Goodbye sandbags? This is how fortifications are built now | HESCO Barrier

Summary

The video explores the evolution of battlefield fortifications, focusing on the shift from traditional sandbags to the more efficient Hesco barrier. Originally designed for flood control, the Hesco barrier became a vital tool in military defense, especially during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The system allows for rapid construction of protective walls, making it far more effective than sandbags. The video also shares an intriguing fact about Jimmy Hesson, the inventor of the Hesco barrier, and his unexpected connection to Segway. Despite some limitations, the Hesco barrier remains a significant innovation in military fortifications.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hesco barriers are a modern evolution of sandbags, used extensively in military fortifications, offering significant advantages in speed and efficiency.
• 😀 The Hesco barrier is made of collapsible wire mesh and heavy-duty fabric, which is resistant to corrosion, explosions, and shots.
• 😀 The Hesco barrier was invented in 1989 by James Hesson, originally designed for flood control but quickly adapted for military use due to its effectiveness in fortifications.
• 😀 Hesco barriers can be set up quickly, with pre-connected units that can be filled with local materials like sand, earth, or gravel for instant protection.
• 😀 In comparison to traditional sandbags, Hesco barriers require fewer people and resources, making them up to 10 times faster to construct.
• 😀 The Hesco barrier provides flexibility in construction, allowing for barriers of varying heights and complex fortifications similar to a Lego set.
• 😀 The main downside of Hesco barriers is their weight, making them harder to transport compared to sandbags, and they also require a wheel loader to fill them efficiently.
• 😀 Despite being heavier and more expensive, Hesco barriers have been in widespread use since the 1990s and have proven to be an effective field fortification tool.
• 😀 Sandbags remain in use for smaller barriers, but Hesco barriers are preferred for larger, more complex fortifications due to their speed and practicality.
• 😀 James Hesson, the inventor of the Hesco barrier, purchased the Segway company in 2009, but tragically died in a fall in 2010, leaving behind a legacy of both invention and philanthropy.

Q & A

What is the Hesco barrier and how is it different from traditional sandbags?

The Hesco barrier is an evolution of the traditional sandbag, used extensively in military fortifications. It consists of a collapsible wire mesh container with a heavy-duty fabric liner, which is filled with local materials like sand or gravel. Unlike sandbags, the Hesco barrier is quicker to assemble, can be folded for easy transport, and offers greater durability and explosion resistance.

What is the primary advantage of the Hesco barrier in military fortifications?

The primary advantage of the Hesco barrier is its speed and ease of construction. It allows for rapid fortification setups, such as base perimeters and protection for structures, reducing the time and labor compared to using traditional sandbags.

How does the construction speed of a Hesco barrier compare to sandbags?

Using a Hesco barrier is significantly faster than sandbags. For example, a 10-meter long wall can be built in just 20 minutes with two people and a wheel loader, compared to 8 hours with 8 people and 3 times as much fill material when using sandbags.

What materials are typically used to fill a Hesco barrier?

Hesco barriers are typically filled with sand, earth, or gravel, which are sourced from the location where the barrier is being installed. This flexibility allows for efficient construction in different environments.

What are gabions, and how do they relate to the Hesco barrier?

Gabions are flexible, permeable baskets historically made of wickerwork and later metal, filled with sand, earth, or gravel to provide protection. The Hesco barrier is a modern evolution of gabions, with collapsible wire mesh and fabric that make it easier to transport and assemble.

What are the key components of a Hesco barrier's construction?

A Hesco barrier is made of strengthened zinc-aluminum-coated steel wire mesh for corrosion resistance, and a fabric liner made of polypropylene, a flexible and flame-retardant thermoplastic polymer. These materials contribute to its durability and explosion resistance.

How does the Hesco barrier improve safety in military operations?

The Hesco barrier enhances safety by providing fast, effective protection for personnel and critical infrastructure from explosives, mortar fire, and enemy projectiles. Its ability to quickly form defensive structures can prevent the destruction of valuable military assets like aircraft.

What are the disadvantages of using a Hesco barrier compared to traditional sandbags?

While Hesco barriers are quicker to set up, they are heavier to transport due to the steel mesh and require specialized equipment, such as a wheel loader, for filling. They are also more expensive than sandbags, and their agility and practicality are reduced in certain situations.

How does the Hesco barrier compare to sandbags in terms of long-term usage and flexibility?

Hesco barriers are more durable and provide better long-term protection than sandbags, especially in large-scale fortifications. They can also be disassembled and reused, while sandbags, though effective for smaller barriers, are less flexible in their reuse and long-term viability.

What is the connection between Jimmy Hesson and the Segway company?

Jimmy Hesson, the inventor of the Hesco barrier, purchased Segway, the company that makes self-balancing scooters, in December 2009. Tragically, Hesson died in 2010 after falling off a Segway during an off-road ride.