LTSO McCOY, TSA/LAX TACT OFFICER-IN-TRAINING
Semtex is a general-purpose plastic explosive containing RDX and PETN.[1] It is used in commercial blasting, demolition, and in certain military applications. Semtex became notoriously popular with terrorists because it was, until recently, extremely difficult to detect,[2] as in the case of Pan Am Flight 103.
Semtex was invented in the late 1950s by Stanislav Brebera, a chemist at VCHZ Synthesia. The explosive is named after Semtín, a suburb of Pardubice in the Czech Republic where the mixture was first manufactured starting in 1964.[3] The plant was later renamed to become Explosia a.s., a subsidiary of Synthesia.[4]
Semtex was similar to other plastic explosives, especially C-4, in that it was easily malleable; but it was usable over a greater temperature range than other plastic explosives. There are also visual differences: whereas C-4 is off-white in colour, Semtex is brick-orange.
The new explosive was widely exported, notably to the government of North Vietnam, which received 14 tonnes during the Vietnam War. However, the main consumer was Libya; about 700 tonnes of Semtex were exported to Libya between 1975 and 1981 by Omnipol. It has also been used by Islamic militants in the Middle East and by republican paramilitaries such as the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) and Irish National Liberation Army in Northern Ireland.
Exports fell after the name became closely associated with terrorist blasts. Export of Semtex was progressively tightened and since 2002 all of Explosia's sales were controlled by a government ministry.[5] As of 2001, approximately only 10 tonnes of Semtex were produced annually, almost all for domestic use.[3]
Also in response to international agreements, Semtex has a detection taggant added to produce a distinctive vapor signature to aid detection. First, ethylene glycole dinitrate was used, later switched to 2,3-dinitro-2,3-dimethylbutane (3,4-dinitrohexane, DMDNB), which is used currently. According to the manufacturer, the taggant agent was voluntarily being added since 1991, years before the protocol signed became compulsory.[3] Batches of Semtex made before 1990, however, are untagged, though it is not known whether there are still major stocks of such old batches of Semtex. The shelf life of Semtex was reduced from 10 years guarantee prior to 1990s to 5 years now. Explosia states that there is no compulsory tagging allowing reliable post-detonation detection of a certain plastic explosive (such as incorporating a unique metallic code into the mass of the explosive), so Semtex isn't tagged in this way.[6]
On May 25, 1997, Bohumil Šole, a scientist often said to have been involved with inventing Semtex, strapped the explosive to his body and committed suicide in the Priessnitz spa of Jeseník.[7] Sole, 63, was being treated there for depression. Twenty other people were hurt in the explosion, while six were seriously injured. It should be noted, however, that the manufacturer, Explosia, states that he was not a member of the team that developed the explosive.
Various sources state that production started in 1964 or 1966. Explosia's brief historical document states it was 1964,[3] but most other credible sources state it was in 1966. Most of these also state that development was started at the same time, in response to a request from Vietnam for a counterpart to the US's introduction of C-4.
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C-4 plastic explosive — the off-white rectangular blocks — being used to destroy unexploded artillery components.
"Plastique"
redirects here. For other uses, see Plastique (disambiguation).
Plastic explosive (or plastique) is a specialised form of explosive material. It is soft and hand moldable solid material. Plastic explosives are properly known as Putty explosives within the field of explosives engineering.[1]
Common plastic explosives include Semtex and C-4. Plastic explosives are especially suited for explosive demolition as they can be easily formed into the best shapes for cutting structural members, and have a high enough velocity of detonation and density for metal cutting work. They are generally not used for ordinary blasting as they tend to be significantly more expensive than other materials that perform just as well in that field. Also, when an explosive is combined with a plasticizer, its power is generally lower than when it is pure.
The first plastic explosive was gelignite, invented by Alfred Nobel in 1875.
Just prior to World War One, the British explosives chemist Oswald Silberrad obtained British and US patents for a series of plastic explosives called "Nitrols", composed of nitrated aromatics, collodion, and oxidising inorganic salts.[2] The language of the patents indicate that at this time, Silberrad saw no need to explain to "those versed in the art" either what he meant by plasticity nor why it may be advantageous, as he only explains why his plastic explosive is superior to others of that type.
One of the simplest plastic explosives was Nobel’s Explosive No. 808, also known as Nobel 808 (often just called Explosive 808 in the British Armed Forces during the Second World War), developed by the British company Nobel Chemicals Ltd well before World War II. It had the appearance of green plasticine with a distinctive smell of almonds. During World War II it was extensively used by the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) for sabotage missions. It is also the explosive used in HESH anti-tank shells. Captured SOE-supplied Nobel 808 was the explosive used in the failed 20 July plot assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler in 1944.
During and just after World War II a number of new RDX-based explosives were developed, including Compositions C, C2, and eventually C3. Together with RDX these incorporate various plasticisers to decrease sensitivity and make the composition plastic.
The origin of the obsolete term plastique dates back to the Nobel 808 explosive introduced to the US by the British in 1940. The samples of explosive brought to the USA by the Tizard Mission had already been packaged by the SOE ready for dropping to the French Resistance and were therefore labelled in French, as Explosif Plastique. It is still referred to by this name in France, and also by a few Americans. However, most English-speaking users refer to it either by the actual label printed on the packaging (e.g. C-4 or Semtex) or as plastic explosive.
C3 was effective but proved to be too brittle in cold weather. In the 1960s it was replaced by C-4, also using RDX but with polyisobutylene and di(2-ethylhexyl)sebacate as the binder and plasticizer.
Semtex was also developed in the 1960s by Stanislav Brebera by mixing of RDX with PETN and then adding binders and stabilizers.
In general, high explosives are compositions and
mixtures of ingredients capable of instantaneously releasing large amounts of
energy and doing work of various kinds on objects and bodies surrounding them.
In some cases the useful work that is done is limited only by the energy
content of the explosive composition, while in other cases the transfer of
energy from the explosive composition to surrounding bodies is controlled to a
large degree by the momentum or impulse released by the detonating explosive.
Research and development during World War I yielded
amatol (TNT plus ammonium nitrate), an explosive with three times the power of
gunpowder. Amatol consists of TNT and ammonium nitrate mixed in either 20 /80
or 50 /50 ratios. When the U.S. entered the war, Amatol was adopted for loading
high explosive shells. Owing to shortages of TNT and RDX (cyclonite) most World
War II mines had had 50/50 ammonium nitrate and TNT (amatol) warheads. This was
a low quality explosive but was later improved by the addition of about 20%
aluminum to produce minol.
This explosive is a mechanical mixture of Ammonium
Nitrate and TNT. It is crystalline and yellow or brownish, moisture-absorbing,
insensitive to friction, but may be detonated by severe impact. It is readily
detonated by Mercury Fulminate and other high explosives. Amatol 50/50 has
approximately the same rate of detonation and brisance as TNT. Amatol 80/20
(used in Bangalore Torpedoes), produces white smoke on detonation, while Amatol
50/50 produces a smoke, less black than straight TNT. Amatol is used as a
substitute for TNT and is to be mainly found in large caliber shells.
Driven by its liquid propellant engine, the V-2 had a
range of approximately 200 miles. Its warhead consisted of 2,000 pounds of
amatol.
Baratol is a composition of barium nitrate and TNT.
TNT is typically 25-33% of the mixture with 1% wax as a binder. The high
density of barium nitrate gives baratol a density of at least 2.5.
Early implosion atomic bombs, like the Gadget exploded
at Trinity in 1945, the Soviet's Joe 1 in 1949, or India in 1972, used an
Composition-B [RDX-TNT mixture] as the fast explosive, with baratol used as the
slow explosive.
Composition A is a was-coated, granular explosive
consisting of RDX and plasticizing was. Composition A is used by the military
in land mines and 2.75 and 5 inch rockets. Comp A-3 explosives are made from
RDX and wax. Composition A-3 is a wax-coated, granular explosive, consisting of
91% RDX and 9% desensitizing wax. Composition A-3 is not melted or cast. It is
pressed into projectiles. It is nonhygroscopic and possesses satisfactory
stowage properties. Composition A-3 is appreciably more brisant and powerful
than TNT; its velocity of detonation is approximately 27,000 fps. It may be
white or buff, depending upon the color of the wax used to coat the powdered
RDX. Composition A-3 is used as a fillerinprojectiles that contain a small
burster cavity, such as antiaircraft projectiles. It can be used as compressed
fillers for medium-caliber projectiles.
Comp B explosives are made from TNT, RDX, and wax,
such as 59.5 percent RDX, 39.5 percent TNT and 1 percent wax. Desensitizing
agents are added. Composition B is used by the military in land mines, rockets
and projectiles. Cast Composition B has a specific gravity of 1.65 and a
detonation velocity of 'about 25,000 fps and is used as a primer and booster
for blasting agents.
Composition B is a mixture of 59% RDX, 40% TNT, and 1%
wax. The TNT reduces the sensitivity of the RDX to a safe degree and, because
of its melting point, allows the material to be cast-loaded. The blast energy
of Composition B is slightly higher than that of TNT. Composition B is
nonhygroscopic and remains stable in stowage. It has an extremely
high-shaped-charge efficiency. The velocity of detonation is approximately
24,000 fps, and its color ranges from yellow to brown. Composition B has been
used as a more powerful replacement for TNT in loading some of the rifle
grenades and some rocket heads. It can be used where an explosive with more
power and brisance is of tactical advantage and there is no objection to a
slight increase of sensitivity. While no longer used in newer gun projectiles,
some older stocks may be found with Composition B main charges.
Factors for Equivalent Weight of
Composition B Explosive Equivalent
Factor
Comp B 1.00
PBXN-109 1.19
Tritonal 1.09
AFX-777 1.47
AFX-757 1.39
PAX-28 1.62
During the development of a series of melt-castable
explosive formulations devoid of TNT, non-TNT formulations yielded self-heating
temperatures significantly lower than predicted. In other tests, Composition B
(59.5% RDX, 39.5% TNT, 1% wax) demonstrated an exceedingly low self-heating
temperature that ultimately results in a violent final reaction. It is often
processed above its self-heating temperature, yet it is safely processed in
300-gallon melt kettles. Researchers subjected Composition B and its individual
energetic components to one-liter cook-off testing. They expanded their
investigations to include neat TNT, neat RDX (HRDX), an insensitive RDX (IRDX)
essentially absent of microinclusions and voids, and Composition B-3 (60% RDX,
40% TNT) made with IRDX. Following analysis of these tests, researchers also
tested an HRDX/TNT (13% HRDX, 87% TNT) mixture.
Neat TNT is thermally destabilized by the presence of
RDX, either HRDX or IRDX, indicating that RDX is the trigger in the thermal
decomposition process associated with Composition B (HRDX) and Composition B-3
(IRDX). The reaction violence of both neat HRDX and Composition B made with
HRDX were exceedingly violent, with either partial detonation or detonation
occurring. Additionally, researchers observed that the reaction of Composition
B-3 (IRDX/TNT) was more violent than either neat TNT or neat IRDX. Once again,
they hypothesized that solubilized RDX in molten TNT was the source of the
effect. They believe the high-quality, defect-free crystals of IRDX were
modified by a dynamic equilibrium in molten TNT, with IRDX solubilized and
reprecipitated as ill-defined, voided crystals similar to HRDX. They suspect
these ill-defined RDX crystallites present at cook-off temperatures were the
source of the reaction violence at cook-off.
Compositior C-3 is one of the Composition C series
that has now been replaced by C-4, especially for loading shaped charges.
However, quantities of Composition C-1 and Composition C-2 may be found in the
field. Composition C-1 is 88.3% RDX and 11.7% plasticizing oil. Composition C-3
is 77% RDX, 3% tetryl, 4% TNT, 1% NC, 5% MNT (mononitrotoluol), and 10% DNT
(dinitrotoluol). The last two compounds, while they are explosives, are oily
liquids and plasticize the mixture. The essential difference between Composition
C-3 and Composition C-2 is the substitution of 3% tetryl for 3% RDX, which
improves the plastic qualities. The changes were made in an effort to obtain a
plastic, puttylike composition to meet the requirements of an ideal explosive
for molded and shaped charges that will maintain its plasticity over a wide
range of temperatures and not exude oil.
Composition C-3 is about 1.35 times as powerful as
TNT. The melting point of Composition C-3 is 68°C, and it is soluble in
acetone. The velocity of detonation is approximate y 26,000 fps. Its color is
light brown. As with Composition B, Composition C is no longer being used as a
gun projectile main charge. However, some stocks may still be in service with
Composition C-3 used as a main charge.
The plasticized form of RDX, composition C-4, contains
91% RDX, 2.1% polyisobutylene, 1.6% motor oil, and 5.3% 2-ethylhexyl sebacate.
The Demolition charge M183 is used primarily in
breaching obstacles or demolition of large structures where large charges are
required (Satchel Charge). The charge assembly M183 consists of 16 block
demolition charges M112, four priming assemblies and carrying case M85. Each
Priming assembly consists of a five-foot length of detonating cord assembled
with two detonating cord clips and capped at each end with a booster. The
components of the assembly are issued in the carrying case. The demolition
charge M112 is a rectangular block of Composition C-4 approximately 2 inches by
1.5 inches and 11 inches long, weighing 1.25 Lbs. When the charge is detonated,
the explosive is converted into compressed gas. The gas exerts pressure in the
form of a shock wave, which demolishes the target by cutting, breaching, or
cratering.
Using explosives provides the easiest and fastest way
to break the frozen ground. However, the use of demolitions will be restricted
when under enemy observation. Composition C-4, tetrytol, and TNT are the best
explosives for use in northern operations because they retain their effectiveness
in cold weather. Dig a hole in the ground in which to place the explosive and
tamp the charge with any material available to increase its effectiveness.
Either electric or nonelectric circuits may be used to detonate the charge. For
a foxhole, 10 pounds of explosive will usually be sufficient. Another formula
is to use 2 pounds of explosive for every 30 cm (1') of penetration in frozen
ground.
DMDNB (2-3 dimethyl, 2-3 dinitrobutane) is a new, military unique compound used as a tagant
in C-4 explosive. Therefore there is no OSHA or ACGIH standard. However,
USACHPPM's Toxicology Directorate did a study to determine an Army Exposure
Limit. There is no toxicological data for DMDNB's effects on the human body,
but tests were done on laboratory animals and they showed a reversible liver
hypertrophy in rats that were exposed to DMDNB. An exposure level was
determined and a one thousand fold safety factor was used to lower the Army
exposure level to 0.15 mg/m^3. (At this level there are no warning properties,
i.e. smell, taste, etc.)
H-6 is an Australian produced explosive composition.
Composition H6 is a widely used main charge filling for underwater blast
weapons such as mines, depth charges, torpedoes and mine disposal charges. The
M21 AT mine is 230 millimeters in diameter and 206 millimeters high. It weighs
7.6 kilograms and has 4.95 kilograms of Composition H6 explosive.
In weapon applications, computational models require
experimental data to determine certain specific output parameters of H6 to
predict various underwater blast scenarios. To this end, the critical diameter
dc, which is the minimum diameter which will sustain a stable detonation, and
the limiting value of the velocity of detonation at infinite charge diameter D-infinity,
were determined for unconfined cylinders of H6.
Cyclotol, which is a mixture of RDX and TNT, is an
explosive used in shaped charge bombs.
On 30 August 1999 Holston Army Ammunition Plant
restarted production of new explosives to fill an order for Composition CXM-3.
This is the first new explosive production by Royal Ordnance North America
(RONA) as the operating contractor at Holston. CXM-3 will be supplied to
Atlantic Research Corporation to fill warheads for the Tomahawk missile system.
RONA is also planning to produce other RDX and HMX products, including
approximately 800,000 pounds of Composition C-4, by the end of December.
Detasheet is a plastic explosives, manufactured by
DuPont containing PETN with nitrocellulose and a binder. It is manufactured in
thin flexible sheets with a rubbery texture, and is generally coloured either
reddish/orange (commercial) or green (military). In use, it is typically cut to
shape for precision engineering charges.
In 1847 a new explosive came into being. This was
nitroglycerine, made by treating glycerine with nitric and sulphuric acids. But
at first it was even more dangerous to handle than guncotton, for the least
shock exploded it, and its violence was terrific. The great chemist Alfred
Nobel tried to improve it by mixing it with gunpowder, but the powder did not
absorb all the nitroglycerine, and accidents of the most terrible kind became
more and more frequent. Yet the new explosive, being liquid, could be poured
into crevices in rocks, and was so useful as a blasting agent that its
manufacture went on until a large vessel carrying cases of the explosive from
Hamburg to Chili blew up at sea. The ship was blown to bits and her crew
killed, and the disaster caused so great a sensation that the manufacture of
nitroglycerine was prohibited in Sweden, Belgium, and in England. But Nobel
still continued his experiments, and at last, after trying sawdust and all
other sorts of absorbents in vain, found the perfect absorbent in the shape of
keiselguhr-a sort of earth made of fossil shells. The mixture is what we know
to-day as dynamite; and in spite of the fact that modern chemistry has produced very many new explosives, some of
terrific power, dynamite remains the safest and most widely used of all
explosives.
Many attempts have been made to use dynamite in guns;
and the Americans at one time built some huge air guns for the purpose of
firing large shells, or rather aerial torpedoes, charged with dynamite. But
these guns, of which one or two were used in the Spanish-American War, were
very cumbersome and slow in use. Nor could they throw a projectile to a greater
distance than a mile. So they were soon abandoned in favor of rifled
cannon-firing shells loaded with explosives such as cordite or lyddite.
Dynamite was originally a mixture of nitroglycerin and
diato-mite, a porous, inert silica. Today, straight nitroglycerin dynamite
consists of nitroglycerin, with sodium nitrate, antacid, carbonaceous fuel, and
sometimes sulfur in place of the inert filler. It is most commonly manufactured
in weight strengths of 20 to 60 percent. Because of the tendency of nitroglycerin
to freeze at low working temperature, another explosive oil usually replaces
part of the nitroglycerin in a straight dynamite.
Straight dynamite has a high detonation velocity which
gives a shattering action. It resists water well in the higher grades but
poorly in the lower grades. Straight dynamite generally has poor fume
qualities, and is unsuitable for use underground or in poorly ventilated
spaces. The use of straight dynamite has declined because of high cost,
sensitivity to shock and friction, and high flammability. Ammonia
("extra") dynamites have replaced straight dynamite in most
applications.
Ditching dynamite is a name given to 50 percent
straight dynamite. Its high sensitivity is advantageous in ditching where
sympathetic detonation eliminates the need for caps or detonating fuse with
individual charges. Sixty percent straight dynamite is sometimes packaged in
special cartridges for uncle rwater work.
Ammonia dynamites (extra dynamite) are the most widely
used cartridge explosives. An ammonia dynamite is similar to a straight dpmite
except that ammonium nitrate replaces a portion of the nitroglycerin and sodium
nitrate. High-density ammonia dynamite is commonly manufactured in weight
strengths of 20 to 60 percent. It is generally lower in detonation velocity,
less dense, better in fume qualities, and considerably less sensitive to shock
and friction than straight dynamite. Extra dynamite can be used effectively
where the rock is not extremely hard and water conditions are not severe. It is
widely used in quarrying, stripping, and in well-ventilated mines for smaller
diameter holes of small blasting operations.
Low-density ammonia dynamite has a weight strength of
approximately 65 percent and a cartridge strength from 20 to 50 percent. Like a
high-density extra dynamite, it contains a low proportion of nitro-glycerin and
a high proportion of ammonium nitrate. The different cartridge strengths are
obtained by varying the density and grain size of the ingredients. Several
manufacturers produce two series of low-density ammonia dynamite, a high- and a
low-velocity series. Both series are of lower velocity and density than
high-density extra dynamite. Because of its slow, heaving action, the
low-velocity series is well suited to blasting soft material such as clay-
shale or where a coarse product such as riprap is desired. It is well suited
for use in structural excavation blasting in certain rock types.
Fume qualities and water resistance vary with the
cartridge material. Wrappers sprayed with paraffin give fair to poor water
resistance and fair fume rating, whereas a paraffin-impregnated wrapper gives
very poor water resistance and a better fume rating. The explosive has little
more water resistance than that provided by the wrapper. Low-density extra is
the lowest cost cartridge explosive available. The composition of low-density
ammonia dynamites is similar to that of a 60 percent high-density extra
dynamite with a lower proportion of nitroglycerin and a higher proportion of
ammonium nitrate.
Blasting gelatin is a rubber-textured explosive made
by adding nitrocellulose (guncotton) to nitroglycerin. An antacid is added for
stability in storage. Wood meal is usually added to improve sensitivity.
Blasting gelatin attains a very high detonation velocity and has excellent
water resistance, but it emits large volumes of noxious fumes upon detonation.
It is the most powerful of all commercial explosives. Blasting gelatin is also
known as "oil well explosive."
Nobel did much more than merely invent dynamite; he
also invented blasting gelatine, gelatine dynamite, and gelignite, both of the
latter being better suited for rock blasting than pure dynamite. Blasting
gelatine was used to pierce the great St. Gothard Railway tunnel through rock
so hard that without it the task could never have been accomplished. Blasting
gelatine was tried in guns, but burst them, so Nobel set himself to discover an
explosive less violent, yet equally clear and smokeless. By mixing
nitroglycerine and guncotton he found a comparatively slow-burning powder which
he called ballistite, and this, when he gave it to the world in 1888, caused a
very great sensation.
Straight gelatin is a dense, plastic explosive
consisting of nitroglycerin or other explosive oil gelatinized with. nitrocellulose,
an antacid, sodium nitrate, carbonaceous fuel, and sometimes sulfur. Since the
gelatin tends to coat the other ingredients, straight gelatin is water-proof.
Straight gelatin is the equivalent of straight dynamite in the dynamite
category and is manufactured in weight strengths of 20 to 90 percent with
corresponding cartridge strengths of 30 to 80 percent. The cartridge strength
or the weight strength may be referred to by the manufacturer as the
"grade" of the gelatin, a term which is confusing. Straight gelatin
has been used in very hard rock or as a bottom charge in a column of
explosives. It has been replaced in most applications by a more economical
substitute such as ammonia gelatin, brit higher grades are still used in
underwater blasting and in deep well shooting.
Straight gelatin has two characteristic detonation
velocities, the confined velocity and a much lower velocity which results from
insufficient confinement, insufficient initiation, or high hydrostatic,
pressure. Extremely high water pressures may cause a misfire. To overcome this
disadvantage, high-velocity gelatin has been developed. High-velocity gelatin
is very similar to straight gelatin except that it is slightly less dense, more
sensitive to detonation, and always detonates near its rated velocity
regardless of water pressure or degree of confinement. High-velocity gelatin is
particularly useful as a seismic explosive, and is also used in deep well and
underwater work.
Ammonia gelatin (special gelatin or gelatin extra) has
a portion of the nitroglycerin and sodium nitrate replaced by ammonium nitrate.
Ammonia gelatin is comparable to a straight gelatin in the same way that a
high-density ammonia dynamite is comparable to a straight dynamite, and was
developed as a cheaper substitute. Ammonia gelatin is commonly manufactured in
weight strengths of 30 to 80 percent with corresponding cartridge strengths of
35 to 72 percent. Compared with straight gelatin, ammonia gelatin has a
somewhat lower detonation velocity, better fume qualities, and less water
resistance, although it will fire efficiently even after standing in water for
several days. It is suitable for underground work because of its good fume
rating. The higher strengths (70 percent or higher) are efficient as primers for
blasting agents.
A semigelatin is comparable to an ammonia gelatin as a
low-density ammonia dynamite is comparable to a high-density ammonia dynamite.
Like low-density extras, semigelatin has a uniform weight strength (60 to 65
percent) with the cartridge strength varying with the density and grain size of
the ingredients. Its properties fall betieen those of high- density ammonia
dynamite and ammonia gelatin, and it has great versatility. Semigelatin can be
used to replace ammonia dynamite when more water resistance is needed. It is
cheaper for wet work than ammonia gelatin, although its water resistance is not
quite as high as that of ammonia gelatin. Semigelatin has a confined detonation
velocity of 10,000 to 12,000 fps, which, b contrast to that of most explosives,
is not seriously affected by lack of confinement. Very good fume qualities
permit its use underground. The compositions are similar to ammonia gelatin
with less nitroglycerin and sodium nitrate and more ammonium nitrate.
H-6 is a binary explosive that is a mixture of RDX,
TNT, powered aluminum, and D-2 wax with calcium chloride added. H-6 is an
Australian produced explosive composition used by the military for general
purpose bombs.
HBX is a form of high explosive made from TNT, RDX,
aluminum, lecithin, and wax. HBX was developed during WWII that replaced the
more shock-sensitive TORPEX used in depth bombs and torpedoes. The warhead for
the 2.75-inch "Mighty Mouse" rocket was filled with HBX (40 percent
RDX, 38 percent TNT, 17 percent aluminum powder, and 5 percent desensitizers)
or composition B (59 percent RDX, 40 percent TNT, and 1 percent wax). All Navy
warhead filling activities in the TNT Plant ceased in early The major longer
range improvements resulting were the Navy's development of HBX type explosives
together with asphaltic, "hot melt" liners for bombs and other
munitions. The hot melt liners were developed to coat and eliminate metal-to
metal pinch points. After the Naval Magazine, Port Chicago, CA accident of 17
July 1944 , HBX and H-6 explosives were developed that incorporated wax and
other chemicals to desensitize the explosive and hot melt liners were
introduced for lining bombs and warheads to give some thermal protection and eliminate
potential pinch points from cracks or fissures in the bomb or warhead case.
Later, plastic-bonded explosives were developed for increased thermal
protection and fragment impact resistance.
Although ANFO is not generally suitable for military
use, since it's troublesome to store without drying out, mixtures of AN and TNT
known as "amatols" were used in both WWI and WWII as a means of
stretching the supply of explosives. The proportion of AN in the mix ranged
from 50% to 80%. A mix of ANFO, TNT, and powdered aluminum enhancer named
"Minol" is still in use [40% TNT, 40% ammonium nitrate, 20%
aluminum]. Owing to shortages of TNT and RDX (cyclonite) most World War II
mines had had 50/50 ammonium nitrate and TNT (amatol) warheads. This was a low
quality explosive but was later improved by the addition of about 20% aluminum
to produce minol.
The melt-cast explosive Octol is a TNT-based explosive
(70% HMX:30% TNT or 75 percent HMX, 25 percent TNT). Explosives to be stored on
Navy ships must not contain TNT or Octol.
The ideal high-energy explosive must balance different
requirements. HE should be easy to form into parts but resistant to subsequent
deformation through temperature, pressure, or mechanical stress. It should be
easy to detonate on demand but difficult to explode accidentally. The explosive
should also be compatible with all the materials it contacts, and it should
retain all its desirable qualities indefinitely.
No such explosive existed in 1944. While using what
was available to meet wartime demands, scientists at Los Alamos began to
develop a high-energy, relatively safe, dimensionally stable, and
compositionally uniform explosive. By 1947, scientists at Los Alamos had
created the first plastic-bonded explosive (PBX), an RDX*-polystyrene
formulation later designated PBX 9205. Although other PBXs have since been
successfully formulated for a wide range of applications, only a handful have
displayed the combination of adequate energy content, mechanical properties,
sensitivity, and chemical stability required for stockpile nuclear weapons.
Since the 1960s, Livermore has been researching and developing safer HE for
Livermore-designed weapons.
The plastic coating that binds the explosive granules,
typically 5 to 20% of each formulation by weight, is what gives each PBX its
distinctive characteristics. Pressing a PBX molding powder converts it into a
solid mass, with the polymer binder providing both mechanical rigidity and
reduced sensitivity to accidental detonation. The choice of binder affects
hardness, safety, and stability. Too brittle a PBX can sustain damage in normal
handling and succumb to extreme temperature swings or thermal shocks, while too
soft a PBX may be susceptible to creep and may lack dimensional stability or
strength.
PBXN-5 is referred to as a plastic-bonded explosive
because it is an explosive coated with plastic material. The composition is
made of 95% HMX and 5% fluoroelastomers.
The Anti-Personnel Obstacle Breaching System (APOBS)
Detonating Cord Assembly consists of PBXN-8 explosive, silicone rubber,
polyamide yarn type I and II, and composition A-5 explosive. Grenade Assembly
consists of PBXN-5 explosive booster pellet, PBXN-9 explosive pellets, grenade
tube, and male and female grenade shells. Grenade Assembly consists of PBXN-5
explosive booster pellet, PBXN-9 explosive pellets, grenade tube, unisex
grenade shells, and ring clamp.
China Lake designed, developed, and qualified the
Tomahawk Block III WDU-36 warhead in 48 months to meet evolving Tomahawk
requirements of insensitive munitions ordnance compliance and range
enhancement, while maintaining or enhancing ordnance effectiveness. The WDU-36
uses a new warhead material based upon prior China Lake warhead technology
investigations, PBXN-107 explosive, the FMU-148 fuze (developed and qualified
for this application), and the BBU-47 fuze booster (developed and qualified
using the new PBXN-7 explosive). Block III was first used in the September 1995
Bosnia strike (Deliberate Force) and a year later in the Iraq strike (Desert
Strike).
PBXN-9 Explosive is made for the HELLFIRE/Longbow
Missile System. Because of its acceptance into a number of fleet uses,
additional characterization and performance tests were conducted on PBXN-9 to
support various warhead developmental efforts. Included are the results of
various explosive performance tests, such as detonation pressure, cylinder
expansion (cylex),and wedge tests, as well as additional material sensitivity
studies (large-scale gap test and small-scale gap test).
The JASSM contains the WDU-42/B (J-1000), a 1000-pound
class, penetrating warhead with 240 pounds of AFX-757. AFX-757 is an extremely
insensitive explosive developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory/High
Explosives Research and Development Facility, Eglin AFB, Fla. The fuze is the
FMU-156/B employing a 150-gram PBXN-9 booster.
The Anti-Personnel Obstacle Breaching System (APOBS)
Detonating Cord Assembly consists of PBXN-8 explosive, silicone rubber,
polyamide yarn type I and II, and composition A-5 explosive. Grenade Assembly
consists of PBXN-5 explosive booster pellet, PBXN-9 explosive pellets, grenade
tube, and male and female grenade shells. Grenade Assembly consists of PBXN-5
explosive booster pellet, PBXN-9 explosive pellets, grenade tube, unisex grenade
shells, and ring clamp.
A Low-Energy Exploding Foil Initiator (LEEFI) is a
low-energy input device with high-energy output that can detonate a main charge
of PBXN-9.
This explosive is one of the new plastic-bonded
explosives. It is a cast-cured explosive composition made from a homogeneous
mixture of RDX in a plasticized polyurethane rubber matrix. Once cured, the
material cannot be easily restored to a liquid state. The finished material is
flexible and will absorb considerably more mechanical shock than conventional
cast or pressed explosives.
PE4 is a conventional plastic explosive, widely used
for the production of improved energetic systems for defensive and offensive
use. PE4 is RDX based and is available in cartridge and bulk form. An
extrudable for DEMEX 400 is also available. Distinctive standard colours
indicate the explosive component: C4, or PE4 ( British) is white and Semtex-H
is orange.
Pentolite is a mixture of equal parts of TNT and PETN.
When cast, it has a specific gratity of 1.65 and a confined detonation velocity
of 24,000 to 25,000 fps. Cast pentolite is used as a primer and booster for
blasting agents where its high detonation pressure assures efficient initiation
of the blasting agent.
Semtex is an explosive containing both RDX and PETN.
Semtex, a Czech-made explosive, has been used in many terrorist bombings.
Dynamite has been replaced by the more destructive and easily concealed Semtex.
SEMTEX is a plastic explosive that is odorless. SEMTEX along with a detonating
cap, can be inserted inside a 5" x 6" musical greeting card,
undetected. Three pounds of Semtex plastique packs enough punch to raze a
two-story building. Terrorists attack with no warning and no rationale. Their
weapon of choice is a pliable, odorless substance that is twice as powerful as
TNT and is virtually invisible to conventional security devices. It can be
hidden in a brief case or a small cassette recorder.
Czechoslovakia was among the world's chief arms
exporters. It sold hundreds of tanks, thousands of firearms and large
quantities of Semtex to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Cambodia and other trouble
spots, a practice that stopped long ago. In 1985 and 1986, the Irish Republican
Army [IRA] took delivery of nearly 120 tons of arms and explosives from Libya,
including a ton of Semtex explosive and 12 SAM-7 surface-to-air missiles. Some
of those weapons and explosives have been used by the IRA in terrorist attacks
in the United Kingdom and in other European countries. Libyan terrorists used
Semtex in 1988 to down Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing 270
persons.
The on-again, off-again export of the general-purpose
plastic explosive Semtex, manufactured in Czechoslovakia during the height of the
Cold War and linked to terrorist groups around the world, resumed in 1994. The
Czech Republic recently announced that exports were beginning to selected
countries. The first Semtex shipment under the resumed exportswent to the
British Defense Ministry. Czech reporting suggested that the British
authorities intend to run experiments on the explosive that is often used by
Irish Republican Army terrorists-including the October 1993 destruction of a
building in Belfast.
According to the 1991 international convention signed
in Montreal, Semtex intended for industrial applications is to be a bright
red-orange color and detectable by security-monitoring equipment. Variants of
the explosive produced for civilian purposes are also less powerful than the
nearly odorless version that became a favorite weapon of terrorists. Despite
this and the export ban that had earlier been in place, Semtex continues to be
smuggled across borders.
Substantial quantities of the explosive have been
stolen from industrial enterprises in the Czech and Slovak republics for sale
on the black market. Shortly before the most recent ban was lifted, Czech
police seized 100 kilograms of industrial Semtex from a group of Czech citizens
who were planning its illegal sale abroad. In Slovakia in October 1993, some
900 kilograms of the explosive were stolen from the warehouse of a private
firm, together with more than 2,000 detonators. Czech officials candidly admit
that they have no idea how much Semtex has been stolen or illegally diverted,
and the continued black market trade in the explosive seems certain.
Slurries, sometimes called water gels, contain
ammonium nitrate partly in aqueous solution. Depending on the remainder of the
ingredients, slurries can be classified as either blasting agents or
explosives. Slurry blasting agents contain nonexplosive sensitizers or fuels
such as carbon, sulfur, or aluminum, and are not cap sensitive; whereas slurry
explosives contain cap- sensitive ingredients such as TNT and the mixture
itself may be cap sensitive. Slurries are thickened and gelled with a gum, such
as guar gum, to give considerable water resistance.
Since most slurries are not cap sensitive, all
slurries, even those containing TNT, are often grouped under the term blasting
agent. This grouping is incorrect. A blasting agent, as defined by the National
Fire Protection Association, shall contain no ingredient that is classified as
an explosive.
Slurry blasting agents require adequate priming with a
high-velocity explosive to attain proper detonation velocities, and often
require boosters of high explosive spaced along the borehole to as sure
complete detonation. Slurry explosives may or may not require priming. The
detonation velocities of slurries, between i2,000 and 18,000 fps, vary with
ingredients used, charge diameter, degree of confinement, and density. The
detonation velocity of a slurry, however, is not as dependent on charge
diameter as that of a dry blasting agent. The specific gratity varies from I.i
to i.6. The consistency of most slurries ranges from fluid near iOOO F to rigid
at freezing temperatures, although some slurries maintain their fluidity even
at freezing temperatures. Slurries consequently give the same advantageous
direct borehole coupling as dry blasting agents as well as a higher detonation
velocity and a higher density. Thus, more energy can be loaded into a given
volume of borehole. Saving in costs realized by drilling smaller holes or using
larger burden and spacing will often more than offset the higher cost per pound
of explosive. Adding powdered aluminum as a sensitizer to slurries greatly
increases the heat of explosion or the energy release. Aluminized slurries have
been used in extremely hard rock with excellent results.
A slurry and a dry blasting agent may be used in the
same borehole in "slurry boosting," with the buk of the charge being
dry blasting agent. Boosters placed at regular intervals may improve
fragmentation. In another application of slurry boosting, the slurry is placed
in a position where fragmentation is difficult, such as a hard toe or a zone of
hard rock in the burden. The combination will often give better overall economy
than straight slurry or dry blasting agent.
Tetrytol is a mixture of ~70% tetryl
(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl-methylnitramine) and ~30% TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene. In
1944 the M104 auxiliary booster was first given to Redstone Arsenal as an
experimental order with instructions to develop a manufacturing procedure for
loading it with tetrytol. The booster had heretofore been loaded with tetryl
pellets. The tests that Redstone conducted showed that tetrytol-loaded M104
auxiliary boosters had a greater brisance than the tetryl-loaded ones but that
a heavier booster charge was required for detonation. Since such a booster
charge was already available, the tetrytol-loaded auxiliary booster was
considered more satisfactory than the tetryl-loaded one.
TORPEX is an explosive based on trinitrotoluene (TNT)
that gave a greater blast than TNT, but was more sensitive. It was replaced by
HBX or HBX-1 later in WWII. Torpex is RDX/TNT/Aluminum/Wax desensitizer. It was
used in several types of torpedoes and mines. Due to it sensitivity to bullet
impact, the first weapons loaded were ones for which there would be the least
possibility of rifle bullet and fragment attack, namely, submarine delivered
mines and torpedoes. The loading stations were advised that they must take
adequate care in mixing and loading and in the handling of the loaded items. It
was declared that the British had been able to handle it without incident for 2
years and that the risk was worth the advantage gained in its underwater power.
The GBU-28 contains only six hundred pounds of
Tritonal. The BLU-109/B was an improved 2,000-pound-class penetrator bomb
designed for attacking the most hardened targets. Its skin was much harder than
that of a standard iron bomb, consisting of a single-piece, forged warhead
casing of one-inch, high-grade steel. The bomb featured a 550 pound tritonal
high-explosive blast warhead and was always mated with a laser guidance kit to
form a laser-guided bomb. The Tritonal filling of the BLU-109/B is similar in
size to the warhead of the Mk.48 series torpedo. Explosive (NEW) 535 lbs.
Tritonal in the BLU-109 and 945 lbs. of Tritonal on the MK 84.
The Munitions Directorate's successful completion of
the Miniaturized Munition Technology Demonstration (MMTD) Program, has provided
an innovative weapon called the Small Smart Bomb. The miniaturized munition
concept includes a weapon that issix feet long, six inches in diameter, and
weighs only 250 pounds with approximately fifty pounds of Tritonal explosive
material. The weapon is effective against a majority of hardened targets
previously vulnerable only to munitions in the 2,000 pound class. The Air Force
Research Laboratory's Munitions Directorate has set the baseline for small bomb
development by successfully demonstrating the technology that will be used to
further the development of a 250-pound class munition. Small Smart Bomb's size
will allow future fighter and bomber aircraft to carry more weapons in their
weapons bays.
Polynitrocubane Super Explosives are a family of new
energetics. In FY96, the Army initiated the synthesis of a more powerful
polynitrocubane explosive. In FY97, the Army scaled up the polynitrocubane
explosive to pound level. In FY98, scale up the polynitrocubane explosive to
pilot plant quantity and initiate formulation study for anti-armor warhead
(Shaped Charge or explosively Formed Penetrator) loading. In FY99, conduct
static warhead test using the polynitrocubane explosive to show increase in
energy performance by up to 25 percent and with comparable sensitivity to
LX-14.
The current winner in the most powerful explosives
debate is heptanitrocubane (HpNC). It has beat out the theoretically more
powerful octanitrocubane (ONC) in actual tests recently performed. ONC has only
been synthesized in the last year, but it has been calculated to have the
greatest density of any explosive we could make. In reality ONC does not
achieve this theoretical density. Since it has existed for such a short time,
researchers conclude that they simply have yet to find its most dense
crystalline form. The default winner is the next best thing, HpNC. Further
conjecture into nitro cubane chemistry has hypothesized at the possibility of
polynitrocubane molecules which could achieve even greater densities.
A commentary on the case of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi,
convicted of the murder of 270 people in the Pan Am 103 disaster.
[This is the headline over an article published today on the website of the Scottish lawyers'
magazine The Firm. The following are excerpts.]
[A] campaign initiated by the Lockerbie Justice Group ... challenges the Lord
Advocate to openly demonstrate that Pan Am 103 could have been brought down by
a semtex bomb, under controlled laboratory conditions.
The group state that fabric and circuit board fragments cannot survive a semtex
explosion, and accordingly the entire Crown case against Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed
Al Megrahi falls. In 2007 Ulrich Lumpert of timer company MEBO released an
affidavit stating he had manufactured the circuit board “evidence” relied upon
by the Crown at the Zeist trial. Earlier this year a report by Dr Ludwig de Braeckeleer concluded that the Crown’s case was
“scientifically implausible”.
“The Crown theory utterly depended upon Judges believing that this white-hot
sphere with a temperature of 6,800F, travelling in all available directions at
20,000mph did not scorch, never mind totally annihilate, a printed circuit
board and a fabric label, which it was able to wholly detach from the shirt.
Our group finds this utterly incredible,” the group said.
“We, as members of the concerned Scottish public, invite the Crown to openly
demonstrate their theory under controlled laboratory conditions. Either the
circuit board survives with its legible ID and soft solder, or it is
annihilated in a white-hot gas. In the event of PCB annihilation, we demand a
proper and independent committee of inquiry into ‘What brought this plane
down?’ Will you please publicly demonstrate your theory, ... Lord Advocate?”
The challenge has been backed by Dr Hans Koechler, who observed the trial [as a
UN-appointed observer] and called for a full public inquiry afterwards.
“It is highly important to address this question to the Scottish prosecutor’s
office and I shall add my name to such an initiative,” he said.
“It is equally important that an explosives expert with impeccable academic
credentials, ideally a University professor from a European country, endorses
this initiative or confirms the basic physical facts in writing. Under this
condition I can join the initiative.”
De Braeckeleer and researchers at the Centre of Explosives Technology Research
in Socorro, New Mexico estimated that up to thirty pounds of explosive was
needed to destroy a Boeing 747, if the explosion had occurred in the hold as
the Crown claimed
“As the explosion of one pound of Semtex H inside the luggage container does
not generate a blast wave sufficiently powerful to fracture the skin of the
fuselage, we have little choice but to conclude that the verdict appears
scientifically very implausible,” they said.
The group’s initiative is bolstered by the new testimony of former Ferranti
electrical engineer Aitken Brotherston, experienced in testing circuitry for
use in military applications.
“Although no doubt there have been some advances in the construction of circuit
boards the predominance of boards in current use are the same as those I
tested. In most cases the boards would happily catch light with a flame source
similar to that of a Swan Vesta (...)
“While we did not test them to the 3000 plus degrees C temperatures of a Semtex
explosion bright spot, even as an apprentice electronics engineer with
Ferranti, my experience at much lower temperatures would persuade me that
nothing of the circuit boards would survive that environment.
“The proposal that fragments of the board, of sufficient size to permit
identification, packed with the bomb had survived a temperature environment of
more than 3000 degree C in the explosion is to me just not credible.
“What it does demonstrate is the extent to which anyone promulgating that
theory believes us out here in the real world to be completely stupid.”
Robert Black13:36
Grendal said...
Surely
this test could be done privately, under controlled scientific conditions. I`m
sure the Libyan government could be persuaded to fund it.
I still can`t believe that no test for residue was done on the timer fragment
(if there was one)and the label.Could it be that a test was done and the
results supressed?
sfm said...
>
I still can`t believe that no test for residue was done on the timer fragment
(if there was one)and the label.
I am met a "Don't be stupid!" when I tell people about this.
Imagine a presentation of a knife in the court, claimed to be used as a murder
weapon. It is unthinkable, that such a knife would not have gone through all
the tests in the book - fingerprints, DNA (victim's and accused's) and traces
of blood.
> Could it be that a test was done and the results supressed?
That could be, but on the other hand - if the fragment was real it should have
the traces, and it would be presented in court.
If it was not, it would not be sent for analysis, so most likely - and
unbelievably - the fragment was never checked.
- - -
But in the end - lets say, that defense HAD asked, and prosecution had to say
that it was not tested. I think it would not have had any impact. It is too
plausible to believe that it is just THE timer fragment.
The prosecution would ask: Would the defense have any suggestions as of how
such a fragment of a highly specialized device would end up at that place, and
in that shape, if not being a part of the bomb?
That has merit too.
Nennt mich einfach
Adam! said...
In
court Mr. Hayes and Mr. Feraday admitted that there had been no test for
explosives on the crucial electronic fragments. Of course the judges should
therefore have rejected these fragments as evidence.
But, as my old friend Niccolo Machiavelli comments: Why test a component for
explosive residue when you know that there is not any?
Grendal said...
“The
proposal that fragments of the board, of sufficient size to permit
identification, packed with the bomb had survived a temperature environment of
more than 3000 degree C in the explosion is to me just not credible"
Even less credible is the fact that parts of the Toshiba User`s Manual
(presumably paper)survived the 3000 degree blast.I assume no test for
explosives were done on these pieces either!
Grendal said...
From
the judges opinion...."The method adopted by the forensic scientists was
to treat as a
high probability that any explosion damaged clothing which contained fragments
of
the radio cassette player, the instruction manual, and the brown fabric-lined
cardboard
partition from within the suitcase to the exclusion of fragments of the outer
shell, was
within the primary suitcase." Surely a much more accurate test would have
been to test for traces of explosives on the articles.I must be missing
something!
By the way, I see from the judges opinion that where tests for explosives were
done (on the baggage containers,I think)no control was carried out.
"Some traces appeared to be found well away from the "explosion
site" but these were explained away by the experts.The traces relating to
270.1 and 270.3
indicated the presence of PETN and RDX. These are chemicals used in the
manufacture of plastic explosives, including Semtex. In cross-examination it
was
suggested to him that a report by Professor Caddy presented to Parliament in
1996 on
the possible contamination of a centrifuge used at RARDE vitiated his
conclusions.
However, while that report did indeed suggest that a centrifuge was
contaminated with RDX, it also made clear that certain examinations carried out
in the period which
included December 1988 were not affected, and in the list of such examinations
was
included the examination of the Lockerbie debris carried out by Dr Douse. It
was
further suggested to him that the traces disclosed peaks which were consistent
with
the presence of TNT, DNT and nitroglycerin, but for the detailed reasons which
he
gave in his evidence he was entirely satisfied that the peaks in question
related not to
these forms of explosive but to non-explosive co-extractives. We see no reason
to
doubt the conclusion to which this very experienced expert came.Finally it was
submitted that inadequate precautions were taken at the laboratory by way of
the use
of control swabs of clothing and equipment to prevent the risk of distorted
results
because of contamination.There was however a description both by Dr Douse and
Dr
Hayes of the precautions taken to prevent contamination, and we are satisfied
that
these precautions were adequate to prevent any risk that Dr Douse’s tests were
vitiated by any contamination."
sfm said...
Grendal
said...
----
"The method adopted by the forensic scientists was to treat as a high probability...."
Surely a much more accurate test would have been to test for traces of
explosives on the articles.I must be missing something
----
The problem is that some people believe that experts can answer everything. The
belief comes from
1.- the fact that laymen can't evaluate their statements, and
2. - that some experts are willing to make far-going conclusions without basis,
just like 'ordinary people'.
Nobody could ever tell if the Malta-clothing were in the suitcase with the bomb
or another nearby suitcase.
It is a completely hopeless affair to have a bomb exploding in a container with
size of explosive, placement of items and a composition you all know nothing
about - and then later determine, with any accuracy, what items were where.
Doing _quantitative_ analysis for RDX and PETN to any point where it makes
sense it far from possible.
To the question: "With what probability would you say that the mentioned
items where in the suitcase with the bomb?" you could not even reach 20%.
Why? Because you'd never be able to tell the difference between the clothes in
the suitcase with the bomb and the suitcases beside, on top or bottom. The
suitcase-wall between the nearest suitcases disintegrates completely,
instantly.
It is possible that the clothes in the suitcase would be non-existent af the
explosion.
It is possible that the Toshiba recorder was in the suitcase next to the
explosion.
The whole point is unscientific nonsense, one of real many in a trial loaded
with far-going assumptions and wildly insufficient data and knowledge.
Science is all about making testable theories and test them.
TEN
MISTAKES IN CAUSA SEMTEX® |
Freely
after RING magazine - the issue of September 17, 1998
Countless newspaper articles were published on SEMTEX® explosive
that describe, with greater or smaller measure of authenticity and
acquaintance, the properties of this explosive and speak about the cases of
misuse with expertness. The myth has been successfully created during ten years
on miraculous and non-detectable explosive. The explosive spun round with myths
brings foreign journalists into extasy. In almost every report on explosion
everywhere in the world an information appears that blames SEMTEX®
for everything. Hysteria about SEMTEX® got to the point that in
Great Britain the words SEMTEX® and plastic explosive are, to some
extent, synonymum. In the Ring magazine the article was published in 1998 with
the above given title that tried to put the most widespread mistakes right.
At
a series of terrorist explosions abroad SEMTEX® is reported as a
common denominator till nowadays. However, no expert can say a few hours after
explosion, what was the explosive involved. Serious sources state that no
SEMTEX® has ever been used in the U.S.A. and that in Great Britain
the use of this plastic industrial explosive has been proved in five per cent
of all cases only. The misuse of explosive as well as any other industrial
product cannot be influenced by the producer. There are thousands of users of
various explosives in the world and, according to the police experience, it is
just them the stolen explosives come from. The more often SEMTEX®
has been written about , the more mistakes have appeared.
The
first mistake: the Presidential one
Many years the fact has been spoken about, that from 1974 to 1981 ( export into
risky countries was prohibited in those times) one thousand tons of SEMTEX®
was exported to Libya, as mentioned in one interview by the President Václav
Havel in 1990. Even if it was not Synthesia to trade with this explosive in
those times, but foreign trade companies, the experts have been wagging their
heads in astonishment over this number up till now.
According to all information ascertained, during the whole time of production
690 tons of plastic explosives was produced for export.
The second mistake: the strongest explosive
The strongest plastic explosive in the world. A few grams is enough to destroy
an aircraft. Explosive SEMTEX® is not exceptional in its
performance, it is on the same level as a series of foreign explosives of its
category. SEMTEX® differs from other plastic explosives only by
having the binder system (ensuring long-term plasticity) of different
composition.
The third mistake: it will last forever
Popularity of plastic explosives consists in their capability to be shaped
well. They are safe to store. SEMTEX® is usually said to last
forever, which is also the case of the Libyan shipment. It follows from the
long-term testing, that in usual storage environment the plasticity will last
for several years. But according to available information from Africa, in
extreme temperature conditions SEMTEX® loses its plasticity, gets
hard and disintegrates.
The fourth mistake: cannot be detected
Synthesia Semtín started marking of explosives according to international
agreements in 1991, it means even before the then Czechoslovakia acceded to the
convention on marking and seven years before the convention entered into force.
At present time SEMTEX® can be detected using technical means. The
technique got to the point, that it is possible to detect the original, not
marked SEMTEX®. The marking that would identify the explosive with
certainty even after explosion is not commonly practised by the world producers
of plastic explosives and by Explosia a.s. either.
The fifth mistake: the only producer
Plastic explosives are produced in a number of advanced countries. C-4
explosive is of American origin, other countries producing these explosives are
Russia, Great Britain (PE-4), France, Yugoslavia, Monte Negro, Greece,
Poland...
It is remarkable that as early as 1995 the Czech Police detained three men with
several tens kilogram of American explosive C-4.
The sixth mistake: there is no terror without SEMTEX®
Trading with plastic explosives on the black market is dangerous. Today the
terrorists know that explosive can be produced of practically anything in a
relatively simple way. You can be sure to find instruction how to produce
effective explosive from industrial fertiliser on the Internet. Even a Jules
Verne books lover can learn in one of them how to prepare gunpowder.
The seventh mistake: Explosia a.s. will become bankrupt
Popular statement is, that the moment when production of SEMTEX®
stops will bring about the end of Explosia a.s. All types of SEMTEX®
explosive represent only a fraction of per cent of all produced explosives and
propellants.
The eighth mistake: the inventor of SEMTEX®
Explosion in the spa building in Jeseník a few years ago became the basis of
romantic story: the inventor of SEMTEX® explosive, Bohumil Šole,
remorseful about what his invention brought about, committed suicide. The
reality is, however, quite different. Production of SEMTEX® started
in Synthesia in 1964. In the sixties, when Mr. Šole was already working here he
was injured when explosive exploded not far from him and since then he suffered
from depressions as a result of that injury. In the eighties he participated in
testing of aircraft destruction for the Czechoslovak Army and Ministry of
Interior of the Czechoslovak Republic. It was him who wanted to patent aircraft
destruction by means of plastic explosives. In the end of the eighties he had
some difficulties with StB (State Secret Police) that lead to a trial in the
end of 1989, later the verdict was annuled to the full extent. Mr. Šole worked
in the Sales Department of the company till 1989. By no means we can contest
his enormous experience in the field of explosives. He, however, was not a
member of the team that developed SEMTEX®.
The ninth mistake: Fabulous prices
Legends go about fabulous prices for one kilogram of SEMTEX®
explosive. In every case it is, however, a matter of absurd and stilted
figures. Unfortunately, their presentation in the media can be one of the
motives for stealing SEMTEX® from the Army depots, or, for amateur
production according to more or less credible recipes obtained from Internet.
The tenth mistake: Production of SEMTEX® is not secured
"Sure" information appear in press from time to time, that the state
or producer are incapable of securing production of SEMTEX®
explosive, possibly of making impossible its illegal export. Last year a
"sure" information appeared in foreign press on getting of one
"also journalist" directly into production buildings where he walked
freely between "bubbling vessels with semtex". The legend of
"infernal explosive" seems to be very inspiring.
And what will be the next published mistakes?
The time and "serious" media will show us.
LTSO McCOY, TSA/LAX TACT OFFICER-IN-TRAINING
|
Ben
Palacio TACT OFFICER – IN- TRAINING, 10/15/2009 - Instructor:
Patrick Hardy, BAO
TeachBack
Verbage
Hello folks, please come closer and tell me what you
see.
Okay,
Here we have a bomb in the bag.
The following components are present:
1. Here
is the POWER SOURCE
a. The
power source here is a 9 volt.
b. The
power source of choice is often a 9 volt battery but could be other types.
power source already present in everyday
device or devices doubling as timer / switch such as cell phones may be adopted.
c. Other
power sources could be capacitors, e-cells, button cell batteries connected in
series etc.. .. .
2. Here
is the SWITCH/TIMER
a.
The
switch here is toggle type switch.
b.
Once
I throw the switch into the on position it completes the circuit and allows
sufficient volts which must be at least 3 volts or about 8 amps to reach and
incite the initiator/detonator.
c.
The
switch could be anything within the imagination of the terrorist and sometimes
a 555 type timer or SCR allowing for pre-setting the time.
3.
Here is the FUSE / INITIATOR / DETONATOR
a.
The
fuse/initiator/ detonator being used here is a TATP filled electric detonator.
b.
The
initiator has been inserted into the well of this cheese looking block of TNT.
c.
The
fuse serves 2 purposes: it controls the precise instant of detonation and it
starts the chemical or physical action
necessary to "blow-up"
or propergate its small
energy into a larger EXPLOSION of the of
the main charge.
4. Here
is the MASS / EXPLOSIVE
a.
The
main charge used here is a block TNT [TNT [trinitrotoluene]
b.
TNT is the most commonly used explosives. TNT
is relatively safe to handle but its chemical composition provide the
destructive blast effect of a bomb and is a high explosive.
c.
Bombs
are constructed so that they will not explode until the fuse has been armed
If
there are no questions can anyone explain the main points I’ve just explained.