Incendiary device facts for kids
Incendiary devices, often called firebombs, are special types of bombs. They are designed to start fires. These devices use flammable materials to create a lot of heat and flames. They have been used in wars for a long time.
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How Incendiary Devices Work
Incendiary bombs contain materials that burn very hot. Some common materials used include Napalm, White phosphorus, and thermite. When these bombs explode, they spread these burning materials. This causes widespread fires.
History of Firebombs
Firebombs were used very often in World War II. They caused huge fires in many cities. One of the most well-known attacks was the bombing of Dresden, Germany. This happened during World War II. Flamethrowers are also a type of incendiary device. They spray burning fuel over a short distance.
Modern Use and Rules
The United States still uses a type of incendiary bomb called the Mark 77 bomb. These bombs were used during the invasion of Iraq in 2003. However, most other countries no longer use them. This is because an international treaty bans them.
This treaty is called the United Nations Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. It was agreed upon in 1980. Section III of this treaty makes it illegal for countries that signed it to use these bombs.
Images for kids
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Mark 77 napalm bomb being loaded onto a US Marine Strike Fighter Squadron F/A-18A Hornet aircraft
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An incendiary bomb dropped on Southend-on-Sea in 1916
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A German World War II 1 kg incendiary bomb
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Burning ballroom at the Royal Castle, Warsaw, as a result of incendiary bombing by the German Luftwaffe
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British I.B. 4-lb. Mk IV type incendiary bomb. Top: complete device, nose is red. Middle: dud found without the tin plate tail. Bottom: the remains after burning. RAF Bomber Command dropped 80 million of these 4 lb incendiary bombs during World War II. The 4 lb bomb was also used by the US as the "AN-M50".
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Avro Lancaster bomb bay showing later mix of 4,000-pound "Cookie" blast bomb and 12 Small Bomb Containers each containing 236 4 lb incendiaries.
See also
In Spanish: Bomba incendiaria para niños
