Besides its obvious destructive potential, military R&D also serves to
protect human lives, equipment and facilities against the effects of
weapons. Concepts have therefore been developed that improve safety of
stationary and mobile facilities against pressure waves, thermal
radiation and fire. Effective, fast fire extinguishing equipment has
been designed for tank compartments and motors. Closed buildings are
demolished and landmines are removed with gas and dust explosions.
Stringent safety requirements have been developed for the production of
ammunition and explosives. Military and related industries have
accumulated a vast knowledge and sophisticated experience that are very
valuable in a variety of civil applications. The knowledge is based on
theoretical and experimental research work, the origin of which
sometimes dates back many centuries. It has often been classified and
therefore has remained unknown to the civilian population, until now.