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  Figure 17. Shaped Charge.

  Improvised Ammonium Nitrate Satchel Charge. While the cratering charge referred to earlier is undeniably a good one, it is really only suitable for cratering use. A more manageable charge can be produced from AN, using wax as the second ingredient, rather than oil. The procedure for making this charge is merely to melt ordinary parafin and stir in AN pellets, insuring that the wax is thoroughly mixed with the AN while still hot. Before the mixture hardens add a one-half pound block of TNT, or its equivalent, as a primer. A number 10 can makes a good container for this charge although practically anything may be used. The addition of suitable shrapnel material and a handle to the exterior of the charge makes an excellent expedient satchel charge that is more manageable than the AN and oil mixture and much less susceptible to moisture. In fact, this charge can be stored for extended periods without regard to humidity and without loss of effectiveness.

  Dust Initiator. The employment of a small initiator charge to make use of explosive energy provided at a target site is an economical means of destroying certain types of targets. An improvised dust initiator charge can be constructed as follows: To make the standard 1 pound charge use half explosive and half incendiary mix. The explosive may be either powdered TNT (obtained by crushing the TNT in a canvas bag) or C3. C4 does not properly mix with the incendiary and will not produce the desired result. The incendiary mix may be two parts of aluminum powder to three parts of ferric oxide; magnesium powder may be used in lieu of aluminum powder. If used with powdered TNT, the two should be thoroughly mixed. If used with C3, the incendiary mix should be thoroughly mixed throughout the half-pound of explosive. The dust initiator requires a “surround” which is merely the addition of a suitable, finely divided (dust) material or a volatile fuel such as gasoline. The DI works best in an inclosed space; and such targets as boxcars, warehouses, and other relatively windowless structures are best suited to an attack by this means. A rule of thumb for its employment is that three to five pounds of cover or surround should be provided for each 1,000 cubic feet of target. The 1 pound DI charge will effectively disperse and detonate up to 40 pounds of cover charge. The effect of the surround as it is first scattered and then detonated by the long-lasting flame of the DI’s explosion is to increase the internal explosive pressure from 500 to 900 percent over the effect of the DI being detonated without a surround. If used with gasoline the optimum results are obtained by only using 3 gallons of the fuel. The addition of more gasoline not only does not produce better results, the fuel usually will not even be detonated. A large number of dust materials can be used as a surround, including coal dust, cocoa, bulk powdered coffee, confectioners sugar, tapioca, and powdered soap. A good expedient DI charge can also be produced by packaging the contents of two thermate grenades around a stick of military dynamite. (Note that this is just the DI charge to which a surround must be added.)

  Figure 18.

  VI. IMPROVISED INCENDIARIES, EXPLOSIVES AND DELAY DEVICES.

  Caution: As a general rule improvised explosives and incendiaries are much more dangerous to handle than conventional explosives. Such mixtures as the chlorate-sugar mix mentioned below can be ignited or detonated by a single spark, excessive heat, or merely by the friction generated by stirring or mixing the ingredients together. The danger in handling these items cannot be over emphasized.

  Chlorate-Sugar Mix. This mixture can be either an incendiary or an explosive. Sugar is the common granulated household variety. Either potassium chlorate or sodium chlorate may be used; potassium is preferred. Proportions can be equal parts by volume, or 3 parts of chlorate to 2 parts of sugar preferred. Mix in or on a non-sparking surface. Unconfined, the mix is an incendiary. Confined in a tightly capped length of pipe it will explode when a spark is introduced. Such a pipe bomb will produce casualties, but will not be suitable for breaching or cutting tasks. Concentrated sulfuric acid will ignite this fast burning incendiary mixture. Placing the acid in a gelatin capsule, balloon, or other suitable container will provide a delay (length of which depends on how long it takes the acid to eat through the container).

  Potassium Permanganate and Sugar. Another fast burning, first fire mix is obtained by mixing potassium permanganate, 9 parts, to one part sugar. It is somewhat hotter than the chlorate sugar mix, and can be ignited by the addition of a few drops of glycerine.

  Sawdust and Wax. An effective and long burning incendiary can be produced by adding molten wax or tar to sawdust. The advantage of this incendiary is that its components are truly universally available.

  Matchhead. A quantity of matchheads cut from common safety matches will make either a fast burning incendiary or, if confined, an explosive. A length of pipe filled with matchheads and capped and fuzed makes an effective antipersonnel bomb. Again extreme caution must be exercised in handling of matchheads in bulk—a single spark will detonate or ignite them.

  Improvised Napalm. To either gasoline or kerosene add finely cut soap chips. Pure SOAP must be used, not detergents. Working in the open, use a double boiler with the bottom portion filled approx 3/4 full of water. Heat until fuel comes to a boil and then simmers. Stir constantly until the desired consistency is reached: Remember that it will thicken further on cooling. Trial and error experimentation will determine proper amounts for best results.

  Improvised Thermite Grenade. The main burning agent, the thermite, is composed of 3 parts of iron oxide to 2 parts of aluminum powder. A ceramic flower pot makes a good container for the thermite. A potassium chlorate and sugar first fire mix of 3 parts chlorate and 2 parts sugar is placed in a paper tube running down through the thermite. When the chlorate is ignited, it in turn ignites the thermite, which can be used to attack mild steel. This thermite mix burns at approx. 4,000 degrees.

  Molded Brick Incendiaries. Proportions are 3 parts aluminum powder, 4 parts water and 5 parts plaster of parts. Mix the aluminum and plaster thoroughly together, then add the water and stir vigorously. Pour the resulting mix into a mold, let harden, and dry for 2 to 3 weeks. While they are difficult to ignite, a dry mix of 3 parts of oxide and 2 parts of alumimum powder should be used. These bricks burn with intense heat and are suitable for melting mild steel.

  C4 As an Incendiary. Most plastic explosives, including C3 and C4 can be used as an incendiary. They are easy to ignite and burn with a hot flame of long duration.

  Sulfuric Acid can be used to ignite chlorate and sugar. An expedient method of obtaining sulfuric acid is as follows: Drain the liquid from one or more wet cell batteries, place it in a glass, pottery or ceramic container, and heat it. As the liquid comes to a boil it will begin to emit a dense white smoke. Remove the remaining liquid from the heat, allow to cool, and place it in a tightly stoppered glass bottle. Test the acid before each operational use.

  Fire bottle. Fill a glass bottle about one-fifth to one-fourth full with sulfuric acid. Fill the remainder with gasoline, kerosene, or a combination of both. Add water to potassium chlorate and sugar mix, and soak rags in the mix. Wrap the rags around the bottle, tie in place, and allow to dry. When thrown, the bottle will break, the acid will ignite the chlorate sugar saturated rags, which in turn will ignite the fuel.

  VII. MISCELLANEOUS IMPROVISED DEMOLITIONS.

  Thermite. Use any size can with sticks tied or taped to sides and cut small hole in bottom. Cover bottom with paper. Place round stick wrapped in paper in middle of can. Fill bottom of can 1/4 inch with magnesium. Over this place mixture of 3 parts ferric oxide and 2 parts aluminum powder. Remove stock and fill hole with mixture 3 parts potassium chlorate and 1 part sugar. On top of this place paper bag containing chlorate-sugar mixture. Place fuze in top. tamp with dirt or clay.

  Molotov Cocktail. Fill bottle with napalm, jelly gas or 2 to 1 ratio mixture of gas and oil. Use wick of rag or cotton dipped in wax. Light before throwing.

  Satchel Charge. Fill #10 can with mixture of ammonium nitrate and melted wax, stirring vigorously to insure a complete mix. Prime with small amount of C4
or TNT before mixture hardens. Add a rope handle for convenient improvised satchel charge.

  Improvised Black Powder. Materials required Percent by Wt. Parts by Vol.

  Potassium Nitrate 74 25

  Powdered Charcoal 16 3

  Sulpher 10 2

  PROCEDURE.

  (a) Dissolve potassium nitrate in water using a ratio of three parts weight of water to one part nitrate.

  (b) In a second container, dry mix the powdered charcoal and sulpher by stirring with a wooden stick or rotating in a tightly closed container.

  (c) Add a few drops of potassium nitrate solution to the dry mixture and blend to obtain a thoroughly wet paste. Then add the rest of the solution and stir.

  (d) Pour the mixture into a shallow dish or pan and allow to stand until it evaporates to a paste-like consistency. Mix the paste thoroughly with a wooden stick to assure uniformity and set aside for further drying.

  (e) When the mixture is nearly dried, granulate by forcing through a piece of wire screening. The granules are then spread thinly and allowed to dry.

  Figure 19.

  Figure 20.

  e. Improvised Fuse. String Fuse-(Hot) 3/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon potassium chlorate-boll 30 minutes.

  String Fuse-soak in gasoline and dry. Burns slowly.

  String Fuse-(Cold) 3/4 cup water, 2 teaspoons potassium nitrate.

  f. Improvised Grenades. 7.5 parts potassium nitrate or sodium nitrate, 1.5 parts charcoal. 1 part sulphur (no detonator, just fuse)

  3 parts sodium chlorate, 2 parts sugar. Contain in a lead pipe (no detonator. just fuse)

  g. Types of Delays:

  h. Flame Illuminator. Fill container 3 inches from top w/thickened fuel and seal tightly.

  Put three wraps dot cord on top onside of rim pack with dirt or mud.

  Wrap grenade with det cord and place next to container. Tie to main det cord line.

  i. Husch Flare (Burns for 90 minutes, lights dia. 50 meters). Remove cross bars from metal 60 mm mortar can.

  Punch 3 3/8” holes in each side 1/2 way between top and bottom.

  Punch hole not bigger than 1/8” in bottom of 81mm mortar metal shell container.

  Temporarily fill holes, fill container 3/4 full w/thickened fuel, apply heavy grease to caps and affix tightly.

  Place 81 containers caps down in 60 mortar container, wedge tight with stones, etc, then fill 60 mm mortar can with thickened fuel up to holes.

  Remove plugs from 1/8” holes in bottom of 81mm shell container.

  Tie illumination hand grenade between 81 mm cans just above level of 60 mm can. Run trip wire from grenade pin.

  j. Dried Seed Timer.

  DRIED SEED TIMER

  A time delay device for electrical firing circuits can be made using the principle of expansion of dried seeds.

  MATERIAL REQUIRED:

  Dried peas, beans or other dehydrated seeds

  Wide- mouth glass jar with nonmetal cap

  Figure 21. Types of Delays.

  Two screws or bolts

  Thin metal plate

  Hand drill

  Screwdriver

  PROCEDURE:

  Determine the rate of rise of the dried seeds selected. This is necessary to determine delay time of the timer.

  Figure 22.

  Place a sample of the dried seeds in the jar and cover with water.

  Measure the time it takes for the seeds to rise a given height. Most dried seeds increase 50% in 1 to 2 hours.

  Cut a disc from thin metal plate. Disc should fit loosely inside the jar. NOTE: If metal is painted, rusty or otherwise coated, it must be scraped or sanded to obtain a clean metal surface.

  Drill two holes in the cap of the jar about 2 inches apart. Diameter of holes should be such that screws or bolts will thread tightly into them. If the jar has a metal cap or no cap, a piece of wood of plastic (NOT METAL) can be used as a cover.

  Turn the two screws or bolts through the holes in the cap. Bolts should extend about one in. (2 1/2 cm) into the jar.

  Pour dried seeds into the container. The level will depend upon the previously measured rise time and the desired delay.

  Place the metal disc in the jar on top of the seeds.

  HOW TO USE:

  Add just enough water to completely cover the seeds and place the cap on the jar.

  Attach connecting wires from the firing circuit to the two screws on the cap.

  Expansion of the seeds will raise the metal disc until it contacts the screws and closes the circuit.

  k. Tin Can Grenade.

  MATERIALS REQUIRED.

  Tin can, jar or similar container.

  Bolts, nuts, metal scrap, etc.

  Commercial or improvised Black Powder.

  Commercial or improvised fuse cord.

  Cardboard or heavy paper and tape.

  PROCEDURE.

  Tape cardboard or heavy paper into a cylinder approximately one half the diameter of the tin can or other container.

  IMPORTANT: Both bolts must extend the same distance below the container cover.

  Insert the fuse into one end of this cylinder, pack tightly with black powder and tape the ends closed.

  Insert the cylinder into the can as shown in Figure 23 and surround with bolts, nuts, metal scrap and/or stones. Close the can with a lid which has a hole in the center for the fuse to pass through. If the container used has no lid, it may be closed with a piece of wood, metal or cardboard of the required size taped in place.

  VIII. CHEMICALS

  Chemical Symbol Source

  Potassium Permanganate KMN04 Drug Store, Hospital, Gym

  Potassium Chlorate KCLO3 Drug Store, Hospital, Gym

  Potassium Nitrate KNO3 Fertilizer, Explosive Mgfr

  Sodium Nitrate NaNO3 Fertilizer, Glass Mgfr

  Ammonium Nitrate (NH4)NO3 Fertilizer, Explosive Mgfr

  Ferric Oxide Fe2O3 Hardware or paint store

  Powdered Aluminum AL Paint store, electric, auto

  Magnesium Mg Auto Mgfr, Machine, Chemical

  Glycerine C3H5(OH)3 Drug Store, Soap, Candle Mgfr

  Sulphuric Acid H2SO4 Garage, Machine Shop, Hospital

  Sodium Chlorate NaCIO3 Match, Explosive Mgfr, Plant

  Sulphur S Drug Store, Match Mgfr

  Figure 23. Tin Can Grenade.

  IX. DELAYS.

  Cigarette (in match book or box)

  Candle (surrounded by inflammable material)

  Spark (from short circuited electrical wires)

  X. DEMOLITION DATA.

  Figure 24. Leapfrog series circuit. Parallel circuits. Series-parallel circuits.

  Figure 25. Common series circuit.

  Cratering

  Figure 26. Placement charges for deliberate road crater.

  Figure 27. Placement of charges for hasty road crater.

  Bridge Abutment Destruction

  Figure 28. Charges placed in fill behind reinforced concrete abutment 5 feet or less in thickness. (The 5-5-5-40 method.)

  Figure 29. Placement of charges behind concrete abutment more than 5 feet thick.

  NOMENCLATURE OF FIXED BRIDGES

  Figure 30. Parts of fixed bridge.

  Figure 31. Arch components.

  PLACEMENT OF CHARGES ON BRIDGES

  Figure 32. Steel stringer bridge.

  Figure 33. To cut upper and lower chords.

  Figure 34. To cut trusses into segments.

  Figure 35. Continuous span truss.

  Figure 36. Cantilever truss with suspended span.

  Figure 37. Cantilever truss without suspended span.

  Figure 38. Reinforced concrete open spandrel arch bridge.

  Figure 39. Filled spandrel arch bridge.

  DRAWING OF OBJECT TO BE DEMOLISHED

  Figure 40.

  Sulphuric Acid (sugar chlorate mixture)

  Nitrate Acid (sugar chlorate mixture)

  Glycerine (sugar permangate mixture)

  Water Delay (see diagram)

  Watch Delay (see
diagram)

  XI. TARGET RECONNAISSANCE REPORT GUIDE.

  Target: ________________________

  Location: ______________________

  Times Observed: ______________________

  General Description: ______________________

  Proposed Action: __________________

  Route: To and from target areas, approach and withdrawal routes, rallying points, mission support sites, cache sites and final assembly areas may be selected.

  Requirements: (Determine availability before recon)

  Explosives: ____________________

  Equipment: ____________________

  Personnel: ____________________