TM 9-1375-213-12
CAUTION
NOTE
NEVER USE AN M9 BLASTING CAP
The high strength, 200-millisecond (longer)
HOLDER TO CONNECT BOTH SHOCK
delay detonator end of the M15 is a com-
TUBES AND DETONATING CORD TO
mercial item and will reliably detonate mil-
AN INITIATING CAP. FIRING OF THE
DETONATING CORD COULD BLOW
than military blasting caps that will not fit in
APART THE ADJACENT SHOCK
the standard capwell of items such as Ban-
TUBES BEFORE THEY ARE PROPER-
galore Torpedoes, 15- and 40-pound
LY INITIATED.
Shaped Charges and 40-pound Cratering
Charges.
e. Hybrid Systems.
(3) When connecting M11 or M16 cap, M151 or
M152 booster to detonating cord using the "J" hook/det-
onating clip, always assure that the cap's detonator is at
(1) Since the MDI components are mainly blast-
a right angle to the detonating cord and that the detonat-
ing caps of a new type, there is no reason they cannot be
ing cord is in a straight line for a couple of feet on both
combined with other, older types of priming equipment
sides of the connection. This applies to ALL hybrid
to make hybrid systems that allow even more flexibility
priming setups, not just those involving M15 Delay
in the way you set up your priming system. It is impor-
Blasting Caps.
tant to remember that the low-strength, relay type caps
(e.g. the M12 and M 13) CANNOT reliably set off explo-
f. Splicing Shock Tube.
sives such as detonating cord. They can only set off
shock tube. The high-strength caps, such as the M11,
(1) The new shock tube blasting caps provide a
M14, M16, and M18 or boosters M151 and M152
snap-together demolition initiating system of very high
CAN set off detonating cord and all standard military ex-
reliability. One reason for this reliability is the fact that
plosives.
all of the components are sealed and unlike standard non-
electric priming components, cannot be easily degraded
CAUTION
by moisture. Cutting the shock tube makes the open ends
vulnerable to moisture. Dampening the explosive film
WHEN SETTING UP A HYBRID SYS-
on the inside of the shock tube will stop a detonation
TEM, ALWAYS SET UP THE COMPO-
from going beyond such a damp spot, so care must be
NENTS SO THAT THE BLAST OR
used when cutting and splicing shock tube. Use of a full,
FRAGMENTS PRODUCED BY DETO-
sealed component is always advisable, both from a reli-
NATING CORD (OR OTHER EXPLO-
ability standpoint and from the consideration of having
SIVES) WILL NOT CUT OR IMPACT
to dispose of a small amount of live ammunition. At
SHOCK TUBE COMPONENTS WHICH
times it will seem wasteful to fire hundreds of feet of ex-
HAVE NOT YET FIRED.
cess shock tube from an M12 or M13 Shock Tube Blast-
ing Cap when the entire length is not needed. The excess
can be cut off and reliably spliced to another shock tube
(2) The most common hybrid system is one in
cap to gain extra stand-off length.
which shock blasting tube blasting caps are used to prime
a ring main of detonating cord which is then used to fire
(a) When cutting a piece of shock tube, always
a number of charges. Here the detonator of an M11 or
use a sharp knife or a razor blade to cut shock tube so the
M16 cap, M151 or M152 booster is taped to the detonat-
opening in the tubing will be unobstructed.
ing cord in the same manner as any other blasting cap.
The M11 or M16 cap, M151 or M152 booster would be
(b) Always cut shock tube squarely across and
fired by a relay-type shock tube blasting cap and a shock
make sure the cut is clean.
tube blasting cap initiator. When setting up complex
shots, remember that firing of a detonating cord compo-
(c) Use only the splicing tubes provided with the
nent (or other explosive component) can easily cut a
M12 and M13 Caps to make splices. Taping two cut
nearby, unfired shock tube and can cause a partial mis-
ends of shock tube together does NOT make a reliable
fire. Place a protective layer of dirt over any sections of
splice.
shock tubes which might be in such a position, or reroute
them away from the explosive component. Always run
shock tubes straight away from explosive junctions.
Change 19
2-4.5