Example embodiments generally relate to producing non-detonable explosive samples and, more particularly, to producing such samples for use as training aids.
Non-detonable training aid materials have been developed for allowing training of explosives detection dogs (EDD), dolphins, or other living or non-living entities that can detect presence of explosives through emitted vapors. The training aid materials desirably exude the same odor as bulk quantities of real explosives, but lack the detonable properties of real explosives and are otherwise safe to handle. Furthermore, the training aid materials can preferably produce vapors that exude the odor for at least a specific period of time after opening the package (e.g., 2 hours). Such training aid materials have been developed for peroxide-based homemade explosives (HME) allowing for training EDDs to detect such explosives in various environments.
Some training aid materials are formed by coating materials with layers of the explosive molecules as dissolved in a solvent. These materials can similarly produce off-odors, however, due to addition of the solvent.
The article “The Education of a Bomb Dog” by Joshua Levine in the July 2013 issue of Smithsonian Magazine provides the state of technology information reproduced below.
Top training academy works double time to meet skyrocketing demand for canines who can sniff out danger.
Then I first meet a likable young Labrador named Merry, she is clearing her nostrils with nine or ten sharp snorts before she snuffles along a row of luggage pieces, all different makes and models. They're lined up against the back wall of a large hangar on a country road outside Hartford, Conn. This is where MSA Security trains what are known in the security trade as explosive detection canines, or EDCs. Most people call them bomb dogs.
Dogs are recognized as premier explosives detection systems. They are reliable, friendly, love to work, and are portable. Dogs have some intrinsic weaknesses such as sensory fatigue and limited detection lifespan, but still are preferred by law enforcement and the military for illicit substance detection. For example, the ATF have K-9s deployed for detection in over 13 different countries. Training K-9s is difficult because of limited targeted training aids and contamination (training on the impurity). In addition, shape recognition is not fully employed.