What does a phosphorus grenade do?
What does a phosphorus grenade do?
The M15 White Phosphorous grenade is a bursting type grenade used for signaling, screening, and incendiary purposes. The grenade has a bursting radius of 17 meters. All friendly personnel within this 17-meter area should be in a covered position to avoid being struck by burning particles.
Are phosphorus grenades legal?
While in general white phosphorus is an industrial chemical not subject to restriction, certain uses in weaponry are banned or restricted by general international laws: in particular, those related to incendiary devices.
Are phosphorus bombs illegal?
White phosphorus munitions are per se a lawful weapon that can be used against the enemy consistent with the normal laws of targeting. However, white phosphorus munitions, like any lawful weapon, can be used in numerous unlawful manners, such as to specifically target civilians or launch attacks indiscriminately.
Are white phosphorus bombs illegal?
The use of white phosphorus is not banned under international convention when it is used as an obscurant – to make a smokescreen or to illuminate a target (white phosphorus glows green when exposed to oxygen). To use it for incendiary weapons in civilian areas is banned under the Geneva convention.
What is Willie Pete grenade?
The M34 White Phosphorus Smoke Grenade or “Willie Pete” was a smoke / incendiary grenade manufactured by Rocky Mountain Arsenal from the late 1950s and used by U.S. forces during the Vietnam War and was also used during the First Gulf War. The M34 WP Grenade replaced the World War II M15 WP grenade.
Is it legal to own white phosphorus?
Because it has legal uses, white phosphorus is not banned as a chemical weapon under international conventions. It is a colorless or yellowish translucent wax-like substance that smells a bit like garlic and ignites on contact with oxygen.
Is phossy jaw still around?
Modern medicines. “Phossy jaw” was thought to have been eliminated through modern day working practices, but in a twist of fate, contemporary medicine has actually resurrected this disease.
What is a phosphorus grenade?
The Phosphorus Grenade is an explosive device that releases a chemical compound to an area. The Phosphorus Grenade a very lethal grenade that, upon exploding, causes the grenade to release a white hot chemical element called phosphorus. This chemical burns into the skin, causing excruciating pain to anyone affected by it.
What is a white phosphorus grenade used for?
White Phosphorus (WP), known as Willy Pete, is used for signaling, screening, and incendiary purposes. White Phosphorus can be used to destroy the enemy’s equipment or to limit his vision. It is used against vehicles, petroleum , oils and lubricants (POL) and ammunition storage areas, and enemy observers.
What is white phosphorus grenade?
White phosphorus grenade. A Soviet white phosphorus grendade. The white phosphorus (WP) grenade is an incendiary grenade that produces intense heat by means of a chemical reaction, burning at 2,800 °C (5,070 °F).
