In a groundbreaking stride towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Solar Industries based in Nagpur, has developed and introduced new explosive formulations that deliver a significantly more powerful blast effect than current solid explosives. This remarkable accomplishment aims to enhance the effectiveness and potency of weapons and ammunition, presenting a crucial advancement for the Indian Navy and the other two armed forces.
The Indian Navy recently successfully conducted certification tests for three of EEL’s explosive compositions: SEBEX-2, a high-performance explosive with a TNT equivalence of 2.01; SITBEX-1, a solid thermobaric polymer-bonded explosive; and SIMEX-4, a new insensitive explosive formulation.
Following a thorough and successful evaluation of this powerful composition, the Board of Officers appointed by the Director General of Naval Armament Inspection (DGNAI) issued a compliance certificate to EEL under the “Defence Export Promotion Scheme” on 25th June, marking a significant accomplishment in augmenting the nation’s defence capabilities.
“This is another step towards achieving atmanirbharta in Defence. The Indian Navy has successfully conducted certification tests for the explosives, which are being indigenously developed by M/s Economic Explosives Limited, Nagpur. The Indian Navy said in an X post on Saturday that the development of these explosives by M/s EEL aims to enhance the potency and efficiency of weapons/ammunition”.
Another step towards achieving #AatmaNirbharta in Defence.#IndianNavy has successfully conducted certification tests for the explosives, which are being indigenously developed by M/s Economic Explosives Limited, Nagpur.#ordnancedeliveryontarget
The development of these… pic.twitter.com/QwbubB6JDO
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) June 29, 2024
What is the significance of High-Performance Explosive with TNT Equivalence of 2.01?
The potency of any explosive is measured in terms of TNT equivalence, where a higher equivalence signifies greater lethality and destructive power. Notably, conventional explosives such as DENTEX/TORPEX, commonly used in Pinaka warheads, aerial bombs, and other ammunition globally, have a TNT equivalence of 1.25-1.30. Furthermore, the formidable HEMEX, developed by DRDO and deployed for filling the BrahMos warhead, possesses a TNT equivalence of 1.45-1.50.
In a groundbreaking development, EEL has successfully formulated SEBEX 2, an HMX-based castable composition with a remarkable TNT equivalence of 2.01. The SEBEX-2’s unprecedented potency is expected to revolutionise the lethality of warheads, aerial bombs, artillery shells, and other munitions that rely on blast and fragmentation effects to inflict damage on targets.
“This SEBEX-2 will be a game changer for improving the lethality of warheads, aerial bombs, artillery shells, and other munitions which utilise the blast fragmentation effects to inflict damage to the target,” an EEL statement said.
Thermobaric Explosive
On the other hand, solid thermobaric explosives, also known as fuel-rich explosives, represent a specialised class of explosives designed to deliver a distinct destructive effect compared to conventional high explosives. EEL has developed the thermobaric polymer-bonded explosives, SITBEX-1, which has substantially high blast impulse, fireball temperature, and fireball diameter compared to conventional explosives.
“This formulation will be an ideal choice for filling in air bombs, missiles and other warhead systems intended for the destruction of tunnels, bunkers, and other fortified structures,” the company added.
Insensitive Explosive
Technological advancements in developing insensitive explosive compositions and their packaging inside the shells or warheads make possible a range of munitions termed “Insensitive Munitions” (IM), which are safe during storage, transportation, and operation without affecting their intended applications.
Solar Industries has developed a new insensitive explosive formulation, SIMEX-4, for naval warheads. The explosive was characterised by measuring shock sensitivity and critical diameter, two important parameters used to estimate the explosive composition’s insensitivity.
“In the live demonstration trial for the Indian Navy, the shock sensitivity of SIMEX-4 was found to be more than 110 kbar, and the critical diameter was above 75 mm. In comparison, the present insensitive explosive composition, which is being used in the ERASR warhead of Varunastra, has a shock sensitivity of around 45-47 kbar and a critical diameter of about 43 mm. Hence, SIMEX is a highly promising insensitive explosive for developing IM systems for naval, aerial or any other weapon platforms where the safety of the onboard weapon or ammunition is highly prioritised,” EEL said.
Ravi Shankar
