Bomb size question
Discussion
The recent bombings have lead me to look suspiciously at every muslim with a bag on the tube. (Interesting new fact- every single person of asian/arabic appearance takes a rucksack onto the tube).
I assumed that a 10lb bomb could fit in a realtively small container thus anyone is a potential bomber.
If that is true why did the bombers have big backpacks?
Does anyone here know the actual dimensions of a bomb of this size?
If so make sure you also explain how you know.
I assumed that a 10lb bomb could fit in a realtively small container thus anyone is a potential bomber.
If that is true why did the bombers have big backpacks?
Does anyone here know the actual dimensions of a bomb of this size?
If so make sure you also explain how you know.
It all depends on what explosive is being used.An 8oz stick of plastic explosive (semtex etc) is IIRC about 4cm in diameter by 16cm long. "I no nothing about home made explosives" but IIRC it's normally alot larger in physical size, due to not being as refined.
Used to work on EOD when I was in the RAF.
Used to work on EOD when I was in the RAF.
:WW said:
I heard on some program that the explosive they used was very sensitive to bumps and increase in temperature, that being the case, the rucksacks were probably filled with insulation and padding.
I heard that too, but then again if you are a suicide bomber if you go off a bit prematurely is that problem?
I figured that 10lbs of explosives would be like 10 x 1lb bags of sugar in volume and therefore the rucksack would have to be of a reasonable size given that they would need a power source (battery) and also a detonator.
I too have been looking at all Asians I see in the street and looking at the size of their rucksacks/bags etc. I figure for a long time I will, especially single young men.
Wonder if this is classed as racist behaviour by the government?
wolves_wanderer said:I heard that there is a way of adding a futher compound in to the mix which makes it more stable. Al Qaueda (or whatever) are known to use this...
I heard on some program that the explosive they used was very sensitive to bumps and increase in temperature, that being the case, the rucksacks were probably filled with insulation and padding.
Well, they estimate bombs af around 4 to 5 kgs were used. Proper explosives are, by their very nature of being a stock of energy, fairly dense. Assuming that they are as twice as dense as water, that leaves you with a lump of around 2.5 litres in volume. The detonating device will be negligible in comparison, so that implies a cube about 14 cm square.
Not very big is it?
Not very big is it?
There is a good reason for asking though.
In order to be vigilant citizens it would be helpful to know what we are looking out for.
No-ones asking the content of said bomb or building instructions- simply size.
I feel quite confident that MI5 arent winging there way to me as we speak.
Edit-
me this thread moves fast- I was replying to EricMc
>> Edited by blindswelledrat on Wednesday 20th July 09:37
In order to be vigilant citizens it would be helpful to know what we are looking out for.
No-ones asking the content of said bomb or building instructions- simply size.
I feel quite confident that MI5 arent winging there way to me as we speak.
Edit-
me this thread moves fast- I was replying to EricMc >> Edited by blindswelledrat on Wednesday 20th July 09:37
IvIark said:
Wonder if this is classed as racist behaviour by the government?
Self preservations as far as I'm concerned. I'd prefer to be considered racist than risk my kids lives by standing next to a potential bomber on the bus.
You cant help it can you?
We are reasonably intelligent people and know the odds of a specific asian being a suicide bomber but it doesnt stop us does it?
Whatever it looks like, it won't look like an Inspector Clouseau type bomb so I don't think understanding the technical aspects of its construction or its potential power is going to make you feel any safer. Probably the opposite, actually.
However, understanding how a potential bomber behaves might be more useful.
However, understanding how a potential bomber behaves might be more useful.
puggit said:Most unstable part is during the making. TATP can be made so stable that a nutter could pack it into his shoe and walk about on it (i.e. Reid). Size-wise, then four or five bags of sugar would be about right. Makes it tough to detect and stop.
I heard on some program that the explosive they used was very sensitive to bumps and increase in temperature, that being the case, the rucksacks were probably filled with insulation and padding.
I heard that there is a way of adding a futher compound in to the mix which makes it more stable. Al Qaueda (or whatever) are known to use this...
Sheepy
IvIark said:
Wonder if this is classed as racist behaviour by the government?
Self preservations as far as I'm concerned. I'd prefer to be considered racist than risk my kids lives by standing next to a potential bomber on the bus.
I use the tube everyday so have had similar thoughts. The trouble is though - what to you do if you see someone who looks suspiscious on the tube with a bag? You can't punch heck out of every asian lad with a bag who looks slightly nervous, and by the time you've spotted them you are already on the train usually! I look around me a bit more, but pretty much just get on the tube as normal.
Last night on the tube there were spare seats and lots of people standing up - the seats were next to asian looking people. It must make them feel awful.
I couldnt get into work until a few mins ago as the police had cordoned off my road!
Eric Mc said:
Whatever it looks like, it won't look like an Inspector Clouseau type bomb ...
Sorry, but that tickled me. I have to agree with most sentiments here that I am now being far more suspicious than before - but I don't apologise. My safety/welfare etc mean more to me than keeping the PC brigade happy!
puggit said:
I'd suggest that you do not Google for "how to build a bomb" in the current climate, unless you want armed police at the door!
'course, now you've posted that, next time google scans PH it'll come up in their search results when someone googles for "how to build a bomb". We'll have police monitoring PH now
Gassing Station | The Pie & Piston Archive | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff