Fuse (explosives)

In an explosive, pyrotechnic device, or military munition, a fuse (or fuze) is the part of the device that initiates function. In common usage, the word fuse is used indiscriminately. However, when being specific (and in particular in a military context), the term fuse^[1] describes a simple pyrotechnic initiating device, like the cord on a firecracker whereas the term fuze^[2]^{[unreliable source?]}^[3]^[4] is used when referring to a more sophisticated ignition device incorporating mechanical and/or electronic components, such as a proximity fuze for an M107 artillery shell, magnetic or acoustic fuze on a sea mine, spring-loaded grenade fuze,^[5]^[6]^[7] pencil detonator, or anti-handling device.^[8]

^ Davis, Tenney L. (1943). The Chemistry of Powder and Explosives. Vol. I & II (reprint ed.). Hollywood, California: Angriff Press. p. 6. ISBN 0913022-00-4. {{cite book}}: ISBN / Date incompatibility (help)
^ "Junghans Feinwerktechnik - Modern Fuzes for Today's Armed Forces". Army Technology. 2011-06-15. Archived from the original on 2012-05-29. Retrieved 2011-11-12.
^ "Chapter 14 Fuzing". Fas.org. 2008-05-30. Retrieved 2011-11-12.
^ "IHS Defence & Security Products & Solutions". janes.com. Archived from the original on 2013-01-03. Retrieved 2025-04-23.
^ "Grenade fuze - Patent 4063514". Freepatentsonline.com. 1977-12-20. Retrieved 2013-09-14.
^ US 3618522, Henderson, John E., "Dual Safety Grenade Fuze", published 1969-09-29, issued 1971-11-09, assigned to Hamilton Watch Company
^ Ammunition Peculiar Equipment (APE) 1955 Grenade Fuze Tester MIL-STD-398 Test (PDF) (Report). U.S. Army Defense Ammunition Center and School. March 1996. ADA312253. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 30, 2016.
^ Hiznay, Mark (2005-06-17). "Mines with Sensitive Fuzes: Status of Practice and Illustrations" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-03-19. Retrieved 2008-08-03.