FEATURE
INTERPRETING SUBMUNITION FRAGMENTATION MARKS ON HARD SURFACES FOR THE SURVEY OF CLUSTER MUNITION STRIKES by Roly Evans [ Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining ]
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ubmunition fragmentation can produce distinct pat-
anti-armor fin stabilized submunitions, anti-armor chute
terns on hard surfaces that can assist in establish-
stabilized submunitions, and Dual Purpose Improved
ing if a cluster munition has been used. This article
Conventional Munitions (DPICM) (with or without a self-
will review some of the submunition fragmentation impact
destruct mechanism). There are even modern sensor fuzed
patterns seen in current and former conflict zones around
submunitions that might be referred to as submunitions but
the world. It will also underline the risks of misidentifying
are not necessarily classed as such by the CCM.
such patterns and the need to corroborate them with associ-
There are a number of factors that govern the fragmenta-
ated evidence such as the submunition fragmentation itself.
tion effects on a hard surface of a given submunition. Chief
Trying to accurately identify evidence of cluster munition
among these are the type of fragmentation employed in the
strikes is an important skill, not just for those surveying con-
submunition, the shape of the submunition, the amount of
tamination for subsequent clearance, but also for journalists
explosive fill, and the angle of impact.
and human rights advocates seeking to document instances of cluster munition use.
Type of fragmentation is a key factor. Primary fragmentation comprises fragments that originate directly from the mu-
When a submunition impacts the ground, normally from
nition. Submunition primary fragmentation may differ from
a high angle, those that function typically spread fragmenta-
some other munitions. Older mortar rounds for example typi-
tion of one form or another. If a submunition impacts a hard
cally use homogeneous continuous cast or forged body steel
surface such as concrete or asphalt, fragmentation can cause
that fragments in a much less even manner leaving a relatively
distinctive scarring. Different submunitions make differing
less defined pattern or scarring. These fragments are some-
fragmentation scarring patterns. These patterns are some-
times referred to as natural fragmentation. Submunitons on
times referred to as craters. If taken in conjunction with cor-
the other hand often tend to make more defined scarring.
roborating evidence, these may be used as a basis for assessing
Some submunitions might employ a matrix of ball bearings or
whether a strike has taken place and if so, dependent on the
small cylindrical steel pellets. Examples include the BLU-26 or
submunition, possibly what direction it came from. It should
the 9N210. These will usually form a more defined fragmenta-
be noted that some submunition fragmentation patterns can
tion pattern than a continuous cast mortar. However, they will
easily be mistaken for those caused by other munitions such
form a less defined fragmentation pattern than submunitions
as mortar rounds.
employing pre-formed fragmentation. This involves flat sheet
Article 2 of the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions
steel processed through a rolling press and scored in diamond-
(CCM) classifies an explosive submunition as “a conventional
like shapes that fragment along the uniform lines of weakness.
munition that in order to perform its task is dispersed or
The fragmentation pattern produced is, in comparative terms,
released by a cluster munition and is designed to function by
more uniform. Examples of such submunitions include the
detonating an explosive charge prior to, on or after impact.�
BLU-63 and AO-2.5RT and the fragmentation jackets of BLU-
Most mechanically fuzed submunitions function on impact.
97 and DPICM such as the M-77. Pre-formed fragmentation
Currently there is a range of what could be classified as sub-
leaves relatively neat scarring.
munitions in use by non-signatories to the CCM. For exam-
Shape is another way of characterizing the fragmenta-
ple, there are spin-stabilized fragmentation submunitions,
tion effects of such submunitions. The shape of a submuni-
ISSUE 21.2 @ JULY 2017
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