The construction of HME filled main charges is also notably different to conventional munitions, which normally have a fuze and booster located in well-defined geometries. An HME main charge may present less-defined geometries and will normally incorporate detonating cord as the booster. This may run through a large portion of the main charge. If this detonating cord is impacted by a shaped charge, then it is very likely that a high order event will occur.
ׁ WARNING. While HME may not have the same explosive properties as its military or commercial variant, it can still cause significant damage to infrastructure and property.
IMAS 09.31 – WORKING PRACTICE SINGLE WIRE ATTACK
When dealing with electrically initiated IEDs, especially when buried, an IEDD operator should consider introducing an element of safety into the circuit by remotely or semi-remotely cutting a single electrical wire when one is presented during fingertip search / execution. Care should be taken at this stage to avoid creating an additional open switch (short), which could have safety implications.
Image 9. Image showing an MA IEDD operator conducting a semi-remote positive action on a second detonator lead after already applying this procedure to the first lead
IEDD in mine action – overview
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