C-4 (explosive)

C-4
Blocks of C-4 cut to size during a demo training session, showing the white plastic explosive material
TypeHigh-yield chemical explosive
Place of originUnited States
Service history
Used byUnited States
WarsVietnam War
War on Terror
2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine
Production history
Designed1956
Produced1956–current
VariantsPE-4, M112
Specifications (M112)
Mass1.25 lb (0.57 kg)[1]
Length11 in (28 cm)[1]
Width2 in (5.1 cm)[1]
Height1.5 in (3.8 cm)[1]

FillingRDX
Filling weight91%
Detonation
mechanism
PETN-based detonating cord
Blast yieldHigh

C-4 or Composition C-4 is a common variety of the plastic explosive family known as Composition C, which uses RDX as its explosive agent. C-4 is composed of explosives, plastic binder, plasticizer to make it malleable, and usually a marker or odorizing taggant chemical. C-4 has a texture similar to modelling clay and can be molded into any desired shape. C-4 is relatively insensitive and can be detonated only by the shock wave from a detonator or blasting cap.

A similar British plastic explosive, also based on RDX but with a plasticizer different from that used in Composition C-4, is known as PE-4 (Plastic Explosive No. 4).

  1. ^ a b c d Cite error: The named reference global was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Composition C-4. Paul Lezica.