Base gates get bite with installation of ‘Tiger Teeth’

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Parker Gyokeres
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  In an effort to improve the safety and security of gates at Moody Air Force Base, one-way, tire-puncturing "Tiger Teeth' are being installed in outbound traffic lanes to prevent unauthorized entry.

The two-inch long, spring-loaded spikes are designed to fold flush into a speed bump as outbound vehicles slowly roll over them, said Gary Weis, 23rd Wing anti-terrorism officer. If a vehicle attempts to enter the base using an outbound lane, the extremely sharp, wedge-like spikes will pierce directly into the tire, slicing it open.

"The important thing for base members to remember is these devices are designed to cause severe tire damage for people who aren't following proper procedures," said Mr. Weis. "Base drivers need to approach the speed bump straight ahead at the posted speed limit and never back up into the strip. If the teeth are crossed at an angle they might not fold properly."

The North Gate will 'get its teeth' July 26-27, said John Courson, 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron SABRE chief. Contractors will close one of two outbound lanes for an entire day in order to glue and bolt the devices to the roadbed.

Outbound traffic should not be affected, but drivers will need to proceed with caution for the safety of the workers, he added.

The barriers have already been installed onto the outbound lanes of the base's South Gate, but the spikes will not be unlocked from the housings until warning signs have been posted, said Mr. Courson.

Both systems are expected to be activated by mid-August, he said.
The tire spikes add to a layered system of gate defenses intentionally designed to be both a highly-visible deterrent and an effective barrier against unauthorized intrusion, said Mr. Weis.

"There is nothing subtle or secret about a bright red speed-bump covered in spikes labeled 'warning, severe tire damage,'" he said. "The tiger teeth will work in coordination with steel-reinforced traffic barriers to slow, channel and control traffic into safe behavior.
"The end result is a very visible barrier that clearly tells people Moody is a hard target," he added. "Hopefully, this makes somebody with bad intentions decide it's just not worth the risk. If an individual does decide to try, they won't get far."