This is something that you EOD hombres will love. TABS is a rather clever radio initiation system developed by Chemring EOD based in the UK. With TABS, the team, or command and control for that matter, can communicate from miles away with the timer and receivers to place a demolition into action at precisely the desired time without exposing a team.

TABS, which stands for timer answer back system is a radio frequency, tactical demolitions system with an operating range of many kilometers. TABS provides the warfighter with flexible and securely coded capability for combat demolition. An integral built-in timer ensures maximum effect with minimum risk to operators. High performance coupled with low power requirements means that the receivers can be emplaced for long periods, using commercial off the shelf (COTS) power sources. The answer-back system allows the user to interrogate emplaced receivers, to ensure demolitions and explosive effects will take place precisely upon command.

For a long time, one of the major problems with tactical demolition jobs rests with the simple fact that operators had to remain on site to ensure the desired effects were achieved. Well, let’s face it, nothing is an attention getter like an explosion at someone’s critical infrastructure. Teams had to contend with search parties and dogs making exfils less than dignified.