XM NESTT Petrolatum Suspension TNT in Tube

XM® NESTT (Non-hazardous Explosive for Security Training and Testing) provides the K-9 with the scent of pure explosive through two delivery methods: coated silica and petrolatum suspension. In both systems, pure explosive is used at the following percentages by weight:

TNT 8%

RDX 8%

PETN 4%

Potassium Nitrate 8%

Potassium Chlorate 8%

At these levels, the explosive content has been certified non-explosive by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) for the purpose of transportation. The remainder of these formulas is made entirely of either pure silica or USP grade petrolatum (Vaseline).

Great care is taken in the manufacturing and packaging of these materials not to impart additional odors and avoid cross-contamination. Explosive types are stored separately prior to compounding. Tools for each NESTT formula are dedicated for sole use with that explosive type only. Powderless polypropylene gloves are used by personnel during product assembly to avoid product contamination. Assembly areas are segregated by explosive type.

Non-Hazardous Explosives for Security Training and Testing (NESTT) is a concept developed at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in Livermore, California under the direction of nationally renowned explosives expert John Kury. NESTT is a safe alternative to using actual explosives for assisting in training bomb sniffing dogs and personnel.

National security concerns prompted LLNL to put the technology to broader use in counter-terrorism activities. In 2000, XM acquired the commercial license to produce and market NESTT materials.