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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 36, Number 8. 19th April 1973

Platter Charge (fig. 5)

Platter Charge (fig. 5)

General. The platter charge is most effective against POL storage containers, transformers, and similar thin-skin targets that are usually made inaccessible by fencing. The size of the charge is governed by the weight of the platter. The configuration of the platter may be any shape; but, concave shape raises the temperature of the platter during flight, thereby assisting in igniting the POL upon hitting the target. The explosive, upon detonation, projects the platter through the air and into the target. If a chain-link (cyclone) fence is between the charge and the target, the fence will be penetrated and the platter will continue to the target.

Enginerring technical drawings

Figure 3. Opposed charges suspended by rope.

Enginerring technical drawings

Figure 4. Opposed charge placed on bridge pier.

Enginerring technical drawings

Figure 5. Plotter charge.

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Enginerring technical drawings

Figure 6. Ribbon charge.

Enginerring technical drawings

Figure 7. Improvised shaped charge.

Preparation of charge. A container of any kind with a diameter of the platter may be used. Both ends of the container should be removed. Position the platter at one end of the container with the concave side facing out. A platter of any material other than metal will result in a greatly reduced range. Steel provides the beat result with effective ranges of more than 40 meters. The amount of explosive required to propel the platter should equal the weight of the platter. The explosive is then packed firmly in the container. When no container is available, the explosive may be taped to the platter and hung by coat hangers on fence.

Placement of charge. The platter container is positioned on Us side with the concave face of the platter directed toward the target. The maximum, effective range is dependent upon the size of the target, and may extend to 40 meters or more.

Priming, Prime the charge exactly in the rear center. Exact rear-center detonation of the charge is essential for uniform distribution of shock waves and proper propulsion.

Ribbon Charge (fig- 6). This charge. If properly calculated and placed, cuts mild steel up to 5 centimeters in thickness with considerably less explosive than formula computed (P 3/8A) charges. It is effective on non-circular steel targets up to 5 centimeters. It can be shaped for use against 1- and T- beams. On the corners and ends where the detonators ore placed, it may be necessary to "build up" this area with additional explosives since the charge will be less than 1.27 centimeters thick.

(1)Thickness of charge = the thickness of the metal.
(2)Width of charge = twice the thickness of the charge.
(3)Length of charge = the length of the cut.