Facts: Bomb-Proof my Pick-Up

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Flight 33

  • Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) account for about half of the U.S. soldier casualties in Iraq.

  • The number of IED attacks has steadily risen in Afghanistan since 2003.

  • The number of IED attacks taking place in Afghanistan averages 1300-1500 each month.

  • The Joint IED Defeat Organization is responsible for countering the threat of IED attacks with its $2.8 billion annual budget.

  • Scientists have had success with initial tests of a new nanomaterial spray that detects and neutralizes terrorist explosives.

  • In an effort to combat recent deadly bomb attacks, Russian officials have created a bomb-proof toilet that is virtually indestructible.

  • The earliest gunpowder was a mixture of saltpeter (potassium nitrate), sulfur, and charcoal (carbon). It is thought to have originated in China around the tenth century and was used in fireworks and signals.

  • The first safety fuse was invented in 1831 by William Bickford, an English leather merchant. His invention made black powder explosives safer, and thus more practical.

Rocket City Extras

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New Series Premieres Wednesday, September 28 at 9P et/pt

Featured Episode

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    Bomb-Proof My Pickup

    Making lightweight armor out of plywood and beer cans to test theories on how to better protect military Humvees.

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