Methods and apparatus to provide training against improvised explosive devices

An improvised explosive device (IED) simulator usable with a laser detector, the IED simulator comprising:

• a laser transmitter assembly-constructed and arranged to transmit to a laser detector a laser signal having a substantially three-dimensional (3-D) coverage area of a predetermined size, the predetermined size associated with a corresponding predetermined type of IED explosion, the predetermined size including a distance from target and a cross section, where the laser transmitter assembly comprises:
• a ball housing, the ball housing adapted to be operable with a socket, the ball housing having an associated central line and being constructed and arranged to be maneuverable over a predetermined angular range about the central line;
• a laser transmitter sub-assembly operably coupled to the ball housing, the laser transmitter sub-assembly configured to generate the laser signal, wherein the laser transmitter sub-assembly is oriented within the ball housing portion such that movement of the ball housing portion within its predetermined angular range varies a width of the cross-section of the laser signal;
• a first switch operably coupled to the laser transmitter assembly, the first switch permitting a user to trigger the laser signal from the laser transmitter assembly;
• and
• a second switch operably coupled to the laser transmitter assembly, the second switch permitting the user to select the predetermined type of IED explosion to be simulated, wherein the predetermined type of IED explosion is selected from a plurality of different types of IED explosions and wherein the laser transmitter assembly varies the 3-D coverage area of the laser signal based on the selected type of IED explosion to be simulated.