Exciting New Object for Museum Exhibit

While monster-like in appearance,
this suit is an incredible feat of technology.

Collection of the National Law Enforcement Museum.
2014.13.

The National Law Enforcement Museum is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of something we’ve been trying to hunt down for years. A bomb suit! Thanks to the FBI’s Washington Field Office, we now have a full bomb suit to exhibit in the Museum’s Bomb Squad section when it opens.

When a bomb tech needs to render safe an explosive by hand, the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) suit, or bomb suit, provides the best defense. A combination of rigid and soft armor protects against the two main threats of an explosion – the overpressure wave (shockwave) and shrapnel. What else is this suit capable of? Take a look:

Helmet
To prevent overheating, a tube lets outside air flow into the helmet, which also has an internal cooling device.

Visor
Protects the face from shockwaves and shrapnel while still allowing the tech to see clearly.

Collar
Ensures that a tech’s head and neck are completely covered no matter how they move their body.

Body Armor
Armor plates protect the torso, groin and thighs. Techs can configure their armor to provide more or less protection in specific areas of the body.

Front
Where the most protection is concentrated. Accordingly, techs train to face an explosive at all times even if that means walking backwards.

Hands and Feet
Techs rarely wear gloves, as hand dexterity is critical. Protective foot coverings can be attached at the tech’s discretion.