Satchel charge facts for kids
A satchel charge is a special tool used in combat to destroy things. It's like a powerful bomb carried in a bag. The main parts are a strong explosive, like dynamite or C-4, a bag similar to a satchel or messenger bag, and a way to make it explode. These charges can be homemade or specially designed for military use.
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What Are Satchel Charges Used For?
Satchel charges are mostly used by soldiers to destroy large, strong targets. Think of things like blockhouses, bunkers, or bridges. They are also used to clear obstacles like barbed wire or minefields.
Satchel Charges in World War II
During World War II, military engineers used satchel charges a lot. They would use them to blow up railway tracks, obstacles, and enemy strongholds. The United States Army had a kit called the M37 Demolition Kit. It contained several blocks of high explosive in a canvas bag. Soldiers could place this charge against a structure or throw it into an opening. It was usually set off by pulling a special igniter.
Satchel charges were also very effective against tanks. A charge of about 4 kilograms (9 pounds) was enough to seriously damage a medium tank's tracks. This could stop the tank from moving, making it an easy target.
Satchel Charges in the Vietnam War
Later, in the Vietnam War, special soldiers called sappers used satchel charges. These sappers were part of the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese armies. They were experts at sneaking into enemy bases. They used satchel charges and other tools like Bangalore torpedoes to blast through defenses. This included barbed wire and other strong barriers.
The U.S. military also used satchel charges. For example, the M183 Demolition Charge Assembly contained about 9 kilograms (20 pounds) of C-4 explosive. This could be set off with a timer. In the Second Battle of Fallujah during the Iraq War, U.S. forces used similar charges. They used them to collapse houses where enemy fighters were hiding.
Special Forces and Modern Use
Today, some special forces units might still use satchel charges. They can customize these charges for specific missions. This helps them destroy very particular targets that are part of their mission goals.
See also
- Door breaching
- Petard
