From Preparation to Debrief: The Process of a UXO Demolition

At Brimstone UXO, ensuring the safe disposal of unexploded ordnance (UXO) is at the core of what we do. Our dedicated team of UXO engineers works tirelessly to manage and mitigate the risks posed by these hazardous remnants of past conflicts, using a methodical and highly controlled approach.

This International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), we are proud to highlight the exceptional work of our engineer Mollie, who recently led a UXO demolition operation in Kent. Her expertise, meticulous planning, and execution provide a perfect insight into the complex process of UXO disposal.

Pre-demolition planning: laying the groundwork

The day began early at Brimstone’s Head Office, where Mollie met with our Operations Manager, Jock, to review the UXO demolition plan. Every operation requires careful preparation, including assessing site-specific risks, confirming the necessary equipment, and establishing a clear strategy for safe transport and disposal.

For this particular task, the UXO in question had already been identified as 3.7” Anti-Aircraft High Explosive (AA HE) projectiles, securely stored in a sandbox awaiting disposal. With all necessary plans finalised and safety checks completed, the team loaded the equipment and set off for the site in the Medway area of Kent – fortunately, only a short drive from our headquarters.

On-site preparations: assessing the environment

Upon arrival, the team was welcomed by the client and site personnel. Conducting a site induction is a critical step in every operation, ensuring that all involved parties understand the unique risks and protocols required. Each site presents different challenges, and understanding the terrain, surrounding infrastructure, and potential hazards is crucial before any UXO disposal work begins.

With the induction complete and clearance from the client, the team proceeded to assess the storage location of the UXO. As these were high-explosive projectiles, they required a carefully controlled demolition setup to ensure a safe and effective disposal process.

Transporting and setting up the UXO demolition

Once the necessary safety measures were in place, Mollie and Jock transported the UXO to a pre-designated demolition area. The site was chosen specifically for its secure and isolated location, minimising risks to personnel and surrounding infrastructure. Meanwhile, additional Brimstone staff stationed at the firing point maintained clear communication, ensuring every step of the operation was closely monitored.

Harry, our drone pilot, prepared to capture aerial footage of the demolition process – an essential tool for both operational review and training purposes.

At the demolition pit, Mollie and Jock carefully positioned the UXO, taking every precaution to prevent accidental movement or detonation. Multiple sandbags were placed around the ordnance to mitigate fragmentation risk, a key step in ensuring the controlled nature of the detonation.

Executing the demolition: precision and safety first

Before initiating the detonation, the team conducted a final continuity check to confirm the circuit was fully connected. Once verified, Mollie and Jock returned to the designated safe firing point, updating the client and issuing a final 30-second warning over the radio to all personnel.

With all safety measures confirmed, Mollie initiated the countdown and triggered the detonation. The explosion marked the successful and complete destruction of the UXO, neutralising the hazard and ensuring the safety of the site.

Post-demolition inspection and debrief

Following the detonation, Mollie and Jock returned to the demolition pit to inspect the results. The UXO had been effectively destroyed, leaving only scrap metal remains. These were carefully collected and transported to our site at the former air weapons range, RAF Cowden, for final disposal.

Upon returning to Brimstone’s Head Office, the team conducted a structured debrief. This review process is an essential part of every operation, allowing the team to discuss what went well, address any potential improvements, and ensure best practices are continually refined for future UXO disposal missions.

Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day

This International Women in Engineering Day, we take pride in celebrating the contributions of women in the engineering field.

At Brimstone UXO, we actively support and promote gender diversity within our workforce. Engineering is central to everything we do, from field operations to geophysics and data analysis. The skills and dedication of our female engineers play a crucial role in the success of our projects, and we remain committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all professionals in the field.

Stay updated and learn more

If you’re interested in learning more about our UXO disposal work, you can explore our projects here. To stay informed on our latest operations and industry insights, follow Brimstone UXO on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn and YouTube.