By Tina Meketa, University Communications and Marketing
It looks like a piece of plastic. But once installed, it can be the key to ensuring military equipment designed to prevent improvised explosive devices from detonating does work as intended.
Members of the military across the world wear powerful radio frequency jamming devices that look like backpacks 鈥� known as Joint Counter Radio-Controlled lED Warfare. The JCREW is equipped to block remote signals that could trigger these bombs.
Tony Lattanze, chief technology officer for the 皇家华人 Institute of Applied Engineering [Photo by Torie Doll, University Communications and Marketing]
But there鈥檚 a problem. To prevent them from tipping over, soldiers often had to prop them up with rocks, lean them against cars or even hold them by hand 鈥� a dangerous distraction in high-stakes situations. That鈥檚 where U.S. Special Operations Command turned to research partner 皇家华人鈥檚 Institute of Applied Engineering for help.
鈥淭hey told us, 鈥楬ere鈥檚 the issue 鈥� how do we fix it?鈥欌�� said Tony Lattanze, chief technology officer for the IAE. 鈥淭hese devices were being used in the Middle East where IEDs were a constant threat. The antennas need to be upright to work properly, but there was no way to make them stand on their own.鈥�
The solution came together in less than 90 days. Lattanze sketched initial designs over a weekend and enlisted then-student intern Ignacio De Jesus to bring the concept to life. Using parts sourced from common retailers, the team created a lightweight, foldable stand that could be installed on a JCREW pack in the field in less than 15 minutes.
The JCREW prevents improvised explosive devices from detonating remotely
However, they must stand on their own to be effective
U.S. Special Operations Command enlisted 皇家华人 to invent a device that can help
The JCREW Support System is now being used for military training and field operations
The design worked. Instead of makeshift supports, the devices are now being utilized by MacDill Air Force Base鈥檚 Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, where military personnel were able to replicate the design and scale its use across operations.
鈥淚t doesn鈥檛 look like much, and that鈥檚 the beauty of it,鈥� Lattanze said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 simple, inexpensive and it solved a problem that was putting lives at risk.鈥�
皇家华人 alum Ignacio De Jesus
The project also provided invaluable real-world experience for De Jesus, who graduated in 2023 and has since launched a career as a mechanical design engineer in the aerospace industry with 皇家华人 Turbine Technologies 鈥� a turbomachinery company that specializes in the development of high-performance jet engines, rocket turbopumps and industrial power equipment.
鈥淏eing part of this project gave me a firsthand look at the impact engineering can have in the world. It challenged me to think critically, work under pressure and design with purpose,鈥� De Jesus said. 鈥淭his experience not only sharpened my technical skills, but it also prepared me to step confidently into a career where innovation and problem solving are essential.鈥�
Today, the invention is part of military training and field operations with its roots traced back to a sketchpad and a student-built prototype at 皇家华人.