Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!sdd.hp.com!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!pacific.mps.ohio-state.edu!linac!att!cbfsb!cbnewsc!cbnews!cbnews!military From: disc3c1@jetson.uh.edu Newsgroups: sci.military Subject: Re: Fuel-Air Explosives Message-ID: <1991Jan23.035405.3978@cbnews.att.com> Date: 23 Jan 91 03:54:05 GMT References: <1991Jan21.035620.3877@cbnews.att.com> Sender: military@cbnews.att.com (William B. Thacker) Organization: University of Houston Lines: 41 Approved: military@att.att.com From: disc3c1@jetson.uh.edu In article <1991Jan21.035620.3877@cbnews.att.com>, ames!ames!claris!portal!cup.portal.com!mmm@uunet.UU.NET writes: > From: > WRT the effectiveness of an explosion in air vs. the "Blockbuster", > it has been my understanding that what knocks down buildings is not > so much the initial blast, but the rush of air into the vacuum created > following a blast, in which case an explosion in air would probably be > preferable. Can anyone confirm/refute the vacuum theory? Bombs such as the CBU-72 FAE work on the principle of a "Overpressure" bomb This weapon contains a mixture of 3 heavier than air gases. When the bomb lands, the gases are released onto the air, forming an explosive mixture. A Delayed action fuse ignites the mixture, which causes the contaminated air to burn! As well as incinerating everything, the burning gases expand instantly In open air this is sufficient to set off mines and flatten soft objects such as men! The effect in an enclosed area is much bigger though. The "shock wave of gases" will knock down walls, floor and roof of the structure. The result in underground structures (such as a Sub Pen) is total destruction.. Bomb's such as this, are mainly dropped onto Builings, and have an effect (not as great as buildings) on Sub Pens, Hangars, Bunkers, and oil Platforms.. While they do have a small (small when comparing to the Exocet) effect on ships.. I hope that cleared it up a bit for you, I have seen a film a a building being blown to bits by a CBU-72 FAE bomb. In Slow motion you can see the "shock wave" of expanding gases, as it slowly rips through the building..nothing was left afterwards.. ************************************************** * The Iron Eagle : Sterling * * Sysop of - : Aviation * * Fightertown, USA : Sciences * * (713)868-4372 : 11625 Martindale Rd * * 24oo : Houston, TX 77048 * * Baud Rate Only! : USA * **************************************************