| Fuse (explosives) |
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In an Explosive device, a fuse (or '''fuze''') is the part of the device that causes it to function. In common usage, the word fuse is used indiscriminately, but when being specific (and in particular in a military context), fuse is used to mean a simple pyrotechnic detonating device, like the cord on a firecracker, while fuze is used to mean a more complicated device, such as a Proximity Fuze . FUSE The simplest fuse is a length of combustible material which burns from the free end, through a small opening in the casing, and into the explosive charge, where it then ignites the explosive material. Fuses are still found in fireworks, model Cannon s, antique smoothbore Firearms , some Improvised Explosive Device s and many forms of Pyrotechnics . Fuse can be created using a wide variety of technologies.
FUZE A fuze refers to a device used in Munition s which is designed to detonate, or to set forces into action to detonate, the Charge (or Primer ) under desired conditions. Types of fuzes include:
Many weapons have fuze systems to ensure that they do not initiate (go off) before intended. In most cases the munition has to travel some distance before it can detonate. In other cases the bomb, Mine or projectile has a fuze that prevents accidental initiation (for example, stopping turning of a small Propellor so that the striker-pin cannot touch the detonator even if the weapon is dropped on the ground). These sort of fuzes operate with aircraft weapons where the weapon may have to be dropped over ''friendly'' territory to allow a damaged aircraft to continue to fly. The crew can choose to jettison the weapons ''safe'' by dropping the devices with fuzes still attached, or drop them ''live'' by retaining the fuzes as the weapons leave the aircraft. Aerial bombs and Depth Charge s can be ''nose'' and ''tail'' fuzed using different detonator/initiator characteristics so that the crew can choose which effect (fuze) will suit target conditions that may not have been known before the flight. The arming-switch is set to one of ''safe'', ''nose'' or ''tail'' at the crew's choice. There also exist other fuzing systems. SEE ALSO
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