Figure 1-38. Detonating cord priming of plastic explosive.
ED by Burning
Some ammunition items are more efficiently destroyed by burning, and there may be times when you do not have
enough explosives to accomplish destruction by detonation. There are three preferred methods used to initiate
materials during an ED burn.
The first method uses a nonelectric firing system with a powder bag on the end as previously described (See
Figure 1-10 on page 1-16.)
The second method is to set up a nonelectric firing system, but instead of placing the split time fuse into a plastic
bag of smokeless powder, cut the igniter pad of a propelling charge, and insert the time fuse into it. This method
is shown in Figure 1-39.
The first and second methods both require a combustion train. The combustion train (or ignition train) should be
laid so that it must burn into the wind. The train can consist of paper, propellant bags, black powder, or time
blasting fuse. As a minimum, the train should be eight meters (25 feet) long. Ignition should be by time fuse
whenever possible (for a nonelectric firing system), or by electric squib (for an electric firing system). When
burning, time fuse can curl and roll. Secure the fuse with rocks, dirt, or other weights to prevent it from
prematurely igniting the charges.
The third method is to use detonating cord tied into a knot and suspended in a closed container of a mixture of
gasoline and diesel fuel, as shown in Figure 1-40.
The method used depends on the materials and the time available. Some of the munitions to be destroyed will be
palletized, and some will be unpalletized.
Remove propelling charges from their containers, and place them around all four sides of the pallets.
1-43
MM 017
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