BreachPop: Revolutionising Tactical Operations and Mitigating Blast-Related Brain Injury Risks
Blast-related Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – once dismissed as merely “shell shock” – is emerging as a grave concern for personnel involved in tactical operations. This article explores an innovative solution that could reshape how we approach tactical breaching while protecting our operators.
The Hidden Danger: Blast-Related TBI in Tactical Operations
Blast-related TBI has been dubbed the “signature injury” of recent military conflicts. Since 2000, over 380,000 cases of TBI have been reported in U.S. service members alone, with many resulting from blast exposure. Australia also acknowledges the impact of TBI within the ADF, recognising its prevalence across military operations. The staggering numbers underscore the severity of the issue, which extends beyond combat scenarios to include training exercises and law enforcement operations.
Understanding Blast-Related TBI: Mechanisms and Challenges
Blast-related TBI can occur through multiple mechanisms:
1. Primary injury from blast overpressure waves
2. Secondary injury from projectiles or debris
3. Tertiary injury from bodily impact against objects
4. Quaternary injury from burns, toxins, and other factors
BreachPop: A Game-Changer in Tactical Breaching
In response to these challenges, J3Seven, a veteran-owned company, has BreachPop – an innovative breaching tool designed to enhance operational effectiveness while prioritising operator safety.
BreachPop is a tamped-shaped charge container filled with a water-polymer gel. This unique design offers several key advantages:
1. Reduced Explosive Requirements: The design allows for a ~50% reduction in the required amount of explosives (Net Explosive Weight or N.E.W.) to defeat a given target compared to conventional charges.
2. Enhanced Safety: The water-polymer gel provides an additional reduction in overpressure beyond what is achieved by only reducing the N.E.W. This feature is crucial in minimising the risk of blast-related TBI.
3. Precision Engineering: Each BreachPop is designed with military-grade precision, ensuring consistent performance in the field.
BreachPop Models: Tailored for Every Mission
BreachPop is available in three distinct models, each engineered to meet specific tactical needs:
1. BreachPop #1:
–ย Features a channel for a single piece of 25, 50, or 100 grain detonating cord
–ย Accommodates 13 mm wide sheet explosive
–ย Ideal for precision breaching in confined spaces
2. BreachPop #2:
–ย Designed for two pieces of 25, 50, or 100 grain detonating cord
–ย Perfect for situations requiring slightly more power without compromising safety
3. BreachPop #3:
–ย Equipped to fit three pieces of 25, 50, or 100 grain detonating cord
–ย Can accommodate 19 mm wide sheet explosive
–ย Suited for more challenging breaching scenarios
The Science Behind BreachPop’s Effectiveness
BreachPop’s design directly addresses the primary mechanism of blast-related TBI – the blast overpressure wave. By reducing the required explosive charge and utilising a water-polymer gel, BreachPop significantly diminishes the intensity of the blast wave.
Professor Anne McKee, a world-leading expert in neurodegenerative disease, explains the importance of reducing blast exposure: “There’s something about the blast wave injury that causes parts of the brain to slide against each other and cause scarring.” By mitigating this blast wave, BreachPop may help prevent this microscopic damage.
Applications Across Industries
While BreachPop was born from military needs, its applications extend far beyond:
– Law Enforcement: tactical response teams and special units requiring precision breaching tools.
– Rapid, assault and urban breaching operations.
– Emergency Services: Rapid entry capabilities for first responders in crisis situations.
– Mining Industry: Controlled demolition and excavation in challenging environments.
– Security Sector: For high-level security installations requiring advanced access control measures.
The Path Forward: Integrating Innovation and Safety
As awareness of blast-related TBI grows, solutions like BreachPop represent a crucial step forward in protecting our tactical operators. By combining operational effectiveness with enhanced safety features, BreachPop exemplifies the kind of innovative thinking needed to address complex challenges in tactical operations.
A New Era in Tactical Breaching
The development of BreachPop marks a significant advancement in tactical breaching operations. By addressing the critical issue of blast-related TBI while maintaining operational effectiveness, BreachPop represents a new paradigm in how we approach tactical operations.
For tactical teams looking to enhance their capabilities while prioritising operator safety, BreachPop offers a compelling solution. As we continue to send our bravest into high-risk situations, tools like BreachPop ensure they have the best possible protection against both visible and invisible threats.
To learn more about how BreachPop can revolutionise your tactical operations, visit the BreachPop page or contact J3Seven directly for a consultation.