Graphite bomb
A graphite bomb is intended to be a non-lethal weapon used to disable an electrical grid. The bomb works by spreading a dense cloud of extremely fine, chemically treated carbon filaments over air-insulated high voltage installations like transformers and power lines, causing short-circuits and subsequent disruption of the electricity supply in an area, a region or even an entire small country. The weapon is sometimes referred to as a blackout bomb or soft bomb because its direct effects are largely confined to the targeted electrical power facility, with minimal risk of immediate collateral damage. However, since water supply systems and sewage treatment systems depend on electricity, widespread outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne diseases, causing large numbers of civilian deaths, have in the past been the direct consequence of this bomb's use.[1]
Bomb structure
[edit]A graphite bomb consists of a metal canister that is filled with spools of graphite filament and an explosive device.[2] The American version is typically labeled "BLU-114/B". BLU is a military acronym for "bomb live unit". Once the bomb is ejected from a plane or missile, the device's explosive is activated. The explosive detonates ejecting the graphite filaments from the metal canister. The filaments unwind and drift down until (hopefully in the intention of the attacker) some will straddle high voltage power distribution lines, usually consisting of several not insulated wires, and establish an electrical connection between two or more wires.[how?] Graphite is a sufficiently good conductor and the current flowing in the fiber immediately vaporizes it, creating a thin channel of gas, ionized by the high temperature, around the space previously occupied by the fiber. The ionized gas, also a conductor, allows more current to flow, raising the temperature further and creating a bigger channel of ionized gas until the high voltage line is effectively short circuited. At this point either the protection of the line cuts the power, or the line fails due to overcurrent. In both cases the power distribution is cut.[citation needed]
Uses
[edit]South Korea has announced plans to build graphite bombs for use against North Korea to paralyse its electric grid in the event of a new war breaking out on the Korean Peninsula,[3] subject to funding from the country's finance ministry.[4] The weapons have been developed by South Korea's Agency for Defense Development, Yonhap news agency reported, as one element of the kill chain pre-emptive strike program.[3] Contractors were selected in 2020 and the weapons are intended to be delivered by 2024.[5]
Countermeasures
[edit]The effects of a graphite bomb can be mitigated by providing insulation.[6] However, most power lines are not insulated in practice due to the high costs involved.[7]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Thomasen, Kristen M. (24 October 2008). "Air Power, Coercion, and Dual-Use Infrastructure: A Legal and Ethical Analysis". International Affairs Review. George Washington University. Archived from the original on 30 December 2008.
- ^ "Fact file: Blackout bombs". BBC News. 19 March 2003. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
- ^ a b Ryall, Julian (9 October 2017). "South Korea developing graphite 'blackout bombs' to paralyse North's electrical grid". The Telegraph.
- ^ Agerholm, Harriet (9 October 2017). "South Korea develops 'bomb' to wipe out North Korea's power supply". The Independent. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
- ^ Young Kim, Dae (18 August 2020). "South Korea selects companies to develop gliding graphite bomb". Janes Information Services. Retrieved 23 October 2020.
- ^ Eduard, Jeler (May 2016). "The Graphite Bomb: An Overview of its Basic Military Applications". Review of the Air Force Academy. 1 (31): 13.
- ^ Engber, Daniel (28 July 2005). "Why Are Power Lines So Deadly?". Slate. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
External links
[edit]- "CBU-94 'Blackout Bomb' BLU-114/B 'Soft-bomb'". GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved 1 September 2017.