Raytheon [RTN] says its Controlled Impact Rescue Tool (CIRT), which uses shock waves that enable rescuers to breach concrete structures faster than existing techniques, is now available to first responders via the General Services Administration contract schedule.
The CIRT is capable of penetrating concrete walls up to four times faster than traditional methods such as drilling, chipping or sawing, Raytheon said.
The device concentrates force in a local area to minimize collateral damage and potential destabilization of the surrounding structure. The two-person portable CIRT was developed under the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology rapid technology application program. Raytheon recently completed a series of CIRT training demonstrations with the Hawaii and Virginia National Guards. The copanmy also recently sold a CIRT to the Yonkers, N.Y., Fire Department.