Specialist Services has successfully completed a 2-lane x 15m Modular Firing Range project
Specialist Services were awarded a contract to design, manufacture, install and commission a 2-lane x 15m Modular Firing Range.
Project: Modular Firing Range
Client: Confidential
End User: Confidential
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Project Completion: November 2019
Project Requirements
Specialist Services were awarded the project for the design and manufacture of a modular firing range with the following specifications:
- 2 firing positions (lanes)
- 15m firing distance
- 100% ballistic containment with a Zero Surface Danger Zone
- 100% fresh air ventilation system
- Overhead retrievable targetry
- Bullet Trap
- Integration of judgemental / use-of-force simulation for laser and live fire training
- Integration of visual and audio effects systems to create an immersive training environment
Solution
Specialist Services proposed a Modular Firing Range (MFR), fully compliant with the specifications and requirements provided from the Client. The MFR consists of two (2) CSC certified modules, joined to create a 100% ballistically-contained indoor firing range, capable of supporting both static and tactical training exercises.
Ballistic Containment
To ensure ballistic containment of the MFR, we utilized proven and successfully tested techniques, material, and equipment, which provide 360° ballistic containment with a zero surface and vertical danger zone (SDZ/VDZ). This was achieved through lining the interior walls, floor and ceiling with 12mm thick SSAB Hardox AR500 steel plates. We combined these with BSW Regupol E43 shredded rubber tiles, which were offset from the steel plate to prevent ricochet or backsplash towards the origin of fire, even in the event of a negligent discharge.
Bullet Trap
The Client opted for a Granulated Rubber Bullet Trap, which is located directly behind the 15m target position, to capture the majority of rounds fired downrange. The bullet trap consists of a mild steel frame supporting a sheet steel platform, with a thick layer of rubber granules placed on top of the platform. The rubber granules provide a 60cm thick layer on the platform, which is positioned at an angle of 37 degrees. Due to the layer of rubber granulate, when rounds are fired into it, the friction between the granules and the rounds decelerates the rounds, bringing them to a complete stop.
Targetry
Each of the MRF’s firing positions includes an overhead retrievable target. To enhance training value, the targets move 15 meters downrange, can be programmed to stop on time or in a preloaded scenario, and stop or move with intervals of 1m. To help create an immersive training environment, the targets also have back and front lighting, strobe and distraction lighting.
Air Conditioning and Mechanical Ventilation
A key component of the MRF is the Air-Conditioning and Mechanical Ventilation (ACMV) system. The MFR was delivered with a pre-packaged and fabricated ACMV system, designed to ensure a minimum airspeed of 0.38m/s at 1.5m above finish floor level, and a laminar airflow along the length of the range with no eddies or backflow of ventilation air allowed. To comply with environmental regulations and best practices, the ACMV system was fitted with a three (3) stage filter system for the exhaust air. The system consists of MERV 6 – 2″ pleated pre-filters, MERV 14 stiff pocket bag filters, and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) 99.97% at 0.3- micron filters, ensuring that all contaminants and toxins generated during firing are not discharged into the atmosphere.
Conclusion
The MFR was delivered and successfully installed on the Client’s site in October 2019. Commissioning was undertaken in conjunction with the Client and the MFR was declared fully operational in early November 2019.
