V.

SHAPED CHARGES:

A.

"STOCK" Charges:

Charge, Demolition, 7 oz., Mk II, Stock

This is a small linear shaped charge, consisting of a tin outer casing, 6" x 1-5/8" x 2", with an 80 degree angle copper arch fitted so that the apex is 1-3/8" above the base. The charge is designed to cut 1" of steel. Two Cordtex leads are led through a groove in the top of the charge, above a series of primer pellets, and are held in place by four straps soldered to the outer casing. About 4½ inches of the Cordex project from either end of the charge as leads. A 10" tinned copper wire is soldered to each corner of the charge to porvide a method of fixing the charge or of connecting two or more charges together.

The 5 oz. Mk I and the 7 oz. Mk II charges are exactly similar, except that the latter is two inches longer than the former.

B.

"BEEHIVE" Charges:

1.

Charge, Demolition, No. 1, 6" Mk III/Beehive.

The Mk III Beehive is a ten pound shaped containing 6-3/4 lbs. of Pentolite. The charge measures 6" in diameter and 7" in length, with three 4½" legs attached to the base to give the proper stand-off distance. An 80 degree sheet steel cone is fitted to give the Munroe effect. A removable cap on top of the container covers a primer tube containing the primers into which the detonator is inserted.

2.

Other Beehive Charges:

From time to time, other sizes of Beehives have been used by the British Army, as follows:

a) Charge, Demolition, No. 6, Mk I (16/25 lb.)

b) Charge, Demolition, H/C, 30 lb. Mk I (Nesting)

c) Charge, Demolition, No. 7, Mk I (35/50 lb.)

d) Charge, Demolition, No. 8, 60 lb. Mk I

e) Charge, Demolition, No. 4, 75 lb. Mk I (H/C)

C.

"ARCHED" Charges:

1.

Charge, Demolition, No. 2, 25 lb. Mk I/Arched, ("General Wade"):

This charge is an arched linear charge, containing 26 lbs. of Pentolite. The con-tainer is made of tinplate and measures 9" x 12-3/4" x 6-3/8". The container is semi-cylindrical, with a 2-1/4" radius arch fitted into the bottom to give the focal charge effect. The charge is designed to be a general purpose charge, combining some of the advantages of the coned type of charge with those of the ordinary contact type. It is thus adequate to effect serious damage against the majority of targets likely to be encountered by assault troops, i.e., against reinforced concrete and armor plate up to 2" thickness.

2.

Charge, Demolition, 26 lb., Arched ("M.S. Shape"):

This charge is a slight adaptation of the "General Wade", described above. The thickness of the explosive at the top has been reduced to 2½", and the base pres-sure charge has been increased by about 50%, giving the following dimensions, 9" x 17" x 5".

D.

"HAYRICK" Charges:

1.

Charge, Demolition, No. 3, 15 lb. Mk I/Hayrick:

The Hayrick charge is a linear shaped charge designed to cut the tension rein-forcing bars of reinforced concrete structures. It consists of a mild steel body con-taining the H.E. filling, with a blast plate fitted internally to provide the hollow char-ge effect. The body is rectangular in shape, measuring 11¼" x 6" x 17½". One end is open and formed with flanged end plates, while the opposite end is shaped to an apex and carries two detonator sleeves, a sealing plate, and the fuze support. About 15 lbs. of Pentolite make up the H.E. filler, bring the total weight of about 27½ lbs.