A fuze, also known as a detonator or igniter, is a device used to initiate the explosion of an explosive weapon such as a bomb, shell, or missile. It is designed to detonate the explosive charge at a specific time or under specific conditions, ensuring that the weapon achieves its desired effect.
The fuze can be mechanical, electrical, or electronic, depending on the type of explosive weapon and the intended mission. It may contain sensitive elements that are triggered by impact, proximity to a target, or a pre-set delay. Once the triggering condition is met, the fuze activates a detonating mechanism, which ignites the explosive charge and causes the weapon to explode.
The design and performance of a fuze are crucial to the effectiveness and safety of an explosive weapon. It must be reliable, accurate, and safe to handle, while also being capable of functioning in a wide range of environmental conditions.
In summary, a fuze is a crucial component of explosive weapons, responsible for initiating the detonation process and ensuring that the weapon achieves its intended mission.