Image 2. Crater from the high order detonation of the main charge in Image 1
Shaped charges can also provide an advantage when a high order detonation is undesirable due to the damage it will cause to surrounding infrastructure. A shaped charge in this instance could be used as a low order technique to induce deflagration of the IED main charge.
ׁ WARNING. Whenever possible, disposal using a high explosive donor charge is the preferred technique as there is less variance in the end result.
4.6.3.USE OF SHAPED CHARGES FOR A STAND-OFF ATTACK A significant advantage of using shaped charges is their ability to induce a high order detonation from a significant stand-off distance and when the main charge is concealed. This is particularly useful for buried VOIEDs as it minimises the amount of excavation, (possibly eliminating it all together) and significantly reduces the time the MA IEDD operator spends in the vicinity of the IED. Once the position of the main charge is known, or accurately assessed, the MA IEDD operator can place a shaped charge and retire to the CP. This avoids any interaction with the device and avoids potentially having to work near a firing switch conducting excavation. The shaped charge can pass through barriers such as soil / sand with sufficient energy to penetrate the casing of an IED’s main charge and cause a high order detonation.
IEDD techniques and procedures
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