TM 9-1375-213-12
in its protective metal shipping container until
(1) Description. The new 40-pound crater-
it is as close to the point of deployment as practi-
ing charges are of approximately the same size,
cable. The first generation charge requires a
shape and steel-encased construction as their
Uli knot be used in detonating cord priming
predecessor. The steel lifting handle on all ver-
rather than an overhand knot in the detonating
sions facilitates easy lowering of the charge into
cord passed through the detonating cord tun-
boreholes, etc. Internally the explosive has
nel(s). The second generation charge requires
been changed to a modern, more powerful and
priming with external booster charges. See par-
less moisture-sensitive H-6 composition. The
main charge is approximately 40 pounds of H-6.
The new charges are all packed in a protective
NOTE
metal shipping container (an M18A2 Propelling
Charge Container with special inside padding)
The 40-pound cratering charge was origi-
nally designed to be initiated by as
charges are described below:
small an initiator as a single military
blasting cap (M6 or M7). Restrictions
(a) The first generation charge has a
such as use of dual priming and NOT
using blasting caps underground are
5 positioned at the top of the main charge to
matters of policy, not technical restric-
facilitate priming from the top. Two priming
tions,
The technical restrictions on
tunnels are therefore located on the top surface
priming are detailed above and in para-
of the charge along with a steel lifting handle
(b) The second generation charge is an
interim design that may or may not have a
booster and priming tunnels similar to the first
generation charge, Due to a technical irregular-
ity in production, it must be treated as if it has
no internal booster and must be primed with
(c) The third generation charge is
designed to be easily initiated with detonating
cord. Dual detonating cord tunnels are on the
top surface above a special (internal) booster
this time.)
(2) Uses. The new charges are used for
exactly the same missions as its predecessors.
Its H-6 explosive has a slower detonating veloc-
to give a more efficient earth-moving effect,
(3) Advantage. The new charges have the
advantage of less moisture sensitivity over their
predecessors while retaining its size, shape and
heavy explosive content which tailor it for
cratering operations.
(4) Limitations. The new charges are not
moisture-sensitive like their predecessor, but
should still be dual-primed (like any other
charge, especially those used underground).
The new charges are a bit more sensitive to
impact damage than the old one, A severe drop
could crack the explosive and possibly cause a
partial functioning when the char e is initiated.
cratering demolition charge - first generation,
For this reason, the new charge should be kept
second generation, and third generation.