shaped charge

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shaped charge

explosive

Also known as: hollow charge

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

A shaped charge is an explosive designed to focus its energy in a single direction, typically for penetrating armor. This effect, known as the Munroe effect, is achieved by shaping a hollow, often conical, in the explosive.12

When detonated, the liner material within the hollow collapses and vaporizes, creating a high-velocity jet. This jet strikes the target with immense heat and force, allowing it to penetrate deeply. While visually dramatic, only about 15 percent of the explosive's energy is directed in this focused manner. Shaped charges were notably introduced during World War II.3

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antitank weapon
…guns used the shaped or hollow charge shell, which was designed to explode on impact and channel the explosive energy forward, enhancing penetrating force. Recoilless rifles were also specially developed for use against tanks.
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…guns used the shaped or hollow charge shell, which was designed to explode on impact and channel the explosive energy forward, enhancing penetrating force. Recoilless rifles were also specially developed for use against tanks.
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grenade
…grenade, which contains a special shaped-charge explosive that can pierce even the heavy armour of a tank. Since these are usually delivered by small rockets launched from shoulder-held tubes, they are commonly referred to as rocket-propelled grenades.
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…grenade, which contains a special shaped-charge explosive that can pierce even the heavy armour of a tank. Since these are usually delivered by small rockets launched from shoulder-held tubes, they are commonly referred to as rocket-propelled grenades.
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explosive
Shaped charges
The shaped charge, principally the hand-fired rocket, is another highly publicized product introduced during World War II. A shaped charge normally consists of a cone made of metal or glass surrounded by a high-strength, high-density explosive and means to obtain the proper standoff,…
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The shaped charge, principally the hand-fired rocket, is another highly publicized product introduced during World War II. A shaped charge normally consists of a cone made of metal or glass surrounded by a high-strength, high-density explosive and means to obtain the proper standoff,…
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artillery
Antitank guns
The shaped charge was an explosive formed into a hollow cone and lined with heavy metal; upon detonation, the explosive gases and molten metal formed a high-velocity jet capable of punching through armour. The squash-head shell used a plastic explosive filling, which, deposited on the armour…
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The shaped charge was an explosive formed into a hollow cone and lined with heavy metal; upon detonation, the explosive gases and molten metal formed a high-velocity jet capable of punching through armour. The squash-head shell used a plastic explosive filling, which, deposited on the armour…
Read More