XM NESTT RDX in Training Tin

Molten silica was rapidly solidified and chosen for its purity and lack of vapor pressure as a base for this type of NESTT. Pure silica being essentially transparent and odorless, this type of NESTT can be considered the closest thing to delivering the scent of pure explosive to the K-9. This is particularly important in the initial imprint training where it is desirable to keep distractive odors to a minimum. Each training tin contains 0.035 lb (16g) of silica coated NESTT.

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.