Dunnite

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Dunnite should not be confused with the rock, dunite.

Dunnite, also known as Explosive D, CH(NO)ONH or Ammonium picrate was developed by Major Dunn in 1906[1] and was used extensively by the United States Navy during World War I.[2]

Dunnite consisted of ammonium picrate powder and was considered an insensitive substance. By 1911, the United States Army had abandoned the use of dunnite.[3] The Navy, however, used it in armour-piercing artillery shells and projectiles, and in coastal defence.

Dunnite typically did not detonate when it contacted heavy armour. Rather, the shell encasing it would tear open the protective armour. A fuze would then be triggered, causing detonation.

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Dunnite Smashes Strongest Armor", The New York Times, August 18, 1907.
  2. ^ "Dunnite", Firstworldwar.com
  3. ^ "Ridicule Spy Story: Army Abandoned the Use of Dunnite Years Ago, Officers Say", The New York Times, August 8, 1911.


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