Team Honor "STEMs" From Flash-Bang Research Published July 26, 2010 By Dr. Gordon Hengst 711th Human Performance Wing WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- As part of the Department of Defense effort to outfit warfighters with nonlethal escalation-of-force capabilities, an Air Force team studying the human effects of the Improved Flash-Bang Grenade earned the AF 2009 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Award for Outstanding Scientist Team. STEM awards recognize science, engineering, and technical management excellence and achievement throughout the AF. This honor specifically recognizes the IFBG team for its contributions towards the development of a safer and more effective flash-bang grenade. According to the award citation, the team determined the human effects necessary for increasing mission effectiveness by analyzing flash-bang grenade injury data, writing software to analyze flash effects, and determining sound exposure limits. The research resulted in critical design and performance specifications for IFBG prototypes meeting US military needs. Creating a loud bang and a large, bright flash to temporarily incapacitate targeted individuals, the IFBG technology--which lengthens the period of incapacitation compared to earlier versions of the device--not only improves safety for the user and any noncombatants in the target area, but also reduces environmental impacts. Currently in the engineering and manufacturing development phase of the acquisition process, the IFBG will soon supply US forces with a nonlethal capability better supporting missions such as hostage rescue, room clearing, and various operations in complex urban terrain. The 12-member, Joint Nonlethal Weapons Program-sponsored IFBG team includes AFRL military, government, and contractor personnel. Through its human effects research, this team has led the way for improved grenade performance and safety, increasing the individual warfighter's capacity to conduct the full spectrum of military operations.