Military Explosives (Chapter 1) Flashcards
- What is R.E factor?
R.E stands for Relative Effectiveness which represents a measurement of an explosive’s power. R.E factor is determined by how much of that particular explosive would be required to complete the same job as TNT (TNT has an R.E factor of 1.00)
- Describe TNT equivalence formula
- Describe TNT equivalence formulaTo find substitution TNT for other types of explosive. TNT R.E factor ÷ R.E factor of explosiveEx) 1.00 / 1.66 ( R.E. Factor for PETN) = 0.60 , the strength of 0.6 Kg of PETN equivalent to 1 Kg of TNT explosive strength
- What are the four common types of Block demolition charge?
TNT, M112, M1 DYNAMITE, AND 40lb Cratering charge
- What is block demolition charge?
Prepackaged HE (high explosive) Charges that are used for general purpose task (cutting, breaching, and cratering)
- Describe TNT
Trinitrotulene (TNT), is the baseline to rate all military explosives using the R.E Factor
- How is TNT packaged?
¼, ½, and 1 lb blocks
- What are the advantage of TNT?
a) Effective for all types of demolition work except steel cuttingb) Insensitive to shock or frictionc) Convenient size and shape for charge construction
- What is the disadvantage of TNT?
Cannot be molded and is difficult to use on irregular shaped targets
- What are the composition explosive?
a) Composition Ab) Composition Bc) Composition H6d) Composition C4
- What is effective temperatures of C4?
Between -70 F and 170 F
- What happens to C4 in colder temperatures?
Loses its plasticity
- What is component of C4?
90% RDX9% NON-EXPLOSIVE PLASTICIZER 1% Taggant (odorizer)
- What is M112 Block demolition charge?
Primary block demolition charge in U.S. Army. Ideally suited for irregularly shaped targets.It can be “CUT” and “MOLDED”. Primarily used for cutting and breaching.
- What does M112 consist of?
1 ¼ lb of composition C4
- What is R.E factor of Dynamite?
0.92
- Is there any difference between commercial dynamite and military dynamite?
The strength of military dynamite is 60% strength of commercial dynamite
- What does M1 dynamite consist of?
75% RDX15% TNT10% Desensitizers and plasticizers
- How M1 dynamite issued?
Issued in ½ lb cylindrical cartridges measuring 1 ¼” x 8”
- What is primary used of M1?
Stump removal, military construction, quarrying, ditching, and service demolition work
- What is advantage of M1?
Reliable underwater for up to 24 hours
- What is disadvantage of M1?
Not effective as cutting or breaching charge
- What is R.E factor of composition H6?
1.33
- What does composition H6 used for?
Used in cratering charges, general purpose bombs, MOAB (Massive Ordnance air blast), Naval torpedoes, and Land mine
- What does MOAB stand for?
Massive Ordnance Air Blast
- What is purpose of 40lb Cratering charge?
Primarily used for Crater and Ditching operation, also effective at destroying buildings, fortifications, and bridge abatements
- How does 40lb cratering charge issued?
Issued in a watertight, cylindrical metal container
- How does 40lb cratering charge prepared?
Prime Charge with 2 blocks M112 on both side
- What is Sheet explosives?
Explosive packaged in a roll form that are adaptable for demolishing targets that require flexible explosives. Can be cut to the length and shape as you desire
- What are the two common types of sheet explosives?
M186 ROLL, and C2 PRIMASHEET
- How does M186 ROLL issued?
50’ roll form with plastic spool, issued with 15 M8 blasting cap holders
- What is the thickness of M186?
C6 Thickness
- How much explosive M186 contains per foot?
½ LB of Explosive
- What is R.E factor of M186?
1.14
- How much explosive C2 Primasheet contains per foot?
½ LB of Explosive
- C2 primasheet is also known as what?
DETASHEET
- What is advantage of C2 Primasheet?
Easily cut to any desired shape and length
- What is R.E factor of C2 Primasheet?
1.14
- What are the two types of Shaped demolition charges?
15LB M2A4 Shaped demolition charge40lb M3A1 Shaped demolition charge
- What is the primary use of shaped demolition charge?
Used for boring holes in the earth, metal, masonry, concrete, and paved or unpaved roads
- What is the disadvantage of shaped demolition charge?
Not effective underwaterRequires standoff from the target material to achieve maximum effectiveness of Jet
- What is the primary use of Composition A?
Primarily used as boosters for composition B
- What is the primary use of Composition B?
Used as filler in projectiles (mortars) and shaped charges
- What is the R.E factor of Composition A and B?
1.35
- How do you calculate NEW (Net explosive weight)?
Quantity X Package weight X R.E factor = weight of TNT• It is not used for MSD, that is total explosive weight
- Describe 15LB M2A4 shaped demolition charge
Contains 0.11 LB composition A3 booster with 9.4 lb main charge of composition BIssued with a fiberglass composite 6” standoff and cavity liner is a con of glass
- What is the R.E factor of both 15lb M2A4 and 40lb M3A1?
1.17
- Describe 40LB M3A Shaped demolition charge?
Contains 0.11 LB composition A3 booster with 29 ½ main charge of composition BIssued with a metal tripod providing 15” of standoffCavity liner is a cone of metal
- What is M1A2 Bangalore torpedo demolition kit?
A tube shaped explosive charge used primarily for clearing paths through wire obstacles and heavy undergrowth
- What is component of M1A2 Bangalore torpedo demolition kit?
10 Tube assembles, 10 connecting sleeves and 1 nose sleeve
- What is composition of each M1A2 Bangalore torpedo tube?
Each tube is 5 feet long and contains 10 ½ lb composition B4Each tube has a 4” (1/2 lb) comp A3 booster at both ends of each tube
- What is the R.E factor of M1A2 bangalore?
1.17
- What is AN?
Ammonium Nitrate (AN),
- What is the R.E factor of AN?
0.42 least sensitive military explosive
- What is the disadvantage of AN?
Requires a booster chargeNot suitable for cutting or breaching because its low detonation velocity Not suitable for underwater unless in waterproof container* Extremely hygroscopic (Absorbs Humidity)*
