Feather bombs

Fallcenhagen sarin factory, 58,138 Falkenhayn, General, 2—3 feather bombs, 160,162 Federal Bureau of Investigation, 219, 220 Ferry, General, 4... 

The Ml 15 500-lb antiplant bomb was standardized in 1953 for the dissemination of wheat stem rust. This filling consisted of dry particulate material adhered to a lightweight, dry carrier (ie, feathers). Thus, the bomb was normally referred to as the feather bomb. 

These are loud and highly sensitive explosives. A dust-sized particle will make a sharp crack or popping sound. A piece the size of a pencil lead will produce an explosion as loud as any of the largest firecrackers or cherry bombs. It is perfectly safe to handle and apply when wet because it cannot be exploded by any means when it is wet. When it dries, it will explode at the touch of a feather. 

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