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Improvised Munitions Handbook (Improvised Explosive Devices or ...

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A2.4 RDX<br />

TM 9-1900, Ammunition, General, page 52.<br />

TM 31-201-1, Unconventional Warfare <strong>Devices</strong> and Techniques, para 1509.<br />

Description<br />

RDX (cyclonite) is a white crystalline solid that exhibits very high shattering power. It is<br />

commonly used as a booster in explosive trains <strong>or</strong> as a main bursting charge. It is stable in<br />

st<strong>or</strong>age, and when combined with proper additives, may be cast <strong>or</strong> press loaded. It may be<br />

initiated by lead azide <strong>or</strong> mercury fulminate.<br />

Comments<br />

This material was tested. It is effective.<br />

References<br />

TM 9-1900, Ammunition, General, page 52.<br />

TM 31-201-1, Unconventional Warfare <strong>Devices</strong> and Techniques, para 1501.<br />

A2.5 Nitroglycerin<br />

Description<br />

Nitroglycerin is manufactured by treating glycerin with a nitrating mixture of nitric and<br />

sulfuric acid. It is a thick, clear to yellow-brownish liquid that is an extremely powerful and<br />

shock-sensitive high explosive. Nitroglycerin freezes at 56°F, in which state it is less<br />

sensitive to shock than in liquid f<strong>or</strong>m.<br />

Comments<br />

This material was tested. It is effective.<br />

References<br />

TM 9-1910, Military <strong>Explosive</strong>s, page 123.<br />

TM 31-201-1, Unconventional Warfare <strong>Devices</strong> and Techniques, para 1502.<br />

A2.6 Commercial Dynamite<br />

Description<br />

There are three principal types of commercial dynamite: straight dynamite, ammonia<br />

dynamite, and gelatin dynamite. Each type is further subdivided into a series of grades. All<br />

dynamites contain nitroglycerin in varying amounts and the strength <strong>or</strong> f<strong>or</strong>ce of the explosive<br />

is related to the nitroglycerin content. Dynamites range in velocity of detonation from about<br />

4000 to 23,000 feet per second and are sensitive to shock. The types and grades of dynamite<br />

are each used f<strong>or</strong> specific purposes such as rock blasting <strong>or</strong> underground explosives.<br />

Dynamite is initiated by electric <strong>or</strong> nonelectric blasting caps. Although dynamites are<br />

furnished in a wide variety of packages, the most common unit is the 1/2 pound cartridge.<br />

Fifty pounds is the maximum weight per case.<br />

Comments<br />

This material was tested. It is effective.<br />

References<br />

TM 9-1900, Ammunition, General, page 265.<br />

FM 5-25, <strong>Explosive</strong>s and Demolitions, page 8.

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