The Remote Activation Munition System (RAMS) is a
radio frequency controlled system that is used to remotely detonate
demolition charges
Demolition (also known as razing, cartage, and wrecking) is the science and engineering in safely and efficiently tearing down of buildings and other artificial structures. Demolition contrasts with deconstruction, which involves taking a bu ...
. It can also be used to remotely operate electronic equipment such as
beacons, laser markers, and radios.
RAMS was developed by a team of researchers led by James Chopak at the
Army Research Laboratory from 1996 to 2000. The system consists of a transmitter and two different types of
receivers, one to initiate
blasting caps
A detonator, frequently a blasting cap, is a device used to trigger an explosive device. Detonators can be chemically, mechanically, or electrically initiated, the last two being the most common.
The commercial use of explosives uses electri ...
and one to initiate
C4 directly.
RAMS was designed to serve as a more portable and convenient alternative to conventional remote activation systems like the model XM-122, which was considered too big, heavy, and fragile for efficient use. In addition, the XM-122 was limited in its range (about 1 km) and relied on very large high capacity batteries.
In contrast, the RAMS weighed only a couple pounds and its
microprocessor-based
transmitter was powered by at most seven standard 9-volt batteries. The device was capable of reaching a range up to 2 kilometers, and the combination of the
crystal filter
A crystal filter allows some frequencies to 'pass' through an electrical circuit while attenuating undesired frequencies. An electronic filter can use quartz crystals as resonator components of a filter circuit. Quartz crystals are piezoelectric ...
in the receivers and the FM detector circuit made it possible to maintain high signal sensitivity at a low power consumption rate.
In addition, the RAMS was operational in harsh environments with temperatures as low as and as high as . It was also capable of functioning when submerged in
saltwater, up to depths of . However, testing performed by the Army Research Laboratory have found that due to the low power levels of the RAMS receiver’s electrical signals output, the system has demonstrated a noticeable level of unreliability in performance past a certain distance.
More modern versions of the RAMS can weigh as little as and can reach a range of more than 5 kilometers, allowing operators to stand farther away from the blast at a safer distance.
References
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Radio waves
Military technology
Explosives engineering