4.6.4.USE OF SHAPED CHARGES TO INDUCE DEFLAGRATION
Shaped charges provide an MA IEDD operator with an option to achieve deflagration of the explosives, thus reducing the likelihood that damage will occur. This is a subsonic reaction, rather than a detonation which is supersonic. However, deflagration is generally a ‘non-steady reaction’, which combined with the variance in the explosive’s properties, means that results can be inconsistent.
ׁ WARNING. The MA IEDD operator should always plan for a high order detonation. If this is unacceptable, then a different disposal procedure should be used.
Image 8. Shaped charge with magnesium jet forming cone, filled with 50 g of high explosives (DEMEX) placed with 75 mm stand-off from an abandoned IED main charge
Image 9. Deflagration was unsuccessful and the main charge detonated. This highlights the difficulty in achieving deflagration of improvised main charges filled with HME of unknown provenance and unknown position of the detonating cord booster. However, the main charge has been successfully destroyed
IEDD techniques and procedures
379
Powered by FlippingBook