Linear Explosives

Linear explosives are lines of energetic material encased in a material, which when detonated create a uniform linear cutting action.

We have embraced our global leadership role to progressively replace our lead-sheathed linear explosives with environmentally conscious materials. We’re dedicated to sustainability business practices while still providing the most effective linear explosives to withstand high temperatures and provide the high performance that thousands of customers have come to rely on.

All Linear Explosives

Explosive Transfer Lines (ETL)

Product Description

Our detonating and deflagrating explosive transfer lines (ETLs) allow you to create entire flight termination systems.

Explosive Transfer Lines (ETLs) are the communications network of an ordnance system like a CFS / TRS. We manufacture a variety of Explosive Transfer Lines (ETLs). ETLs are linear explosive signal transfer cords utilized on multiple aerospace applications including aircraft CFS / TRS’s. We have designed and qualified both detonating and deflagrating ETLs for aircraft use to the most stringent aerospace environments and conditions. The best way to differentiate the between detonating and deflagrating lines is that detonating lines have a higher velocity from end to end, approximately 6,500 vs. 300 meters / second.

Mode Selector

Product Description

Pilot safety is paramount and when a crew needs to eject, they must know their systems will work on time, every time. Our 3-Mode Selector, a cartridge actuated device also known as an Explosive Sequence Control (ESC), PacSci EMC P/N 820833-4 & 826213-1, is a manually operated pyrotechnic device that transfers the stimulus of high energy output ETL (i.e. SMDC, FCDC, RDCTL, etc.) from one ejection sequence to another. For military aircraft, selector of choice is 820833-04 on the F/A-18, T-45 and TAV-8B while the 826213-1 is used on the two seat F-15. Both have the same construction other than the F-15 unit has different positioning of the ports in relation to the other. Its function as a part of the aircraft crew emergency escape system is to provide a selection of ejection modes by transferring the single input energy stimulus to any one of three output ports. The unit’s construction contains all fragments produced during its functioning.

Expanding Tube Assembly (XTA)

Product Description

Expanding Tube Assemblies (XTA), also known as Expanding Shielded Mild Detonating Cord (XSMDC), are used to provide explosively driven, contamination-free reliable separation. The expanding tube assembly is a formed stainless steel tube containing a linear Mild Detonating Cord (MDC). The tube is formed into an oval shape and sealed on both ends by welded end fittings which include loaded booster shells. These shells provide means for redundant initiation of the assembly. After initiation, the MDC propagates and the energy expands the tube creating the necessary mechanical impulse to achieve separation of the targeted assembly. Targets for separation include aluminum ligaments, acrylic panels, frangible hooks, or other frangible structures as desired by customer specification.

Inter-Connect Assembly

Product Description

The Donor and Acceptor units make up the Inter-connect Assembly. The donor is a single or dual input port unit that has an extending piston. This allows for multiple inputs from alternate sources should a system require that feature. It functions when a detonating input is received from either a high energy end fitting from an ETL or a detonator (electrical or laser). The output energy of the ETL extends the Donor piston across the canopy sill line and through mechanical energy, strikes an Acceptor mounted to the canopy frame that is in-line with the Donor. The Acceptor Assembly is a receiving unit designed to function when struck by the piston of the donor. It can be either explosive loaded or inert. An explosive loaded Acceptor is designed with an internal transfer charge similar to those discussed in the previous Initiator section.

To function the Acceptor, the Donor’s piston strikes a piston on the Acceptor shearing a lip and driving a firing pin. In the explosive loaded acceptor the firing pin initiates dual percussion primers that initiate Lead Azide and then HNS resulting in a detonating output to an attached ETL. In the case of the inert Acceptor, the firing pin is driven in a percussion primer tipped RDCTL and initiates the ETL. The Acceptor allows the sequence to continue on to the canopy mounted CFS / TRS components. This Interconnect Assembly eliminates the need to disconnect components during canopy assembly removal. There is no flexible transfer line or connecting cable/linkage across the canopy sill required.