A Lorica Technologies Inc. Mule 28 unmanned aerial system releases an inert M1A3 Bangalore torpedo onto a concertina wire obstacle during a proof-of-concept training iteration June 22, 2026, on Range 22 at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho. Soldiers with Bravo Company, 741st Brigade Engineer Battalion, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, worked through a deliberate crawl-walk-run safety progression, beginning with inert drops, then advancing through inert charges paired with blasting caps and detonating cord, before delivering a live Bangalore charge against the wire. The Mule 28 was custom-built by the Ashland, Oregon, manufacturer to lift and release the demolition charge. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)
ORCHARD COMBAT TRAINING CENTER, Idaho — Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers successfully demonstrated an innovative drone-assisted method for breaching battlefield wire obstacles during annual training on June 22, showcasing a new approach that could significantly reduce risk to combat engineers operating in hostile environments.
Soldiers with Bravo Company, 741st Brigade Engineer Battalion, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team conducted the proof-of-concept exercise using a heavy-lift unmanned aerial system to remotely deliver and detonate a live M1A3 Bangalore torpedo through a concertina wire obstacle.
The demonstration explored how emerging drone technology can improve battlefield survivability by allowing engineers to clear obstacles while remaining under cover rather than approaching enemy positions to manually place explosive charges.
Combat engineers are responsible for creating mobility for friendly forces by clearing obstacles such as concertina wire and minefields. Traditionally, these missions require Soldiers to move within close proximity of enemy defenses, making them among the Army’s most hazardous tasks.
The concept was developed over several months by the battalion’s drone working group under the direction of battalion commander Lt. Col. Eric Zimmerman. After identifying the operational need, the Oregon Army National Guard partnered with Ashland-based Lorica Technologies to provide a custom-built Mule 28 heavy-lift drone capable of carrying and releasing the demolition charge.
Zimmerman said the project was inspired by the rapid evolution of battlefield technology seen in modern conflicts.
“Watching what’s happening in Ukraine and seeing how innovative they’ve been inspires you to get better and think bigger,” Zimmerman said.
The team followed a deliberate “crawl, walk, run” testing process, beginning with inert training devices before advancing to increasingly complex demonstrations involving blasting caps, detonating cord, and ultimately a live Bangalore torpedo.
The final test successfully delivered and detonated a two-section Bangalore torpedo, creating a lane through the concertina wire obstacle while keeping Soldiers at a safer distance.
Zimmerman credited the project’s success to collaboration between battalion leadership, Soldiers, and private industry.
“I’m really proud. We have a true group project that highlights innovation across everything we do is possible,” Zimmerman said. “The Soldiers of Bravo Company took an idea from the battalion staff and applied their expertise to make that idea functional and effective.”
The demonstration also highlighted the growing partnership between the Oregon National Guard and Oregon’s technology sector. Representatives from Lorica Technologies worked alongside Soldiers throughout the testing process, assisting with aircraft preparation and preflight operations.
The successful proof-of-concept is expected to help inform future Army engineer training as military leaders continue integrating unmanned systems into combat operations.
The Oregon Army National Guard consists of citizen-Soldiers who balance military service with civilian careers, education, and family life. Members typically train one weekend each month and two weeks annually while remaining ready to respond to state emergencies such as wildfires, floods, winter storms, and other natural disasters. When activated for federal service, Guard units deploy worldwide in support of national defense missions.
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