Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL), a 100% subsidiary of Solar Industries, Nagpur, is credited with development of three new explosive formulations SEBEX 2, SITBEX-1 and SIMEX-4 that will prove to be game changer for the armed forces. The new explosive is going to enhance of firepower and explosive effect thereby boosting the resources of Indian Navy. Notably, the development effort by EEL is 100% indigenous in terms of both technology as well as material. This was made possible due to the push towards ‘Atmanirbharta’ in Ministry of Defence, which worked closely with Director General of Naval Armament Inspection (DGNAI) of the Indian Navy. SEBEX 2 is a new explosive formulation that provides a much more powerful blast effect than any currently available solid explosive with the forces. The performance of any explosive is measured in terms of TNT equivalence. Explosives with higher TNT equivalence have more lethality and destructive power. Conventional explosives, like DENTEX/TORPEX, used in conventional warheads, aerial bombs and many other ammunitions world-wide have the TNT equivalence of 1.25-1.30. SEBEX 2 has TNT quivalence of 2.01, giving it an edge over others.

 

Another existing powerful explosive HEMEX, used for filling the Brahmos warhead (under development), has a TNT equivalence of about -1.50. This is a major breakthrough and EEL has developed SEBEX 2, an HMX-based castable composition, that has a TNT equivalence of 2.01. Also, SEBEX 2 will be a game changer for improving the lethality of warheads, aerial bombs, artillery shells and other munitions which utilise the blast and fragmentation effects to inflict damage to the targets,” said the company officials while detailing the specification of the new ammunition for the armed forces. After successfully evaluating this composition, the Board of Officers appointed by DGNAI issued a compliance certificate on June 25, 2024 under the Defence Export Promotion Scheme, said the company release issued here.

 

Meanwhile, efforts are underway to further enhance the TNT equivalence to 2.3 which will most likely be developed within next six months by EEL, said a confident company officials. Another new addition is going to be Thermobaric Polymer-bonded Explosive - SITBEX-1. Solid thermobaric explosives, also known as fuel-rich explosives, represent a specialised class of explosives designed to deliver a distinct destructive effect compared to conventional high explosives. While traditional explosives focus on a single, powerful detonation, solid thermobaric explosives prioritise a prolonged blast duration and intense heat generation. This unique characteristic makes them particularly effective against fortified positions. enclosed spaces and personnel. EEL has developed the Thermobaric Polymer-bonded Explosive, SITBEX-1, which has a substantially high blast impulse, fireball temperature and fireball diameter compared to conventional explosives. In a live demonstration trial to the Board of Officers appointed by DGNAI from the Indian Navy, the fireball temperature, fireball diameter and blast impulse of SITBEX-1 were found to be higher by 20%, 35% and 28%, respectively, compared to the conventional RDX/TNT (60/40) explosive composition.

 

A certificate of compliance for the same was issued on June 25, 2024. This formulation will be an ideal choice for filling in air bombs, missiles and other warhead systems intended for the destruction of tunnels, bunkers or other fortified structures. The third new addition is going to be New Insensitive Explosive Formulation - SIMEX-4. Technological advances in the development of insensitive explosive compositions and their packaging inside the shells or warheads are making possible the development of a range of munitions termed Insensitive Munitions (IM), which are safe during storage, transportation and operation without affecting their intended applications. EEL, Nagpur, has developed a new insensitive explosive formulation, SIMEX-4, to be used in naval warheads. The explosive was characterised through the measurement of shock sensitivity and critical diameter, which are two important parameters used to estimate the insensitivity of the explosive composition.

 

During the trials, the shock sensitivity of SIMEX-4 was found to be more than 110 kbar and the critical diameter was above 75 mm. In comparison, the present insensitive explosive composition, which is being used in the warhead of VARUNASTRA, has shock sensitivity of around 45-47 kbar and critical diameter of about 43 mm. Hence, SIMEX-4 is a highly promising insensitive explosive for developing IM systems for naval, aerial or any other weapon platforms where the safety of the onboard weapon or ammunition is highly prioritised. Solar Group and its associated companies are scaling new heights in indegenisation of weapons production under stellar leadership of its Chairman Satyanaryan Nuval.