Insensitive Munitions - Insensitive High Explosives

Insensitive munitions are almost always filled with fire resistant, shock resistant insensitive high explosives (IHE) such as triaminotrinitrobenze (TATB) or various insensitive explosive mixtures, or plastic/polymer-bonded explosives, which are similar to reactive materials. TATB particularly will not detonate if impacted by typical fragments or burned in a fire.

A new IHE called Insensitive Munitions Explosive (IMX-101), has been qualified and approved by the U.S. Army to replace trinitrotoluene (TNT). IMX-101 is said to have the “same lethality as traditional TNT, but is far less likely to explode if dropped, shot at or hit by a roadside bomb during transport”. This IHE has been tested and proven to be a safer alternative within large-caliber projectiles currently utilized by the Army and Marine Corps.

Another IHE, experimental, is FOX-7.

IHEs often combine amino groups and nitro groups in the same molecule.

Read more about this topic:  Insensitive Munitions

Famous quotes containing the words insensitive and/or high:

    I think sometimes that it is almost a pity to enjoy Italy as much as I do, because the acuteness of my sensations makes them rather exhausting; but when I see the stupid Italians I have met here, completely insensitive to their surroundings, and ignorant of the treasures of art and history among which they have grown up, I begin to think it is better to be an American, and bring to it all a mind and eye unblunted by custom.
    Edith Wharton (1862–1937)

    Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in
    their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
    Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet,
    with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.
    How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle!
    Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places.
    Bible: Hebrew Second Samuel (l. I, 23–25)