| C-4 | |
|---|---|
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Exploding_pumpkins_131106-F-YU668-233.jpg) Blocks of C-4 cut to size during a demo training session, showing the white plastic explosive material | |
| Type | High-yield chemical explosive |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| Used by | United States |
| Wars | Vietnam War War on Terror 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1956 |
| Produced | 1956–current |
| Variants | PE-4, M112 |
| Specifications (M112) | |
| Mass | 1.25 lb (0.57 kg)[1] |
| Length | 11 in (28 cm)[1] |
| Width | 2 in (5.1 cm)[1] |
| Height | 1.5 in (3.8 cm)[1] |
| Filling | RDX |
| Filling weight | 91% |
Detonation mechanism | PETN-based detonating cord |
| Blast yield | High |
C-4 or Composition C-4 is a common variety of the plastic explosive family known as Composition C, which uses RDX as its explosive agent. C-4 is composed of explosives, plastic binder, plasticizer to make it malleable, and usually a marker or odorizing taggant chemical. C-4 has a texture similar to modelling clay and can be molded into any desired shape. C-4 is relatively insensitive and can be detonated only by the shock wave from a detonator or blasting cap.
A similar British plastic explosive, also based on RDX but with a plasticizer different from that used in Composition C-4, is known as PE-4 (Plastic Explosive No. 4).