Reactive Materials can be used to replace inert metals in munitions, all different kinds of weapons. Even Explosively Formed Penetrators, or EFPs, the "superbombs" used to such deadly effect in Iraq and Afghanistan, are candidates for the reactive materials revolution.
EFPs are a close relative of shaped charges. In a standard shaped charge, explosive is wrapped around a hollow copper cone; when the charge is detonated the copper is transformed into a very narrow, high-speed jet of metal which can cut through steel armor. EFPs are similar, except that using a different shaped cone the copper becomes a large- high-speed slug. EFPs penetrate much less armor than shaped charges, but have much longer range (tens or hundreds of meters rather than just a meter or two). They also have far greater 'behind armor effect' as they punch a much bigger hole and do more damage on the other side.
EFPs are perhaps best known as roadside bombs used by Iraqi insurgents. However, as we have seen, America has its own EFP weapons, including the SLAM, or Selectable Lightweight Attack Munition, issued to Special Forces. The two-pound mine is small enough to fit in a jacket pocket, so several can be carried, and when triggered the metal slug will go through 40mm of armor at 25 feet. The mine can be used in several modes, with a built-in IR motion sensor and magnetic sensor, attached to a trip-wire, or on time delay as a demolition device.
Now the makers, ATK, are looking at enhancing SLAM by supplementing the copper liner with reactive material, (warning, large Powerpoint file) with the aim of an "increased target set and effectiveness."
Increasing the target set means it will be able to attack a greater range of targets. At the moment, the SLAM is intended for use against:
A photo showing the effect of a Reactive Material EFP against concrete suggests that the enhanced version may be effective against structures. Depending on design, the projectile may be intended to produce a large break in a wall, or to penetrate it and generate a thermobaric-type blast on the other side. Such a device could be used to attack barracks and other occupied buildings by stealth: plant the device at a suitable distance aimed at the target, set it on timer and leave the area.
