Department of Defense Nonlethal Weapons and Equipment Review

Caltrops
Manufacturer: Aardvark Tactical, Inc.
Vendor: Aardvark Tactical, Inc.
Approximate Cost: $10.50
Participating Services: Army, Marines
Description: Caltrops are designed to deflate tires or to deny access to a designated area. They
deploy in an upright position no matter how they are dispensed. Caltrops are made from heavygauge
steel and are powder coated to prevent corrosion.
Operational Capability/Use: This tire deflation and antipersonnel device is used as a vehicle
barrier. Caltrops cause irreparable, immediate, and catastrophic failure of pneumatic tires. Their
“nesting” design allows them to be stacked for storage. “Stringing holes” allow groups of
caltrops to be joined with 550 cord or communication wire.
Roadside Spike Strip
Manufacturer: Stinger Spike
Systems
Vendor: Aardvark Tactical, Inc.
Approximate Cost: $475.00
Participating Services: Marines
Description: The roadside spike strip is designed to be easily transportable and deployable.
The spike strip punctures pneumatic tires as the vehicle makes contact. When the vehicle makes
contact, the spikes pivot into the tire and the tip guards are pushed down. The spikes become
deeply embedded in the tire; they pull out of the unit and remain in the tire. On the second
revolution, they are pushed directly into the tire, allowing air to escape slowly without causing
a blowout or sudden loss of control. The average tire picks up four to six spikes.
Operational Capability/Use: The spike strip deflates tires within 12 to 20 seconds.
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