besides its obvious destructive potential, military r&d also serves to protect human lives, equipment and facilities against the effects of weapons. concepts have therefore been developed that improve safety of stationary and mobile facilities against pressure waves, thermal radiation and fire. effective, fast fire extinguishing equipment has been designed for tank compartments and motors. closed buildings are demolished and landmines are removed with gas and dust explosions. stringent safety requirements have been developed for the production of ammunition and explosives. military and related industries have accumulated a vast knowledge and sophisticated experience that are very valuable in a variety of civil applications. the knowledge is based on theoretical and experimental research work, the origin of which sometimes dates back many centuries. it has often been classified and therefore has remained unknown to the civilian population, until now.