On the issue of countering security threats associated with the use of weapons made of polymer materials

Nikolaev Nikolay Vladimirovich PhD in Economics Staff member, Russian Federation Security Guard Service Federal Academy 302015, Russia, Orlovskaya oblast', g. Orel, ul. Priborostroitel'naya, 35 nnv85nikolas@mail.ru Other publications by this author     Nekrasov Maksim Igorevich Staff member, Russian Federation Security Guard Service Federal Academy 302015, Russia, Orel region, Orel, Priborostroitelnaya str., 35 nekr-maks@yandex.ru Other publications by this author     Bogachev Denis Gennad'evich Staff member, Russian Federation Security Guard Service Federal Academy 302015, Russia, Orel region, Orel, Priborostroitelnaya str., 35 bogachev84@gmail.com

Sokolov Artem Maksimovich Staff member, Russian Federation Security Guard Service Federal Academy 302015, Russia, Orlovskaya oblast', g. Orel, ul. Priborostroitel'naya, 35 sokol.sam@gmail.com Other publications by this author

Introduction

The introduction of innovative materials and additive manufacturing technologies into various spheres of human activity has predetermined the emergence of new means of implementing security threats – weapons made of polymer materials, including using 3D printing technology. These weapons, as a rule, are not detected by the inspection complexes available as part of the physical protection systems of objects. At the same time, it has sufficient tactical and technical parameters (effective firing range, barrel resource, etc.) for use for illegal purposes, for example, to commit terrorist and sabotage actions ^{[1, 2]}. In addition, the technologies for creating such products and 3D printing tools are characterized by comparative simplicity and low cost, which explains their accessibility for intruders ^[3].

Currently, in order to counter security threats associated with the use of weapons made of polymer materials, research is being conducted in developed countries to introduce into the physical protection systems of objects, in addition to metal detectors and X-ray systems, personal inspection complexes, whose work is based on near-range radio vision in the terahertz (sub-terahertz) frequency range ^{[3, 4]}. The new complexes allow you to remotely determine the location and contours of objects (sizes from 2-3 mm) made of polymer, ceramic, composite and other materials hidden under clothing on the human body.

It is important to note that in the design and development of physical protection systems, in addition to the technical aspects of the interface of heterogeneous complexes, issues related to the creation of models of violators (technological, operational, design) are being worked out. For the adequate construction of such models, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the available characteristics (parameters), including the tactics of violators' actions when carrying out illegal actions ^[5]. In this regard, the study of methods of unauthorized passage of weapons (their components) made of polymer materials seems to be an urgent task.

Taking into account the above, the purpose of this article is to systematize the methods of concealed carrying of weapons made of polymer materials in the interests of improving the scientific and methodological apparatus for designing systems of physical protection of objects that ensure the detection of prohibited items made of non-standard materials.

As a result of the study of weapons made of polymer materials, including using 3D printing technology, the following main methods of its hidden passage are identified:

– disguising a firearm as another object;

– masking the components of 3D weapons;

– use of chemical properties of polymer materials of 3D weapons;

– the use of prostheses for the transportation of 3D weapons and their components;

– manufacture of 3D weapons in a protected area;

– the use of automotive and other equipment for the transportation of 3D weapons.

Let's present the characteristics of the methods of unauthorized concealed carrying of weapons made of polymer materials in more detail.

1. Disguising a firearm as another object

Disguising a weapon as another object that is not identified by human or machine vision as a firearm is one of the oldest methods of concealment. Historically, the main items of disguise were canes (Figure 1), belt buckles, shoes and cameras ^[6].

Figure 1 – An example of a product with a firearm mechanism inside –

a "breech-loading" cane with a 7.62 mm rifled barrel

Another example of disguising firearms are automatic cases (Figure 2). These products are ordinary attache cases with small-sized automatic weapons inside, having handles for transportation and an easily removable casing ^[7]. So, the automatic cases were developed in Germany on the basis of the MP5K submachine gun by Heckler & Koch, in Russia – based on the 9-A-91 submachine gun ^{[8, 9]}.

Figure 2 – Appearance of the automatic case

The next example of a concealed firearm is a lighter with a loaded "barrel" inside. Such a product with a rectangular metal body and a hinged lid could be used for its intended purpose. The fuel reserve of these lighters is small, since most of the body is occupied by a single-shot firing device ^[7]. It should be noted that the Americans in Vietnam used surprise mines disguised as Zippo lighters, which exploded 15 seconds after the first use ^[8]. Explosive objects in the form of cigarette cases, matchboxes, etc. were developed in different countries. There are many examples of the use of disguised explosive devices to commit terrorist and sabotage actions.

Currently, guns can be disguised as mobile phones. Such products are characterized by neat execution, have indicator inscriptions. Their distinctive features are the weight and some details of the exterior finish. As an example, the Ideal Conceal two-shot pistol should be noted (Figure 3) ^{[7, 8]}. The pistol is made in a steel case and, upon closer examination, is identified as a firearm. At the same time, this method of masking using 3D printing technology may become popular with intruders.

Figure 3 – A gun in the form factor of a mobile phone

Another example of a firearm disguised as a mobile phone is the product shown in Figure 4. This sample was discovered by the Italian police during a raid in 2008. The upper part of the specified device is shifted relative to the lower one. In the usual position, these parts make up a single flat body. At the same time, the trigger buttons look natural. Some are designed to fire from the corresponding barrel, while others are camouflage.

Figure 4 – A mobile phone with a built-in firearm

It should be noted that some samples of 3D weapons in appearance cannot be uniquely identified as products that pose a threat. The plastic pistols illustrated in Figure 5 resemble toys to a greater extent, rather than samples of firearms.

Figure 5 – 3D weapon samples: plastic pistols

"PM522 Washbear" (a), "Liberator" (b), "Zig Zag" (c) and "Reprringer Pepperbox" (d)

2. Masking the components of 3D weapons

Plastic knives and stilettos for self-defense (Figure 6), as well as details of weapons printed on a 3D printer (Figure 7) during the inspection procedure at the facility may not arouse suspicion among security personnel. The barrels of pistols do not have a pronounced resemblance to the classical representation of the barrel of firearms. In addition, baggage and carry-on baggage inspection complexes, in which trained neural systems are implemented, may also fail to issue an alarm message. These examples show that the potential for modification of plastic weapons is great.

Figure 6 – Plastic knives and stilettos for women's self-defense

Figure 7 – Samples of 3D weapons in disassembled form: plastic pistols

"Liberator" (a); PM522 Washbear (b), "Songbird" (c), "Reprringer Pepperbox" (d)

With regard to this method of hidden passage, it is necessary to identify factors that have a significant impact on the detection of prohibited items:

– when moving the components of a 3D weapon by several persons, individual parts do not arouse suspicion;

– the appearance of the parts can be modified to complicate the recognition by a security officer, an operator of the inspection complex or machine vision.

It should be noted that improvised means, such as plumbing pipes, can be used to manufacture plastic weapons. So, at the "SHOT Show 2020" exhibition in Las Vegas, inventor Jeff Rodriguez demonstrated a Liberator 12K six-shot shotgun (Figure 8). This weapon contains plastic and metal parts. The plastic components are partially printed on a 3D printer, partially purchased at a plumbing store. Metal parts were purchased at a construction supermarket.

Figure 8 – Shotgun presented at the "SHOT Show 2020" exhibition

In such cases, the details of 3D weapons may look even less like the components of a classic metal firearm, since they have a specific or ordinary appearance.

3. The use of chemical properties of polymer materials of 3D weapons

Among the features of polymer materials, it should be noted that some of them have their own solvents used to remove substrates during 3D printing. Similar properties of materials can be used by intruders. For example, due to the use of various plastics, it is possible to create a part whose structure will have one shape, and after immersion in a solvent it will acquire a different shape. Table 1 shows solvents for the most popular polymer materials ^[10].

From the plastics presented in Table 1, PVA (Polyvinyl alcohol) should be distinguished, since its solvent is warm water. Some varieties of this plastic dissolve well in cold water.

It is important to note that when using PVA plastic, when passing into the control zone, an attacker can prepare a weapon, for example in the toilet, by dissolving the plastic under a stream of water or in a toilet tank.

Table 1 – Solvents for thermoplastics used in 3D printing

Based on the above, the most likely combination will be a pair of plastics, one of which (the soluble part) will be PVA. The result of the dissolution of plastic in water is shown in Figure 9.

Figure 9 – The process of applying PVA plastic and its dissolution in water

(PVA plastic is white, ABS is gray)

Meanwhile, ensuring the presence of a solvent for plastic in a protected area is a separate task for intruders, which in its complexity may exceed the task of carrying 3D weapons or their parts.

4. The use of prostheses for the transportation of 3D weapons and their components

One of the most obvious options for covertly carrying 3D weapons into a protected area is their transportation inside prosthetic limbs of arms and legs. For example, in 2011, a case was recorded when an Australian resident used his leg prosthesis to transport and store firearms. The ability to change the shapes of 3D weapons simplifies this task. Modern advances in the development of bionic and biomechanical prostheses allow embedding mechanisms for feeding 3D weapons into the prosthesis itself, for example, in the bionic prosthesis "Stradivarius Maestro" manufactured by the company "Motorika" (Figure 10).

Figure 10 – Bionic prosthesis "Stradivari Maestro" of the company "Motorika"

Another option for using a bionic prosthesis is its modernization in order to integrate weapons into the prosthesis itself. In this case, direct contact (handshake) is possible. An example of the embodiment of such an idea is demonstrated in the espionage museum in the German city of Oberhausen (Figure 11). The shot was carried out in the case of pressing a finger to the target.

Figure 11 – Prosthesis in the Museum of Espionage in Oberhausen

5. Manufacture of 3D weapons in a protected area

During the implementation of this option of hidden passage, the attacker must be delivered to a protected area:

– materials for making 3D weapons;

– blank file;

– 3D printing tool.

For the manufacture of 3D weapons, various materials can be used, for example ABS, PVA plastic, etc., the passage of which to the object does not arouse suspicion.

One of the features of a weapon printed on a 3D printer is the presence of a blank file. This file of a digital copy of the product can be remotely transmitted to an attacker via data transmission channels. In addition, a potential violator can make the necessary changes to the 3D model of the weapon:

– change the shape of the product or component parts;

– introduce additional masking elements, etc.

The task of identifying the blank files seems difficult.

Compact 3D printers can be used as a means of 3D printing, which are often available on the balance sheet of large organizations.

It should be noted that the manufacture of 3D weapons in a protected area in the projected intruder model can most likely be carried out by an employee of the organization (an internal intruder).

6. The use of automotive and other equipment for the transportation of 3D weapons

3D printing technologies allow you to design and create parts for cars and other equipment that can be used for dual-use tasks. As examples of such products, functional components of various systems (fuel, cooling systems, etc.), interior elements of the cabin, enclosures, boxes, etc. should be highlighted. Attackers can use possible modifications of car parts and other equipment to covertly deliver 3D weapons or parts thereof.

In addition, 3D printing technology allows you to create arbitrary enclosures for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), thereby expanding their capabilities. Such products can serve as a transport platform for 3D weapons or be a shell of an explosive device. Figure 12 shows a series of unmanned aerial vehicles for which access to blank files is open on the Internet ^[11]. The small weight and size characteristics of UAVs simplify their transportation to the protected area.

Figure 12 – A series of UAVs created using 3D printing technology

7. Comparative analysis of the methods of concealed weapons

The results of a comparative analysis of the methods of concealed carrying of weapons made of polymer materials considered in the article are presented in Table 2. The estimates given were obtained using expert methods ^[12].

Table 2 – Comparison of methods of concealed carrying of weapons made of polymer materials

The data given in table 2 indicate the importance of the task of countering security threats associated with the use of weapons made of polymer materials. In order to respond to these threats in a timely manner, it is necessary to train and train personnel who inspect people, their personal belongings, automotive and special equipment, as well as measures aimed at modernizing and developing existing personal inspection systems.

Conclusion

The development of modern materials and additive technologies has predetermined the emergence of new means of implementing security threats – weapons made of polymer materials, including using 3D printing technology. In order to counteract such threats in a timely manner, it is necessary to continuously improve the physical protection systems of objects in the direction of ensuring the detection of prohibited items made of non-standard (polymer, ceramic, composite and other) materials.

In the interests of building adequate models of violators required in the design of new and development of old security systems, a study of weapons made of polymer materials was conducted, which allowed to determine the main ways of its hidden passage, to present their characteristics and the results of a comparative analysis. The paper notes the difficulty in identifying such weapons, since the details can be modified to make it difficult for security personnel, operators of complexes at the inspection point and technical means with machine vision to recognize them.

The results obtained can be used in the course of designing and developing systems of physical protection of objects, as well as substantiating the appearance of a promising personal inspection system that ensures the detection of objects made of non-standard materials.

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