihood of detonation of the explosive device. 
     The shape of a projectile, in particular the shape of the front (e.g., nose) of the projectile may be a factor in whether the explosive device is disabled. Many explosive devices, such as pipe bombs, are formed of components that mechanically coupled to each other. The shape of the nose of a projectile may be a factor in whether the impact of the projectile decouples the components of the explosive device thereby disabling the explosive device. 
     In an implementation, shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , disrupter system  100  includes disrupter cannon  110  and mount  104 . Disrupter cannon  110  includes barrel  112 , breech  114 , firing mechanism  116 , and shock tube  118 . 
     Barrel  112  may be positioned in mount  104 . A barrel includes any disrupter barrel, including barrels formed of steel, titanium, and/or composite materials. A barrel may be of any length. Experiments with launching a combination of water and a projectile have been performed using a barrel having a length of about six (6) inches. 
     Mount  104  may be positioned on a surface (e.g., earth, ground) proximate to an explosive device. Mount  104  holds disrupter cannon  110  prior to launch. Mount  104  may position disrupter cannon  110  so as to aim (e.g., set trajectory of) disrupter cannon  110  so that projectile  210  launched by disrupter cannon  110  travels an intended trajectory toward the explosive device. Mount  104  may hold disrupter cannon  110  until projectile  210  is launched from disrupter cannon  110 . 
     Firing disrupter cannon  110  launches projectile  210  from barrel  112 . Firing a disrupter cannon may be accomplished by igniting a pyrotechnic in a cartridge so that a rapidly expanding gas from the burning pyrotechnic pushes the projectile, and water if any, from barrel  112 . Firing disrupter cannon  110  creates a force of recoil that separates disrupter cannon  110  from mount  104 . The force of recoil moves disrupter cannon  110  in rearward direction  230  away from mount  104 . Firing disrupter cannon  110  launches projectile  210  in forward direction  240  toward a target (e.g., explosive device). 
     An aerodynamic break (e.g., parachute), not shown, may be attached to disrupter cannon  110  to slow and/or eventually halt movement of disrupter cannon  110  away from mount  104 . 
     As discussed above, disrupter cannon  110  may launch projectile  210 . Disrupter cannon  110  may also launch water  220  toward a target. Disrupter cannon  110  launch both projectile  210  and water toward a target. A projectile, water, or the combination thereof may operate to disable and/or destroy an explosive device. 
     As discussed above, a cartridge may provide the force that launches (e.g., propels) the projectile and/or water from disrupter cannon  110 . A cartridge includes a casing and a pyrotechnic inside the casing. Igniting the pyrotechnic provides a rapidly expanding gas. The rapidly expanding gas from the cartridge is directed toward the projectile and/or water in barrel  112  to launch (e.g., propel, push) the projectile and/or water from barrel  112 . 
     A cartridge may include a primer that when activated (e.g., struck) ignites the pyrotechnic. Breech  114  may include a firing pin (not shown). A firing pin may move to strike the primer of a cartridge to ignite the pyrotechnic in the cartridge. Shock tube  118  may provide a force to move a firing pin to strike a primer of a cartridge. Shock tube  118  provides a rapidly expanding gas that applies a force to a firing pin to move the firing pin to strike the primer of a cartridge. 
     A cartridge may include a seal around the outside of the casing that seals between an outer surface of the casing and an inner surface of the barrel and/or breech. A seal around the casing of a cartridge retains water that is positioned forward of the cartridge so that water positioned in a barrel does not leak from the barrel and/or from the breech. A seal around the casing of the cartridge retains water in a barrel prior to launch. The cartridge may be water proof so that at least a portion (e.g., forward portion) of the cartridge may be surrounded by water without causing the cartridge to malfunction. 
     A projectile includes an object or collection of objects suitable for launching through a barrel toward a target. A projectile may be a single piece of material or several pieces of material. A projectile may be of any length suitable for launching from a barrel. An implementation of a projectile may have a generally spherical or cylindrical shape. An outer diameter of a spherical or cylindrically shaped projectile is slightly less than the inner diameter of the barrel from which the projectile is launched. 
     A projectile may include one or more seals. The one or more seals may be positioned around an outer surface of the projectile. A projectile may include one or more channels around a circumference of the projectile to receive a seal. A seal may be positioned in each channel of a projectile. The one or more seals may form a seal between an outer surface of the projectile and an inner surface of the barrel of a disrupter cannon. 
     A seal may operate to seal water inside a barrel of a disrupter cannon. One or more seals that operate to seal water in a barrel enables the projectile to be positioned in a barrel with water so that the water and projectile may be launched at the same time. The seals of a projectile reduce water loss from the barrel by retaining the water behind the projectile during the time between loading the disrupter cannon with the projectile and water and firing (e.g., launching) the projectile and water from the barrel of the disrupter cannon. 
     Further, the seals of a projectile retain the water behind (e.g., with respect to the direction of launch) the projectile as a rapidly expanding gas forces the water against the projectile as both the water and the projectile are launched toward a target (e.g., explosive device). Retaining the water behind the projectile increases the amount of force transferred from the water to the projectile to launch the projectile. Retaining the water behind the projectile increases a consistency of operation between firings that use the same amount of water, the same type of projectile, and the same type of cartridge for successive shots. 
     A seal may operate to retain a rapidly expanding gas provide by a cartridge behind the projectile. A seal between an outer surface of the projectile and an inner surface of the barrel decreases the likelihood that a rapidly expanding gas from a cartridge will pass between the inner surface of the barrel and the outer surface of the projectile. Retaining the rapidly expanding gas behind the projectile increases the amount of force transferred from the rapidly expanding gas to the projectile to launch the projectile. Further, retaining the rapidly expanding gas behind the projectile increases a consistency of operation between firings that use the same type of projectile and the same type of cartridge for successive shots. 
     A projectile may be formed of a material that reduces the likelihood of generating sparks. As a projectile is launched from a barrel, portions of the projectile may contact an inner surface of the barrel thereby producing a spark. Contact of a projectile with an explosive device, depending on the material of the explosive device, may generate sparks. Generating sparks increases a likelihood of detonating the explosive device. Materials that decrease a likelihood of generating sparks include brass, water, and plastic. 
     A projectile may include one or more materials that reduce a likelihood of reducing the generation of sparks. A projectile may be formed of any material, but coated with (e.g., encased by, enclosed with) a spark reducing material to reduce the likelihood of generating sparks. 
     For example, projectile  300  is an implementation of a projectile. Projectile  300  performs the functions of a projectile discussed above, including projectile  210 . Projectile  300  includes rear portion  310 , forward portion  320 , body  340 , one or more channel  330 , and conical void  350 . 
     Body  340  is shaped to fit into barrel  112  of disrupter cannon  110 . The outside diameter of body  340 , without seals, is slightly smaller than the inside diameter of barrel  112 . Body  340  may be formed of a single piece of material. Sections, such as sections  360 ,  362 , and  364  of body  340  may be formed (e.g., manufactured) of a single piece of material. Sections, such as sections  360 ,  362 , and  364 , may be formed separately then assembled to form body  340 . Some sections, for example sections  362  may be similar (e.g., length, weight) to each other. The number of similar sections assembled or manufactured to form body  340  may be proportional to a desired weight of projectile  300 . Some sections, for example,  360  and  364  may be different from each other and different from section  362  for placement at a particular position on body  340 , such as placement of section  360  as rear portion of projectile  300  and placement of section  364  as forward portion of projectile  300 . Including more sections  362  increases a weight of projectile  300 . 
     In various implementations, projectile  300  weighs between 2.5 and 5 ounces. 
     Body  340  may include one or more channels  330 . A channel (e.g., groove) receives seal  710 . Seal  710  performs the functions of a seal as discussed above. A channel positions a seal. A channel retains a seal in a position relative to body  340  before, during, and/or after launch. A channel provides increased surface area for forming a seal. A channel provides an area for compressing a seal. In an implementation, seal  710  includes an O-ring positioned in a respective channel  330 . An O-ring may be formed of butyl rubber. 
     While projectile  300  is positioned in barrel  112  prior to firing disrupter cannon  110 , seal  710  compresses between the outer surfaces of body  340 , including the surfaces of channel  330 , and an inner surface of barrel  112 . Seal  710  forms a seal between the outer surface of body  340 , including the surfaces of channel  330 , and the inner surface of barrel  112 . The seal between body  340  and barrel  112  operates to decrease the passage of water and/or a rapidly expanding gas between the outer surface of body  340  and an inner surface of barrel  112  as discussed above. 
     A projectile may be shaped to increase its effectiveness at disabling and/or destroying an explosive device. A projectile may be shaped so that at least a portion (e.g., forward portion, nose) of the projectile deforms on impact in a manner to more effectively disable and/or destroy the projectile. A forward portion of a projectile may be shaped to be effective at penetrating and/or separating portions of an explosive device. 
     For example, forward portion  320  of projectile  300  is formed to have conical void (e.g., cavity)  350  that extends inward into body  340 . The shape of forward portion  320  deforms (e.g., bends, is crushed) on impact with an explosive device. On impact, forward portion  320  may deform to conform to a shape of the explosive device at the point of impact. Conforming to the shape of an explosive device may concentrate a force of impact in such a manner as to disable the explosive device. Conforming to a shape of an explosive device may decrease a likelihood that the projectile will graze (e.g., skim) along a surface of the explosive device without penetrating the surface of the explosive device. 
     For example, firing projectile  300  toward the intersection (e.g., connection) of cap  920  and pipe  940  of pipe bomb  910  causes ridge  370  around conical void  350  to deform on each side of cap  920  so that pipe  940  is punctured at the connection between pipe  940  and cap  920  and force is applied to cap  920 . Puncturing pipe  940  and pushing on cap  920  disconnects cap  920  from pipe  940  thereby disabling pipe bomb  910 . Projectile  300  may be aimed and fired at either cap  920  or cap  930  to achieve a similar result. Mount  104  may position (e.g., aim) disrupter cannon  110  so that projectile  300  strikes at the junction between pipe  940  and cap  920 . 
     Each type of explosive device may have a location where if struck by the projectile, the likelihood of disabling the explosive device increases. Such locations on explosive device may be referred to as predetermined locations. For example, on pipe bombs, as discussed above, the predetermined location is the junction between the pipe and the cap. For a bomb made of a pipe fitting, the predetermined location is near an edge of the fitting as further discussed below. For a bomb made from a pressure cooker, the predetermined location may be at the lower edge of the lid between lugs. For an explosive device made from an ammunition box, the predetermined location may be just under the hinges. 
     Rear portion  310  is shaped to have a flat surface for receiving a force provide by a rapidly expanding gas and/or from water moved (e.g., pushed) by a rapidly expanding gas. Rear portion  310  may have any shape. 
     In an implementation, body  340  is formed, in whole or part, of non-sparking (e.g., does not spark) material such as copper and/or brass to reduce the likelihood that a spark from launching the projectile or the projectile striking the explosive device ignites the explosive device. 
     In an implementation, projectile  300  includes three sections  362  to provide a mass of projectile  300  (e.g., 4 ounces) that is suitable for the type of explosive device to be disable. In another implementation, projectile  300  includes two sections  362  to provide a suitable mass (e.g., 3.5 ounces). A suitable mass for a projectile is a mass that is sufficient to disable and/or destroy the explosive device when launched from disrupter cannon  110 . 
     A discussed above, a heavier projectile may permit the projectile to be launched at a slower speed, to reduce the likelihood of detonating the explosive device, to disable the explosive device. Muzzle velocity may be categorized into four groups: low velocity, medium velocity, high velocity, and ultra-high velocity. Low muzzle velocity is in the range of 515 feet per second to 1,085 feet per second. Medium muzzle velocity is in the range of 1,086 feet per second to 1,410 feet per second. High muzzle velocity is in the range of 1,411 feet per second to 1,555 feet per second. Ultra-high muzzle velocity is in the range of 1,556 feet per second to 1,765 feet per second. In an implementation, low muzzle velocity is about 800, medium muzzle velocity is about 1,370, high muzzle velocity is about 1,450, and ultra-high muzzle velocity is about 1,660 feet per second. 
     Muzzle velocity is measured by placing the projectile next to the cartridge in the barrel without water, igniting the cartridge and measuring the velocity of the projectile at the end (e.g., muzzle) of the barrel as the projectile exits the barrel. Because the projectile is positioned proximate to the cartridge, the expanding gas accelerates the projectile to its maximum velocity for that particular type of cartridge. 
     Cartridges may be categorized according to the muzzle velocity they impart to a projectile. A low velocity cartridge launches a projectile at between 515 and 1,085 feet per second. In an implementation the low velocity cartridge launches the projectile at about 800 feet per second. A medium velocity cartridge launches a projectile at between 1,086 and 1,410 feet per second, or 1,370 feet per second, and so forth for high velocity and ultra-high velocity cartridges. 
     As discussed above, a disrupter cannon may launch a projectile and water together toward an explosive device to disable and/or destroy the explosive device. For example,  FIG. 9  shows a simplified cross-section of disrupter cannon  110 . Disrupter cannon  110  has been loaded with cartridge  810 , water  820 , and projectile  830 . A seal on cartridge  810  retains water  820  forward of cartridge  810 . The seals on projectile  830  retains water  820  behind projectile  830 . 
     Igniting cartridge  810  causes cartridge  810  to produce a rapidly expanding gas that exerts a force on water  820 . Because the compressibility of water is low and the water is constrained by barrel  112 , the force applied on water  820  is transferred to projectile  830 . The force on water  820  and projectile  830  via water  820  forces (e.g., propels) water  820  and projectile  830  from the muzzle (e.g., forward end) of barrel  112 . 
     The presence of water  820  in barrel  112  shields projectile  830  from the hot, rapidly expanding gases from cartridge  810  thereby limiting the heat transferred from the rapidly expanding gas to projectile  830 . Limiting the heat transferred from the rapidly expanding gas to the projectile decreases the increase in temperature that projectile  830  would have experience in the absence of water  820 . Limiting the increase in the temperature of projectile  830  before it strikes and explosive device decreases a likelihood of detonating an explosive device. 
     As projectile  830  is pushed from barrel  112 , projectile  830  contacts an inner surface of barrel  112 . The contact between projectile  830  and barrel  112  during launch increases the temperature of projectile  830  through friction with barrel  112 . However, water  820  limits the increase in temperature of projectile  830  due to friction because water  820  is in contact with projectile  830  and absorbs (e.g., receives) some of the increase in temperature. Water  820  acts to limit the temperature increase in projectile  830  during launch thereby decreasing the likelihood that projectile  830  will detonate the explosive device when it strikes the explosive device. 
     A result of launching projectile  830  with water  820  is that projectile  830  experiences little or no temperature increase during launch. Because the temperature of projectile  830  does not increase or does not increase very much during launch, the temperature of projectile  830  is about the same as the surrounding environment when it impacts the explosive device. As discussed above, a projectile having a lower temperature is less likely to ignite an explosive device. 
     At launch, water  820  follows the trajectory of projectile  830 . Projectile  830  pierces (e.g., punctures) the housing of the explosive device to make a hole in the housing. Water  820  enters the explosive device through the hole thereby wetting the interior of the explosive device including the explosive material (e.g., gun powder) thereby further decreasing a likelihood that the explosive device will detonate. 
     Water  820  further decreases the amount of fire (e.g., flames, burning material) from cartridge  810  that exits the muzzle of barrel  112  once projectile  830  and water  020  have exited barrel  112 . Decreasing the fire emitted from barrel  112  decreases the likelihood of detonating the explosive device. 
     The launch characteristics (e.g., muzzle velocity) of a projectile may further be determine by the position of the projectile in the barrel relative to the muzzle of the barrel prior to launch. Because projectile  830  is loaded (e.g., positioned) in barrel  112  by a human operator, the operator may position projectile  830  to increase or decrease the muzzle velocity of projectile  830  and water  820  when it exits the muzzle of barrel  112 . 
     Ignoring the presence of water  820 , the expanding gas from cartridge  810  pushes on projectile  830  to launch projectile  830  from barrel  112 . For each millisecond that the expanding gas acts on projectile  830 , the velocity of projectile  830  increases. Decreasing the amount of time that the expanding gas operates on projectile  830  decreases the muzzle velocity of projectile  830 . Increasing the amount of time that the expanding gas operates on projectile  830  increases the muzzle velocity of projectile  830 . As projectile  830  exits barrel  112 , the expanding gas can no longer operate on projectile  830  to accelerate projectile  830 . The relationship between the amount of time that projectile  830  remains in barrel  112  to be acted upon by the expanding gas and the velocity of projectile  830  holds whether or not water is positioned between cartridge  810  and projectile  830 . 
     In operation, decreasing distance  850  between cartridge  810  and projectile  830  increases the muzzle velocity of projectile  830 ; whereas increasing distance  850  decreases the muzzle velocity of projectile  830 . 
     When water  820  is present between cartridge  810  and projectile  830 , the force of the expanding gas from cartridge  810  acts on water  820  which in turn acts on projectile  830  to accelerate projectile  830 . However, as soon as projectile  830  exits the barrel, water  820  is no longer able to transfer force to projectile  830  to accelerate projectile  830  because water  820  is no longer constrained by barrel  112 . Even though the force of the expanding gas from cartridge  810  continues to act on water  820  after projectile  830  exits barrel  112 , water  820  cannot transfer the force to projectile  830 , so projectile  830  continues to accelerate until projectile  830  exits barrel  112 . Once projectile  830  exits barrel  112 , the walls of barrel  112  no longer constrain the outward expansion of water  820 , so the diameter of the column of water  820  may expand responsive to the rapidly expanding gas rather than provide force to accelerate projectile  830 . 
     So, even when water  820  is present in barrel  112  between cartridge  810  and projectile  830 , the muzzle velocity of projectile  830  is determined by distance  850  which corresponds to an amount of time that the rapidly expanding gas acts on projectile  830  to accelerate the velocity of projectile  830 . Distance  850  may also be expressed as the length of barrel  112  minus distance  854 . The greater distance  850 , the less the amount of time the expanding gas may act on projectile  830  and therefore the less the muzzle velocity of projectile  830 . 
     In the field, positioning projectile  830  distance  850  from cartridge  810  reduces the amount of force that the expanding gas may applied to projectile  830  because projectile  830  travels a distance  852  plus distance  854  before it exits the barrel as opposed to traveling distance  850  plus distance  852  plus distance  854 . Distance  854  may be set by a technician while loading disrupter cannon  110  so that the muzzle velocity of projectile  830  is consistent with the type of explosive device being disabled. 
     In an implementation, barrel  112  includes barrel  870  that attaches to breech  114  and barrel  872  that attaches to barrel  870  to extend the length of barrel  112 . A technician may remove barrel  872  from barrel  870 , insert projectile  830  at least partially into barrel  870  then couple barrel  872  to barrel  870 . Positioning projectile  830  in barrel  870  then coupling barrel  872  to barrel  870  means that the expanding gas will act on projectile  830  for a distance of about the length of barrel  872 , which is just less than distance  852  plus distance  854 . In an implementation, the length of barrel  872  is about six inches, so the rear of projectile  830  travels slightly more than six inches, between 6.05 and 6.6 inches, before the rear of projectile  830  exits barrel  112 . 
     Regardless of whether barrel  112  is formed of a single piece of material or of multiple pieces that are coupled together, the rearward portion of projectile  830  may be positioned in barrel  112  at any distance in front of cartridge  810  or behind (e.g., rearward of) the muzzle of barrel  112 . The distance that the rearward portion of projectile  830  may be positioned rearward of the muzzle of barrel  112  may range from about 4 inches to about 8 inches. For a 6-inch barrel, positioning the rearward portion of projectile  830  4 to 5 inches rearward of the muzzle leaves between 1 and two inches between projectile  830  and cartridge  810 . For a 12-inch barrel, positioning the rearward portion of projectile  830  4 to 8 inches rearward of the muzzle leaves between 4 and 8 inches between projectile  830  and cartridge  810 . 
     Exit velocity for a particular cartridge and a particular projectile may be determined empirically. Testing has been conducted for determining distance  852  plus  854  for disabling various types of bombs using projectiles consistent with projectile  300 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , projectile  300  may be launched from disrupter cannon  110 , also referred to as cannon  110 , toward pipe bomb  910  to disable pipe bomb  910 . Pipe bomb  910  has exposed threads at the intersection of cap  930  pipe  940  and cap  920  and pipe  940 . Prior to launch, the muzzle of barrel  112  may be placed about 12 inches (distance  860 ) from intersection (e.g., joint)  950  between pipe  940  and cap  920 . Barrel  112  may be oriented to launch projectile  300  at angle  960  of between 20 and 25 degrees with respect to pipe  940 . Disrupter cannon  110  may be positioned to aim the point (e.g., tip) of the cone inside projectile  300  at intersection  950 . Aiming the tip of the conical cavity aims a central axis of the projectile toward intersection  950 . Projectile  300  may be placed in barrel  112  so that the distance from the rear of projectile  300  to the muzzle (e.g.,  852 + 854 ) is about six inches. Water may be positioned in barrel  112  between projectile  300  (e.g.,  830 ) and cartridge  810 . A high velocity cartridge may be used to launch projectile  300  from barrel  112 . A high velocity cartridge will launch projectile  300  from barrel  112  at about 1,450 feet per second; however, because the rear of projectile  300  ( 830 ) is not positioned next to cartridge  810 , but about six inches away from the muzzle (e.g.,  852 + 854 =about 6 inches), water  820  and projectile  300  ( 830 ) will exit barrel  112  at a velocity that is less than 1,450 feet per second. 
     If pipe bomb  910  is positioned on a soft surface, such as mud or snow, an ultra-velocity cartridge may be used to launch projectile  300  ( 830 ) to compensate for movement of pipe bomb  910  into the soft surface on impact of projectile  300 . An ultra-high velocity cartridge will launch projectile  300  from barrel  112  at about 1,660 feet per second; however, because the rear of projectile  300  ( 830 ) is not positioned next to cartridge  810 , but about six inches away from the muzzle (e.g.,  852 + 854 =about 6 inches), water  820  and projectile  300  ( 830 ) will exit barrel  112  at a velocity that is less than 1,660 feet per second. 
     Experiments have shown that launching a 3.5 ounce projectile similar to projectile  300  (e.g., two sections  362 ) using the above parameters results in a pipe bomb with external threads being disabled without igniting the pipe bomb. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , projectile  300  may be launched from disrupter cannon  110  toward pipe bomb  1010  to disable pipe bomb  1010 . Pipe bomb  1010  is formed from pipe fitting  1020  (e.g., elbow) which is closed with plug  1030  to retain the explosive material inside pipe fitting  1020 . The threads that couple pipe fitting  1020 , also referred to as fitting  1020 , to plug  1030  are positioned primarily inside pipe fitting  1020 . Prior to launch, the muzzle of barrel  112  may be placed about 6 inches (distance  860 ) from point  1050  on pipe fitting  1020 . Barrel  112  may be oriented to launch projectile  300  at angle  1060  of between 50 and 55 degrees with respect to pipe fitting  1020 . Disrupter cannon  110  may be positioned to aim the point (e.g., tip) of the cone inside projectile  300  at point  1050 . Aiming the tip of the conical cavity aims a central axis of the projectile toward point  1050 . Projectile  300  may be placed in barrel  112  so that the distance from the rear of projectile  300  ( 800 ) to the muzzle (e.g.,  852 + 854 ) is about six inches. Water may be positioned in barrel  112  between projectile  300  (e.g.,  830 ) and cartridge  810 . A high velocity cartridge may be used to launch projectile  300  from barrel  112 . A high velocity cartridge will launch projectile  300  from barrel  112  at about 1,450 feet per second; however, because the rear of projectile  300  is not positioned next to cartridge  810 , but about six inches away from the muzzle (e.g.,  852 + 854 =about 6 inches), water  820  and projectile  300  ( 830 ) will exit barrel  112  at a velocity that is less than 1,450 feet per second. 
     If pipe bomb  1010  is positioned on a soft surface, such as mud or snow, an ultra-velocity cartridge may be used to launch projectile  300  ( 830 ) to compensate for movement of pipe bomb  1010  into the soft surface on impact of projectile  300  as discussed above. 
     Experiments have shown that launching a 4.0 ounce projectile similar to projectile  300  (e.g., three sections  362 ) using the above parameters results in a pipe bomb with internal threads being disabled without igniting the pipe bomb. 
     The foregoing description discusses embodiments, which may be changed or modified without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. Examples listed in parentheses may be used in the alternative or in any practical combination. As used in the specification and claims, the words ‘comprising’, ‘comprises’, ‘including’, ‘includes’, ‘having’, and ‘has’ introduce an open-ended statement of component structures and/or functions. In the specification and claims, the words ‘a’ and ‘an’ are used as indefinite articles meaning ‘one or more’. When a descriptive phrase includes a series of nouns and/or adjectives, each successive word is intended to modify the entire combination of words preceding it. For example, a black dog house is intended to mean a house for a black dog. While for the sake of clarity of description, several specific embodiments have been described, the scope of the invention is intended to be measured by the claims as set forth below. In the claims, the term “provided” is used to definitively identify an object that not a claimed element but an object that performs the function of a workpiece. For example, in the claim “an apparatus for aiming a provided barrel, the apparatus comprising: a housing, the barrel positioned in the housing”, the barrel is not a claimed element of the apparatus, but an object that cooperates with the “housing” of the “apparatus” by being positioned in the “housing”. 
     The location indicators “herein”, “hereunder”, “above”, “below”, or other word that refer to a location, whether specific or general, in the specification shall be construed to refer to any location in the specification whether the location is before or after the location indicator.