- Tilt fuse
A tilt fuse is a device usually used in the operation of
car bomb s and other suchdetonator s, relying on the force of a jerk or similar movement for the triggering of the desired explosion.P.|Wilkinson|137]The tilt fuse is typically a small tube no larger than a medical tablet bottle, made from plastic, glass or some other such material. At the bottom end of the tube, a certain volume of mercury is placed, while at the cap end are wired two live electrical contacts linked to a battery and bomb.P.|Cutterbuck|52] Once this apparatus has been erected, the tilt fuse is affixed to or placed in the target vehicle; most usually, the tube is attached to the underside of the vehicle, below the driver or passenger's seat (depending on the desired target and the strength and quantity of the detonators) or within the
mudguard s.The function of the fuse is such that when the fuse is tilted or moved, the mercury, a liquid metal, will slide down the tube and close the electrical
circuit wired to the bomb. Once the circuit is closed, theelectric current will then be able to bridge the previously open gap and activate the bomb presumably concealed in another part of the vehicle. Such a tilting of the tilt fuse will likely occur over the regular bumps and jerks of the vehicle driving, ascension up the slope of a hill, or the depression of the brake or acceleration pedals, depending on the placement of the tube.Due to the volatility in the conduction of the operation, bombers often take precautionary measures to prevent accidental tilting of the fuse while they are setting up. These often include a timer incorporated with the electric current; the bomber may set a certain time period before the contacts become live, therefore ensuring that the bomb cannot be activated until the bomber is well clear of the area.
Notes
References
*cite book|title=Technology and terrorism|last=Wilkinson|first=Paul|coauthors=Christop Harman|publisher=Routledge|year=1993|isbn=0714645524
*cite book|title=Terrorism in an Unstable World|last=Clutterbuck|first=Richard|publisher=Routledge|year=1994|isbn=0415103401
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