Abstract:
An assembly line and procedure fabricate more reliable explosive line charges by reducing many of the human error factors affecting assembly. The assembly line and procedures maintain proper grenade spacing, eliminate twisting of nylon lines and detonating cord which degrade performance, provide for proper clamping of lines and connector elements, provide for slack management of the explosive detonating cord and the lines, control the tolerances at the detonating cord to connector interfaces, and provide for the end of line packing of the explosive line charge. 
     The assembly line and procedures additionally are configured to allow for the rapid inspection and adjustment of: length of lines, length of detonating cord, spacing of grenades, amount of twist in the lines and detonating cord, pressure feed to the pneumatic clamping apparatus, the clamping forces exerted on the clamped lines/clamps/grenades, the alignment of the clamps and buckles with the grenades, the alignment and gap condition of the detonating cords and boosters with respect to the connector elements, and the spacing and number of grenades in the line charge. The assembly line and procedures also eliminate the hazards of explosive spark and static electricity.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation in part of copending U.S. patent applications entitled “Reliable and Effective Line Charge System” by Felipe Garcia et al., U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Ser. No. 09/012,932 (NC 78,433), filed Jan. 24, 1998, U.S. Pat. No. 6,205,903, “Line Charge Insensitive Munition Warhead” by Felipe Garcia et al., U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Ser. No. 08/944,049 (NC 78,448), filed Sep. 12, 1997, U.S. Pat. No. 5,932,835 and “Line Charge Connector” by Felipe Garcia et al., U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Ser. No. 09/030,518 (NC 78,635), filed Feb. 23, 1998, abandoned and incorporates all references and information thereof by reference herein. 
    
    
     STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST 
     The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to fabrication of explosive line charges. In particular, this invention relates to an assembly system and procedure that minimize and eliminate many problems associated with line charge fabrication that can degrade performance. 
     The use of contemporary explosive line charges to breach an obstacle and mine laden area can be an inherently unreliable proposition. Line charges are expected to perform under extremely adverse conditions and accomplish difficult missions during combat. The line charges often are subjected to numerous abuses as they are transported to and emplaced in the field. In addition, they must survive intense self-destructive forces as they are deployed by rockets or other highly accelerating launch systems. Consequently, a considerable number of line charges simply do not fly to where they should, or some components do not work right or break apart. As a result, detonations are ineffective or interrupted throughout the lengths of the line charges, and they fail to clear a path through the obstacles and mines. 
     Many of these failures can be traced to the components used and the procedures followed during the assembly of these components into line charges. Failures have been created by nonuniform arrangements of the components and nonuniform interconnections among the components. These nonuniformities unevenly distribute the forces created during deployment and compromise reliability. 
     Thus, in accordance with this inventive concept, a need has been recognized in the state of the art for a means for and method of assembling explosive line charges that have greater reliability. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to providing a system and procedure for assembling explosive line charges and includes tension exerting means that exerts tension on elongate lines, and holding means that holds a grenade secured to the lines to resist the tension exerted by the tension exerting means. Clamping means that clamps grenades to the lines is interposed between the tension exerting means and the holding means, and a connector securing means that secures connector elements to ends of the lines is interposed between the tension exerting means and the holding means. Grenade spacing means spacing the clamped grenades predetermined distances apart in wells receives grenades clamped to the lines, and slack creating means is interposed between each of the wells to create slack lengths of detonating cord between the spaced clamped grenades. Detonating cord securing means secures opposite end portions of the detonating cord to the connector elements. 
     An object of the invention is to provide means for and method of manufacturing reliable explosive line charges used for clearing obstacles and mines. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide means for and method of manufacturing line charges that reduce problems associated with fabrication that can degrade performance. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide means for and method of manufacturing line charges that ensures proper grenade spacing. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide means for and method of manufacturing line charges that tensions lines to minimize slack and provide for accurate grenade spacing. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a stripe along each line to visually indicate unwanted twisting of the lines during each phase of the fabrication process. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide means for and method of manufacturing line charges using pneumatic air tools for repeatable, precalibrated clamping and cutting of band and connector clamps to reduce human errors associated with human powered clamping tools. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide means for and method of manufacturing line charges using a grenade working jig to clamp lines to properly spaced grenades. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide means for and method of manufacturing line charges using a connector jig to clamp lines to connector elements. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide means for and method of manufacturing line charges using hand held gauges to make on the spot inspections of lines, clamps, grenades, and connector elements. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide means for and method of manufacturing line charges having a pack out table and cast plug structure that permits proper alignment of and tolerances for the detonating cord to improve reliability. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide means for and method of manufacturing line charges having a pack out table with humps to manage slack in the detonating cord and reduce twisting of lines and detonating cord as they are packed. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide means for and method of manufacturing line charges that are lightweight and maintain critical spacing distances or tolerances among components that are essential for their effectiveness. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide means for and method of manufacturing reliable line charges that have little, if any, strain loading of the detonating cord used to detonate the explosive grenades. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide means for and method of manufacturing line charges that reduce self-destructive stresses and strains during deployment and maintain spacing among the grenades. 
     These and other objects of the invention will become more readily apparent from the ensuing specification when taken in conjunction with the appended claims. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 shows an explosive line charge fabricated in accordance with this invention. 
     FIG. 2 schematically shows the assembly line table. 
     FIG. 3 schematically shows the pack out table. 
     FIG. 4 is a side view of a band or connector clamp showing the clip, buckle, and tail. 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of male and female connector elements showing: their interconnection by a spring clip; ends of detonating cords within the critical separation distance; engagement of male and female connector elements and lines by connector clamps; and threaded end caps, washers, nylon plates, nylon cups, and cast plugs holding end portions of detonating cords in connector elements. 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of two mold parts just prior to being held together with mirror-image mold parts to cure a cast plug. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to FIG. 1, explosive line charge  10  has been fabricated in accordance with the novel assembly system and procedure of this invention. Accordingly, such a line charge may be launched and detonated to reliably clear a lane through obstacles and mines. 
     Line charge  10  includes spaced-apart explosive warheads or grenades  15  that are each appropriately connected by pairs of band clamps  16  to elongate flexible strength members  17  and  18  extending from one end to the other. Typically, line charge  10  may have up to  60  grenades  15 , but only a few are shown to avoid needless redundancy. 
     Strength members  17  and  18  are secured at their opposite ends to male connector element  19  or female connector element  20  by pairs of connector clamps  21 ′ and  21 ″. Detonating cord  23  also extends between the connector elements and freely passes through axial bores  15   a  in all grenades  15 . When detonating cord  23  is detonated by an exploding booster unit (not shown) at one end of line charge  10 , all grenades  15  are detonated virtually simultaneously to clear a safe lane. Strength members  17  and  18 , detonating cord  23 , grenades  15 , connector elements  19  and  20 , and clamps  16 ,  21 ′ &amp;  21 ″ are fully described in the patent applications referenced above. 
     Line charge  10  is deployed to lie across an area and is detonated to clear a lane through the area. One way to accurately deploy line charge  10  is to secure a rocket motor to a connector element at one end and an anchoring device to the other connector element at the other end. The anchoring device may be a fixed solid structure at the near side of the area, a drogue chute, or a combination of the two, for example. The rocket is aimed to cross the obstructed area, and when it is fired, it accelerates rapidly and pulls line charge  10  along with it. Shortly after it lands, line charge  10  is detonated. 
     Several line charges  10  may be coupled together in series by connecting mating portions of male and female connector elements  19  and  20 . Thus, longer or shorter lanes may be cleared. Otherwise, a single line charge  10  having, for example,  60  grenades is used to breach an area, and, as mentioned above, male and female connector elements  19  and  20  are coupled to other elements, such as the rocket motor at one end and the anchoring device at the other end. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1,  2 , and  3 , line charge  10  is assembled on assembly table  50  and pack out table  100 . Strength members  17  and  18  are formed from nylon lines  64   a  and  65   a  placed on opposite sides of each grenade  15  that is spaced apart from one other a distance that optimizes their effectiveness. Lines  64   a  and  65   a  are clamped and crimped in place around grenades  15  by band clamps  16 . Detonating cord  23  freely and continuously extends through axial bores  15   a  in grenades  15 . Opposite ends of lines  64   a  and  65   a  are clamped to the outside of male and female connector elements  19  and  20  with pairs of connector clamps  21 ′ and  21 ″. Opposite ends of detonating cord  23  are connected within male and female connector elements  19  and  20 . Both ends of the cord are secured within the connectors with threaded end caps  24 , washers  25 , nylon plates  26 , nylon cups  27 , and cast plugs  28  as explained below. 
     Referring to FIG. 2, assembly table  50  supports air driven motor assembly  60 . Motor assembly  60  includes an air motor  61  and shaft  62  having journals in a pair of bearing mounts  63 . Motor  61 , shaft  62 , and bearing mounts  63  are sufficiently robust to exert and withstand the torsional and tensile loads that accompany the fabrication procedure of this invention. 
     Shaft  62  has a pair of spools  64  and  65  secured to it. Spools  64  and  65  respectively support lengths of nylon line  64   a  and  65   a  which are to become strength members  17  and  18 . Motor  61  is selectively controllable to tension measurable lengths of line  64   a  and  65   a  as they are pulled from spools  64  and  65 . It preferably has integral instrumentation that indicates the lengths payed-out and the amount of torque it exerts so that lengths of line and tension on lines  64   a  and  65   a  can be set, monitored, and maintained. These payed-out lengths may be made to equal the desired separation between adjacent grenades  15  and a connector  19  or  20  and adjacent grenade  15 . 
     One such motor that works is the model 3R5075 air motor manufactured by Ingersoll Division. Other air motors could be used or electrical motors might be selected. Separate torque and tensile gauges and other measuring tools also could be used. 
     Coiled nylon lines  64   a  and  65   a  are each marked via a red painted stripe or thread running longitudinally along their sides. As lines  64   a  and  65   a  are pulled out from spools  64  and  65 , the stripes are visually inspected to make certain that the lines are not twisted. This visual inspection continues throughout the assembly procedure. 
     Nylon lines  64   a  and  65   a  extend from motor assembly  60  and through elongate assembly table tube  67 . Tube  67  is secured above the surface of table  50  via a bracket, (not shown) to guide lines  64   a  and  65   a  as they are payed-out from spools  64  and  65 . Grenade band clamps  16  and connector clamps  21 ′ and  21 ″ are temporarily stored on tube  67  prior to being used in pairs to clamp separate grenades  15  or connector elements  19  and  20  onto lines  64   a  and  65   a.    
     The individual grenades  15  are secured to nylon lines  64   a  and  65   a  one at a time in grenade working jig  70 . Grenade working jig  70  is secured to table  50  and may have two essentially identical halves releaseably held together. Only one half, a bottom half, is shown in FIG.  2 . 
     Each half, top or bottom, has recess  71  that is shaped to fit about one side of grenade  15 , longitudinal channels  71   a  to accommodate lines  64   a  and  65   a , and lateral slots  72  to allow the clamping, or crimping of a pair of band clamps  16  by, for example, tandem air tool  75 . Optionally, grenade working jig  70  may be a single piece having a single recess  71  that is appropriately sized to fit about a sufficient portion of grenade  15  to hold it while two grenade band clamps  16  are properly placed in slots  72  and crimped by tandem air tool  75 . Pairs of band clamps  16  are moved from tube  67  and fitted about grenade  15  through slots  72 . Tails C of the two parallel band clamps  16  extend into slots  72  where they are engaged by tandem air tool  75 . 
     Tandem air tool  75  tightens band clamps  16  in grenade working jig  70  so that band clamps  16  clamp onto grenade  15  and both lines  64   a  and  64   b . Air tool  75  has appropriate gauges to indicate proper clamping force is being exerted by band clamps  16 . A typical tool that may be selected for tandem air tool  75  is the model T 350 manufactured by Band-It Corporation of Denver Colo. It may be calibrated with gauges  76  in accordance with its instructional procedure known as “Banding Machine Calibration with A500”. 
     Optionally, other manual, or hand-held tools, could be used, and, in this case, gauges  76  monitor the clamping forces. In either case, air tool  75  or manual gauges  76  indicate that band clamps  16  grip lines  64   a  and  65   a  with the right amount of force that will both hold grenades  15  in place during deployment, yet not compromise the strength of the lines by overly crimping or cutting them. 
     Tension on lines  64   a  and  65   a  is relaxed via motor  61 , and grenade  15  which has just been secured to lines  64   a  and  65   a  in grenade working jig  70  is moved forward and fitted into holding jig  80 . Holding jig  80  has recess  81  configured and sized to receive grenade  15  that has just been connected to lines  64   a  and  65   a . Holding jig  80  may directly engage lines  64   a  and  65   a  to resist the tensile forces exerted by motor  61 . 
     Tension on lines  64   a  and  65   a  is reapplied via motor  61 , and holding jig  80  properly tensions and orients lines  64   a  and  65   a  while the next grenade  15  is secured to them in jig  70 . This procedure may be repeated until all grenades are secured to lines  64   a  and  65   a.    
     After the first grenade  15  has been clamped onto lines  64   a  and  65   a , grenade working jig  70  is removed from table  50  and replaced with connector jig  90  that has appropriately configured recesses  90   a  and  90   b  to respectively receive and engage a selected male connector element  19  or female connector element  20 . Male-female connector jig  90  is shown in its stand-by position at the lower right in FIG.  2 . 
     The first grenade  15  is placed into recess  81  of holding jig  80 . Lengths of lines  64   a  and  65   a  that were measured and extended before the first grenade  15  was attached at the beginning of the fabrication procedure are brought back to lie across connector jig  90 . By examination of the red threads, lines  64   a  and  65   a  are prevented from anomalies, such as being twisted, and they are positioned properly. 
     Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, two connector clamps  21 ′ and  21 ″ are placed over lines  64   a  and  65   a  on the selected connector element  19  or  20 . The lines then are brought back over one of the clamps and fitted under the other clamp. Care must be taken that there is no twisting of lines  64   a  and  65   a  and that one of the clamps is slid adjacent shoulders  19   a  or  20   a  of the selected connector element. Next, air tool  95  engages tails C of connector clamps  21 ′ and  21 ″ and tightens them one at a time in connector jig  90 . This clamps connector clamps  21 ′ and  21 ″ onto the selected connector element  19  or  20  and both lines  64   a  and  65   a.    
     Air tool  95  may have appropriate gauges to indicate proper clamping of connector clamps  21 ′ and  21 ″. However, hand-held gauges  96  also can be applied to make certain that connector clamps  21 ′ and  21 ″ grip lines  64   a  and  65   a  with the right amount of force that will both engage connector elements  19  and  20  during deployment, yet not compromise the strength of the lines. Tandem air tool  75  could be used as air tool  95 , but it would have to be calibrated differently. 
     After all grenades  15  are clamped, the other connector element  19  or  20  is mounted in essentially the same procedure at the other end of line charge  10  on other measured lengths of lines  64   a  and  65   a . Of course, the other recess  90   a  or  90   b  in connector jig  90  would be used. The attachment of the male and female connectors is elaborated on in the above referenced application entitled, “Line Charge Connector.” 
     This partially completed line charge  10  is taken from assembly table  50  to pack out table  100  of the assembly line system. All grenades  15  are placed in sequential spaced-apart recesses, or wells  110  provided in pack out table  100 . Each well  110  is located between adjacent hump-shaped contoured surfaces  120  which extend above pack out table  100 , and each hump  120  is provided with a longitudinal groove  125 . Lines  64   a  and  65   a  are placed to lie essentially parallel on opposite sides of humps  120 . This permits visual inspections that there are no twists in the partially assembled line charge. Detonating cord  23  is passed through each axial bore  15   a  in each grenade  15  and through each groove  125  that positions detonating cord  23  over each hump  120 . Thus, detonating cord  23  is given sufficient slack so that it is not subjected to failure inducing strains during deployment of line charge  10 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, detonating cord  23  is placed to extend through bores  19 ′ and  20 ″ in connector elements  19  and  20 , respectively. Detonating cord  23  is secured at its opposite ends in connector elements  19  and  20  using threaded end caps  24 , washers  25 , disc-shaped nylon plates  26 , and cast plugs  28  in nylon cups  27 . End cap  24 , washer  25 , nylon plate  26 , and nylon cup  27  each have holes sized to snugly pass an end portion of detonating cord  23  through them. Next, end cap  24 , end washer  25 , and nylon plate  26  are slid back away from nylon cup  27  and the end portion of detonating cord  23 . 
     Nylon cup  27  and each end portion of detonating cord  23  are placed into two mold parts  29 ′ and  29 ″ just prior to being held together with mold parts that are mirror-images of parts  29 ′ and  29 ″ for curing cast plug  28 . Mold part  29 ′ and its mirror image are provided with elongate portion  29   a  sized to snugly receive the end portion of detonating cord  23  and explosive booster  23   a  which may have been fitted onto detonation cord  23 . Mold part  29 ′ and its mirror image also have casting chamber  29   b  sized to receive thin walled nylon cup  27  that will be closed by nylon plate  26  to form plug  28 . Elongate portion  29   a  extends a critical length to accommodate the end portion of detonating cord  23  and booster  23   a  so that end  23 ′ of detonating cord  23  will bottom out against wall  29   c.    
     Casting of plug  28  occurs within cup  27  and plate  26  and is directly on detonating cord  23 . A suitable release agent, such as silicone grease, is coated on the internal surfaces of mold parts  29 ′ and  29 ″ and their mirror-image parts. Accordingly, plate  26 , cup  27 , cast plug  28  and the end portion of detonating cord  23  can be removed after the mixed casting agent has cured. Cast plug  28  is firmly adhered to detonating cord  23 , however, to retain and precisely position end  23 ′ of detonating cord  23  in either male or female connector  19  or  20 . 
     Nylon cup  27  in casting chamber  29   b  of mold part  29 ′ and its mirror image are filled with a suitable casting agent, such as the casting agent commercially marketed under the trademark Epoxy. Over flow, or excess casting agent is wiped away and plate  26  closes cup  27 . Mold parts  29 ′ and  29 ″ and their mirror image parts are brought together and held there by a  30  to  35  pound force while the casting material cures. After a curing period of about  24  hours, plug  28  is formed to precisely position end  23 ′ of detonating cord  23 . 
     This precise positioning of ends  23 ′ of detonating cords  23  or boosters  23   a  with respect to the inner ends  19 ″ and  20 ″ of male or female connector elements  19  or  20  is within 0.010 inches and is critical to the improved reliability of line charge  10 . Depths of ends  23 ′ of detonating cords  23  or boosters  23   a  are checked with a micrometer to be flush with or no more than 0.010 inches below inner ends  19 ″ or  20 ″ of connector elements  19  or  20 . Shims or spacers may be added, or a smaller washer  25  (or no washer) may be used to meet this requirement. 
     In other words, when connector elements  19  and  20  (or other coupling devices that mate with them) are coupled together, ends  23 ′ of detonating cords  23  or boosters  23   a  need to be abutting or nearly abutting within a critical distance or separation so that detonation between adjacent detonating cords  23  is assured. The critical distance between these coupling elements must not be exceeded to transfer detonation between them. 
     This casting procedure is essentially the same for both connector elements. After curing, end caps  24  are threaded into connector elements  19  and  20 . An inspection gauge is used to check to see that the critically close spacings between ends  23 ′ of the detonating cords  23  are maintained so that uninterrupted detonation is assured. 
     Plugs  28  attached to ends of detonating cord  23  are subjected to tensile, or pull tests to verify adherence. Pull tests are made to check to see that the cords will not separate from the connectors or that the critical distances between adjacent ends  23 ′ of abutting detonating cords  23  will not be exceeded. The end portion of detonating cord  23  having nylon cup  27  filled with plug  28  is inserted into a test connector. The test connector has virtually the same internal dimensions as either male or female connector element  19  or  20 , and it is secured in a vise. End cap  24  is threaded into the test connector, and the top of detonating cord  23  is marked where it extends through end cap  24 . Detonating cord  23  is wrapped three to four times around a machine, such as a dynamometer that exerts a measured tensile force. A tensile force of about 80+/−2 pounds is applied. A visual check of the mark on detonating cord  23  where it comes through end cap  24  indicates slippage, if any, of nylon cup  27  or plug  28  on detonating cord  23 . If the mark indicates that nylon cup  27  and plug  28  slip, then detonating cord  23  is rejected and will be returned for repair. If two slipping nylon cups  27  and plugs  28  are on opposite end portions of detonating cord  23 , pull the detonating cord from the slipping nylon cup and remove the cord. 
     Now detonating cord  23  that has passed the pull test is marked about one quarter of an inch on each side of each grenade  15 . This gives a visual indication of proper detonating-cord-to-grenade alignment for proper management of the detonating cord during pack out of line charge  10  in its backpack. A backpack is the most likely transport and stowage case for line charge  10  and will be discussed below. 
     At the start of the assembly procedure tandem air tool  75  is calibrated so that band clamps  16  properly engage lines  64   a  and  65   a  with the proper tension, or clamping force. Tandem air tool  75  and other elements used in assembly of line charge  10  also are checked for proper operation parameters between successive assemblies of additional line charges to assure quality control. This calls for clamping band clamps  16  on one grenade  15  in grenade working jig  70  and placing another grenade  15  in holding jig  80 . Check to determine that tandem air tool  75  has been calibrated according to the procedure “Banding Machine Calibration with A500”. Using gauge  76 , check to see that the proper band clamping force is exerted on the single band clips A and double band buckles B, see FIGS. 1,  2 , and  4 . Remove the two grenades  16  from jigs  70  and  80  and, using a tensile force gauge, check to see that the slip force of grenades  15  lines  64   a  and  65   a  is acceptable and that the strength members are not being cut. Record the results of the calibration or verification steps now and throughout the assembly procedure. This recording of the results helps establish guides for quality control. 
     Details of this invention will be more thoroughly described with respect to more specific examples which follow. Spools  64  and  65  contain two 95-foot segments of nylon line  64   a  and  65   a  and are placed on shaft  62  of motor assembly  60 . Lines  64   a  and  65   a  from spools  64  and  65  are tensioned at between 0.25 and 0.50 pounds. Air motor  61  is turned OFF and lines  64   a  and  65   a  are fed through assembly table tube  67 . 
     Since grenades  15  are to be clamped onto lines  64   a  and  65   a ,  65  to  75  pairs of band clamps  16  are placed on tube  67 . Band clamps  16  are kept together as pairs by a strap which joins individual clamps  16  together. Extra pairs of band clamps  16  may be needed in case one or more are damaged during assembly. Band clamps  16  are stainless steel clamps marketed as Band-It (P/N X201) by Band-It Corp., see FIG.  4 . 
     In addition, male connector element  19  and female connector element  20  are to be secured to strength members  17  and  18  with connector clamps  21 ′ and  21 ″. Accordingly, 8 to 12 connector clamps  21  are placed on tube  67  since extra clamps may be needed in case one or more are damaged during assembly. Connector clamps  21 ′ and  21 ″ are stainless steel clamps commercially marketed as Band-It (P/N X295) by Band-It Corp. 
     Visually inspect band clamps  16  and connector clamps  21 ′ and  21 ″ to ensure that clip A is between the second and third layers and that buckle B is around all layers. Slide clamps  16 ,  21 ′ and  21 ″ over the assembly table tube  67  so that tails C are on the bottom of tube  67  and are pointing in toward the center of table  50 . 
     Remove the two grenades  15  from holding jig  80  and grenade working jig  70  that were used for the calibration and/or clamping requirements testing. Again check to see that tandem air tool  75  has been calibrated according to the A500 procedure. Again check to see that the proper band clamping force will be exerted on clips A and buckles B. Again check to see that the slip force of the grenades on the strength members will be acceptable and that there will be no cutting of the strength members. Check to see that the red stripes on the sides of lines  64   a  and  65   a  indicate that the lines are not being twisted. 
     Pull about 30 inches of lines  64   a  and  65   a  past grenade working jig  70 . Mark both lines  64   a  and  65   a  with a marker at the 30-inch length. This length is necessary for assembly of one of the connectors, as described above. Make certain that the red threads on the lines are visible and straight. 
     Now, grenade  15  is placed in grenade working jig  70  and will be clamped to lines  64   a  and  65   a.  Tails C of a pair of band clamps  16  extend into slots  72  of jig  70  and are inserted into tandem air tool  75 . Segments of lines  64   a  and  65   a  are fed through band clamps  16  in grenade working jig  70  until the 30-inch mark is centered between the two clamps. Place the lines in longitudinal channels  71   a  on jig  70 . Again see that the lines are not twisted by checking on the stripe orientation. Place air motor to TAKE-UP position. Hang the tension weight from the lines to ensure even tension on each line. Tandem air tool  75  draws in tails C of band clamps  16  to a proper clamping force and automatically cuts off tails C. 
     Turn air motor  61  off. Inspect the clamped grenade  15  for the orientation of clip A and buckle B of each band clamp  16  with respect to each line  64   a  and  65   a  and inspect the gaps between clips A and buckles B using a spacing gauge. Inspect that the cut lengths of tails C are 0.010 inches. Inspect lines  64   a  and  65   a  for anomalies, such as fraying or bulging, twisting, or cut filaments. If the clamps or lines fail to meet any of these requirements, remove the deficient clamp using a clamp remover, such as the Band-It J700. If the lines cannot be repaired by rolling the bulge out between two fingers, disassemble the assembled line charge and start over with new lines. If, however, the lines are undamaged and this section of the lines has only been clamped once before, repeat the grenade mounting step described above. 
     Male connector element  19  now may be attached by hand, if desired. Measure on the 30-inch end of the lines  64   a  and  65   a,  13.125 and 13.925 inches from the middle of the first grenade  15  and make a mark. Take two connector clamps  21 ′ and  21 ″ (P/N X295) to secure male connector element  19  to lines  64   a  and  65   a , and place one connector clamp  21 ′ into a clamping hand tool. One hand tool for clamping that works is known as the POK-IT hand tool, made by Band-It Corp. 
     Feed the two 30-inch segments of lines  64   a  and  65   a  through the one connector clamp  21 ′ in the POK-IT hand tool. Align the 13.125-inch mark with the back of male connector  19 . Locate connector clamp  21 ′ so that the rear of the clamp is at the 13.925-inch mark. Set the torque on the POK-IT hand tool at 135+/−5 inch-pounds, and torque the POK-IT hand tool until 135+/−5 inch-pounds has been reached. Bend tail C to 90 degrees from buckle B, and cut the excess tail C with shears being sure to leave 0.700+/−0.050 inches from buckle B. Bend the end of the excess band in toward itself with a needle-nose pliers until the end touches the band, and crimp the excess band against the buckle to form a smooth surface. The crimp must be past the edge of buckle B and the height from the top of buckle B to surface of connector element  19  is no more than 0.3 inches. 
     Insert second connector clamp  21 ″ into the POK-IT hand tool. Bring lines  64   a  and  65   a  back toward the rear of male connector  19  and install the second connector clamp  21 ″ over both lines. Locate second connector clamp  21 ″ so that its rear is 0.40+/−0.06 inches from the end of male connector element  19 , and buckles B from the first and second connector clamps  21 ′ and  21 ″ are within 45 degrees of each other. Set the torque on the POK-IT hand tool at 135+/−5 inch-pounds, and torque the POK-IT hand tool until 135+/−5 inch-pounds has been reached. Next, bend tail C of second connector clamp  21 ″ to 90 degrees from buckle B and cut the excess tail C with shears to leave 0.700+/−0.050 inches from the buckle. Bend the end of the excess band in toward itself with a pliers until the end touches the band, and crimp the excess band against buckle B form a smooth surface. Ensure the crimp is past the edge of buckle B and the height from the top of buckle B to the surface of connector element  19  is no more than 0.3 inches. 
     The clamped male connector  19  should have both buckles B orthogonally disposed with respect to lines  64   a  and  65   a  and radially disposed within 45 degrees to one another. The top of both buckles B to the top of connector element  19  should measure no more than 0.30 inches. Again, inspect lines  64   a  and  65   a  for fraying or bulging. If a connector clamp or line fails to meet any of these requirements, remove the clamp using a clamp remover, such as the model Band-It J700 clamp remover, marketed by Band-It Corp. Inspect the lines for anomalies, such as bulging, twisting, or cut filaments, and if they cannot be repaired by rolling the bulge out between two fingers, disassemble the line charge assembly and start over with new lines. If the lines are undamaged and this section of the lines has only been clamped once before, simply repeat the assembly steps above. 
     After connector  19  is attached, tape two short sections of lines  64   a  and  65   a  near connector clamps  21 , and measure one inch away from one buckle B along the lines and cut them. 
     Male connector element  19  also may be connected with a pneumatic tool, such as air tool  95 . Again, measure on the 30-inch end of the lines  64   a  and  65   a,  13.125 and 13.925 inches from the middle of the first grenade  15  and make a mark. Two connector clamps  21 ′ and  21 ″ (P/N X295) are used to secure male connector element  19  lines  64   a  and  65   a . Place one connector clamp  21 ′ into air tool  95 . Feed the two 30-inch segments of lines  64   a  and  65   a  through connector clamp  21 ′ in air tool  95 . Align the 13.125-inch mark with the back of male connector element  19 , and locate connector clamp  12 ′ so that the rear of the clamp is at the 13.925-inch mark. Slowly press the pedal of the foot control valve of air tool  95  until it completes the entire cycle and automatically cuts off the tail. 
     Insert second connector clamp  21 ″ into the pneumatic tool slot of air tool  95 . Bring lines  64   a  and  65   a  back toward the rear of male connector element  19  and install second connector clamp  21 ″ over both lines. Locate connector clamp  21 ″ so that its rear is 0.40+/−0.06 inches from the end of male connector element  19 . Slowly press the pedal of the foot control valve of air tool  95  until it completes the entire cycle and automatically cuts off the tail. 
     Male connector element  19  will have both buckles B orthogonally oriented with respect to lines  64   a  and  65   a  and radially disposed within 45 degrees of one another. The top of both buckles B to the top of connector element  19  will measure no more than 0.10 inches. Lines  64   a  and  65   a  are inspected for fraying or bulging. If a connector clamp or line fails to meet any of these requirements, the clamp is removed using a clamp remover, such as the Band-It J700 clamp remover. The lines are inspected for anomalies, such as bulging, twisting, or cut filaments, and if they cannot be repaired by rolling the bulge out between two fingers, the line charge assembly is disassembled and the procedure is restarted with new lines. If the lines are undamaged and this section of the lines has only been clamped once before, simply repeat the assembly steps above. 
     After connector element  19  is attached, tape two short sections of lines  64   a  and  65   a  near connector clamps  21 . Then measure one inch away from one buckle B along the lines and cut them. 
     The previously clamped grenade  15  is placed and secured in recess  81  of holding jig  80 , and tension on lines  64   a  and  65   a  is applied via motor  61 . Replace an unconnected grenade  15  in the two halves of grenade working jig  70 . Lines  64   a  and  65   a  are properly placed in longitudinal channels  71   a  across grenade holding jig  70 . Make certain lines  64   a  and  65   a  are not twisted by inspecting the lay of the red threads in both lines. 
     Tails C of the next pair of band clamps  16  are inserted into the open slots of tandem air tool  75  and its air motor  61  is turned to the TAKE-UP position. While lines  64   a  and  65   a  are so held within holding jig  80 , tandem air tool  75  is activated until it completes its entire cycle of band tightening and automatically cuts off tails C of both band clamps  16 . 
     The air motor  61  of the air driven motor  60  is turned to the OFF position, and grenade  15  which has just been clamped to lines  64   a  and  65   a  is inspected. This inspection includes examination of: 1) proper aligned orientation of both band clamps&#39; buckles B with regards to each line, 2) gaps between buckle B and clip A of each band clamp  16 , 3) height of the cut tails C to 0.010 inches, and 4) lines  64   a  and  65   a  for fraying or bulging. If the band clamps fail to meet any of the requirements, the clamps are removed using the Band-It J700 clamp remover. If anomalies, such as bulging, twisting, or cut filaments of lines  64   a  and  65   a  cannot be repaired by rolling the bulge out between two fingers, disassemble the line assembly and start over with new lines. If the lines are undamaged and this section of the lines has only been clamped once before, repeat the assembly procedure of above. 
     If the clamp orientation of the clamped grenade is correct, place grenade  15  that was in grenade holding jig  80  into a collection box, and again check that there are no twists in the lines. The above procedure is repeated until all grenades have been clamped onto lines  64   a  and  65   a.    
     At this point in the fabrication procedure female connector element  20  may be attached using a hand tool. Measure 4.985 and 6.285 inches along nylon lines  64   a  and  65   a  from the middle of the last grenade  15  of line charge  10  that was clamped onto the lines and make marks. Pull the remaining lengths of lines  64   a  and  65   a  from spools  64  and  65 . Place a first connector clamp  21 ′ (P/N X295) into the POK-IT hand tool, and feed the end lengths of lines  64   a  and  65   a  through this connector clamp  21 ′ in the POK-IT hand tool. Align the 4.985-inch mark on the lines with the back of female connector element  20 . Locate connector clamp  21 ′ so that its rear is at the 6.285-inch mark on the lines. The torque setting on the POK-IT hand tool is set to 135+/−5 inch-pounds, and it is torqued until 135+/−5-inch pounds has been reached so that connector clamp  21 ′ grips the lines and the female connector element. Bend the tail C of connector clamp  21 ′ to 90 degrees from buckle B, and cut excess tail C with shears being sure to leave 0.700+/−0.050 inches from buckle B. Bend the end of the excess band in toward itself with needle-nose pliers until the end touches the band, and crimp the excess band against the buckle with the pliers to form a smooth surface. Ensure the crimp is past the edge of buckle B and the height from the top of buckle B to the surface of female connector element  20  is no more than 0.3 inches. 
     Second connector clamp  21 ″ is inserted into the POK-IT hand tool, and lines  64   a  and  65   a  are brought back toward the rear of female connector  20 . Connector clamp  21 ″ is placed over both lines with the rear of the clamp 0.90+/−0.06 inches from the end of female connector element  21 , and two buckles B are within a 45-degree arc of each other. 
     Set the torque on the POK-IT hand tool to about 135+/−5 inch-pounds, and apply the POK-IT hand tool until 135+/−5 inch-pounds has been reached so that connector clamp  21 ″ grips lines  64   a  and  65   a  and female connector element  20 . Bend tail C of connector clamp  21 ″ to  90  degrees from its buckle B, and cut excess tail C with shears being sure to leave 0.700+/−0.050 inches from the buckle. Bend the end of the excess band in toward itself with a needle-nose pliers until the end touches the band. Crimp the excess band against the buckle with the pliers to form a smooth surface. Ensure the crimp is past the edge of buckle B and the height from the top of buckle B to surface of female connector element  20  is no more than 0.3 inches. 
     Inspect that the clamped female connector element  20  has buckles B from connector bands  21 ′ and  21 ″ properly oriented with respect to each of lines  64   a  and  65   a  and that buckles B are within a 45-degree arc of one another. Make certain that the height of the two buckles B is no more than 0.30 inches. If the connector clamps fail to meet any of the requirements, the clamps are removed using the Band-It J700 clamp remover. If bulging, twisting, or cut filaments of lines  64   a  and  65   a  cannot be repaired by rolling the bulge out between two fingers, disassemble the line assembly and start over with new lines. If the lines are undamaged and this section of the lines has only been clamped once before, repeat the assembly procedure of above. 
     Tape the two short sections of lines  64   a  and  65   a  near connector clamps  21 ′ and  21 ″, and cut them  1  inch from the nearest buckle B. Install spring clip  20   a ′ in female connector element  20 , see FIG.  5 . 
     Female connector element  20  may also be installed with a pneumatic tool, air tool  95 . Measure 4.985 and 6.285 inches along nylon lines  64   a  and  65   a  from the middle of the last grenade  15  that was clamped onto the lines and make marks. Pull the remaining lengths of lines  64   a  and  65   a  from spools  64  and  65 . 
     Place one connector clamp  21 ′ (P/N X295) in the slot of air tool  95 , and feed the end lengths of lines  64   a  and  65   a  through this connector clamp  21 ′ in air tool  95 . Align the 4.985-inch mark on the lines with the back of female connector element  20 . Locate connector clamp  21 ′ so that its rear is at the 6.285-inch mark on the lines. While lines  64   a  and  65   a  are within air tool  95 , it is activated until it completes its entire cycle of band tightening and automatically cuts off tail C of connector clamp  21 ′ and discards it. 
     Second connector clamp  21 ″ is inserted into the slot of air tool  95 , and lines  64   a  and  65   a  are brought back toward the rear of female connector element  20 . Second connector clamp  21 ″ is placed over both lines so that the rear of the clamp is 0.90+/−0.06 inches from the end of female connector element  20  and the two buckles B are within a 45-degree arc of each other. While lines  64   a  and  65   a  are so disposed, air tool  95  is activated until it completes its entire cycle of band tightening and automatically cuts off tail C of connector clamp  21 ″ and discards it. 
     Female connector element  20  which has just been clamped to lines  64   a  and  65   a  with connector clamps  21 ″ and  21 ″ is inspected. This inspection includes examination of: 1) proper aligned orientation of both connector clamps&#39; buckles B with regards to each line, 2) gaps between buckle B and clip A of each connector clamp  21 ′ and  21 ″, 3) height of the cut tails C to 0.010 inches, and 4) lines  64   a  and  65   a  for fraying or bulging. If connector clamps  21 ′ and  21 ″ fail to meet any of these requirements, the deficient clamps are removed using the Band-It J700 clamp remover. If bulging, twisting, or cut filaments of lines  64   a  and  65   a  cannot be repaired by rolling the bulge out between two fingers, disassemble the line assembly and start over with new lines. If the lines are undamaged and this section of the lines has only been clamped once before, repeat this assembly procedure. 
     Tape the two short sections of lines  64   a  and  65   a  near connector clamps  21 ′ and  21 ″, and cut them 1 inch from the nearest buckle B. Install spring clip  20   a ′ in female connector element  20  to join it to a mating connector portion, which could be male connector element  19  connected to, for example, another line charge  10 . FIG. 5 shows such a joinder that properly positions components of connector elements  19  and  20  to assure critical spacings, or separation distances between ends  23 ′ of detonating cords  23  or boosters  23   a . 
     Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, preparation of detonating cord  23  calls for placing threaded end caps  24 , washers  25 , nylon plates  26 , nylon cups  27  and cast plugs  28  on both ends of detonating cord  23 . Detonating cord  23  extends from one end to the other of line charge  10  being assembled. This part of the assembly procedure has been described above and can be performed before or after detonating cord  23  has been fed through axial bores  15   a  of all grenades  15  that have been clamped to nylon lines  64   a  and  65   a.    
     If connection of elements  24 ,  25 ,  26 ,  27 , and  28  is to be done before feeding detonating cord  23 , axial bores  15   a  in grenades  15  must be large enough to allow these elements to pass through them. If axial bores  15   a  are not large enough, then elements  24 ,  25 ,  26 ,  27 , and  28  are connected after detonating cord  23  is fed through axial bores  15   a.    
     After the pull tests of cups  27  and plugs  28  on detonating cord  23  have been completed, thread end caps  24  as far as plugs  28  will allow into mating threads in male and female connector elements  19  and  20 . When caps  24  are firmly tightened in the threads, ends  23 ′ of detonating cord  23  will be properly secured and placed in connector elements  19  and  20  to assure transfer of detonation between them. 
     Place the partially assembled line charge that includes grenades  15 , male and female connector elements  19  and  20 , and lines  64   a  and  65   a  on pack out table  100 . Male and female connector elements  19  and  20  and grenades  15  are placed with buckles B down and detonating cord  23  passes through grooves  125  on humps  120 . Lines  64   a  and  65   a  lie straight on opposite sides of humps  120 . Both lines  64   a  and  65   a  and detonating cord  23  are not twisted as they lie on pack out table  100 . If the length of lines  64   a  and  65   a  between adjacent grenades  15  appears to be short, measure to verify that the length is 16.375+/−0.125 inches. If the length falls outside of this range, correct the discrepancy by removal and relocation of the misplaced grenades  15 . 
     The length of detonating cord  23  is noted. The overall length of detonating cord  23  is allowed to vary by +/−3 inches. Humps  120  may be added or subtracted to bring the length of detonating cord  23  as determined below to within this range. Humps  120  are to be added or removed in pairs (one at each and) until the excess slack has been accounted for. This aspect of management of slack in detonating cord  23  should be verified before marking the detonating cord. 
     The spacing of contoured humps  120  may vary and will be controlled in accordance with the following dimensions: the spacing between grenades  1  and  10  and the spacing between grenades  50  and  60  will be 19.00+/−0.25 inches; the spacing between grenades  10  and  50  will vary depending on the detonating cord slack; and 17.40+/−0.25 inch humps will be added (two at a time with one being at one end and the other at the opposite end) until all of the slack has been accounted for. 
     Starting at the end with male connector  19 , hold detonating cord  23  down in groove  125  of first hump  120  and mark it, 0.25 inches on each side of first grenade  15  with a red marker. Continue to hold and mark detonating cord  23  at this distance from each grenade  15  along the entire length of line charge  10  taking care not to move the portion of detonating cord  23  that has already been marked. 
     Check once again to see the 0.25-inch marks along detonating cord  23  are on both sides of each grenade  15 , and there is no fraying or bulging of detonating cord  23  or lines  64   a  and  65   a.    
     A stowage container for the finished line charge  10  is most likely a backpack container that is placed on a pack out cart. The cart and backpack are moved along pack out table  100  to a position next to female connector  20  and first clamped grenade  15 . As connector elements  19  and  20 , grenades  15 , lines  64   a  and  65   a , and detonating cord  23  are packed as described below, the cart progresses in a direction that is parallel along the length of pack out table  100 . This orderly progression further prevents twisting or entanglement of components as the entire line charge is packed. 
     Line charge  10  is started to be packed in the backpack from the end where female connector element  20  is attached. This will be the end where the launch tube holder for the rocket motor will be. The launch tube holder is pointed in a direction away from the technician packing the line charge. The first grenade  15  is placed on its end in the left-hand corner of the backpack and female connector element  20  is positioned to hang out over the edge of the backpack. The second grenade  15  is placed in the center of the backpack with its buckles B down and near the side of the backpack that is opposite where the launch tube holder was put. Successive ones of grenades  15  are similarly placed in the bottom with their buckles B down also. 
     After the twenty-fifth grenade  15  has been put in the backpack, visually inspect each grenade  15  for the 0.25-inch marks to ensure that slack in detonating cord  23  was maintained. If any of the marks are not visible, adjust detonating cord  23  until all the marks are visible. All of the excess lines  64   a  and  65   a  and detonating cord  23  are folded into the center of the layer of grenades  15 , taking care not to loop lines  64   a  and  65   a  or detonating cord  23  around any grenade  15 , and taking care not to twist the assembled line charge  10 . 
     Pack the middle or second layer of line charge  10  into the backpack container with buckles B down. After the forty-sixth grenade  15  has been placed into the backpack, visually inspect all grenades  15  for the 0.25-inch marks to be sure that proper slack in detonating cord  23  was maintained. If all marks are not visible, adjust detonating cord  23  until all marks are visible. 
     Again, fold all of the excess of lines  64   a  and  65   a  and detonating cord  23  into the center of this layer taking care not to loop the lines or detonating cord around any grenade  15  and also taking care not to twist the assembled line charge. 
     A cushion is placed over this middle or second layer in the backpack to extend to the diagonal cut out which is positioned for the first grenade  15 , and nothing else under the cushion is visible. The top or third layer of the line charge is packed into the backpack container with buckles B of grenades  15  facing down. 
     After all grenades  15  have been packed into the backpack, male connector  19  now is placed to hang over the edge of the backpack. Visually inspect each grenade  15  of the third level of grenades  15  for the 0.25-inch marks to ensure that slack in detonating cord  23  was maintained. If all marks are not visible, adjust detonating cord  23  until all of the marks are visible. Again, fold all of the excess of lines  64   a  and  65   a  and detonating cord  23  into the center of the third layer, taking care not to loop the lines or detonating cord around any grenade  15 , and taking care not to twist the assembled line charge  10 . 
     A cushion is placed over the top or third layer in the backpack. A diagonal cut out in the cushion is positioned to expose the first grenade  15 , and nothing else under the cushion is visible. Male and female connector elements  19  and  20  are placed on top of the cushion. At this time again verify that the flush-to-0.010-below flush requirement is met for both ends  23 ′ of connector elements  19  and  20 . 
     Female connector element  20  on the top layer of the cushion is attached to male connector element  19  without unpacking or entangling the line charge. The presence of retaining spring clip  20   a ′ is verified to be in female connector element  20 . At this time also place the launch tube on the cushion on the diagonal with the small end pointing toward female connector element  20 . 
     The backpack lid is replaced over the backpack. Care must be taken to see that no parts of detonating cord  23  or lines  64   a  and  65   a  are sticking out of the sides. Finally, the lid is secured using the latch assemblies on the sides of the backpack. 
     The advantages of the apparatus and procedure of this invention are numerous. Holding jig  80  and grenade working jig  70  are spaced apart to ensure proper spacing of grenades  15  along line charge  10 . Holding jig  80  assures that adequate tension will be imparted to lines  64   a  and  65   a  via motor assembly  60 . This minimizes slack and provides for accurate and repeatable spacing of grenades  15 . The red thread or stripe running along one side of both lines  64   a  and  65   a  helps eliminate performance degrading twisting of the lines during fabrication since it allows a continuous visual inspection of the lines&#39; condition throughout the assembly process. The pneumatic air tools  75  and  95  perform repeatable clamping and cutting during tightening of band clamps  16  and connector clamps  21 ′ and  21 ″, and the tools may be calibrated before being used. Use of the reliable air tools  75  and  95  for the clamping operations further reduces human errors associated with other human powered clamping tools. Connector jig  90  facilitates repeatable and easy clamping of lines  64   a  and  65   a  on male and female connector elements  19  and  20 . The use of hand held gauges and other measuring devices permits on the spot inspections of the proper orientation of clamps, lines, and grenades and the associated crimping, or clamping forces. Pack out table  100  allows for easy and accurate integration of detonating cord  23  into the rest of the components of line charge  10 . The use of pack out table  100  with two-part cylindrically-shaped mold  29 ′ and  29 ″ assures proper alignment of and tolerances for ends  23 ′ of detonating cord  23  in male and female connector elements  19  and  20 . Spaced-apart wells  110  on pack out table  100  help maintain proper spacing of grenades  15 , and grooves  125  in humps  120  properly manage slack in detonating cord  23 . Humps  120  also help in management of slack in detonating cord  23  by helping to eliminate twisting as the fairly rigid detonating cord is laid into the final packing arrangement of line charge  10 . 
     Line charge  10  flies and/or detonates properly because its construction is not faulty. The faulty construction of some other line charge systems leads to their failure after they have been subjected to the rigors associated with transportation and set up, and the severe stresses and strains created during deployment under combat conditions. 
     Line charge  10 , manufactured according to this inventive concept, is lightweight and maintains spacing tolerances between adjacent grenades  15  that are critical for their effectiveness. Line charge  10  provides reduced strain loading relative to detonating cord  23  which transfers detonation to grenades  15 . Thus, line charge  10  made according to this invention can accommodate the strains encountered during deployment and does not create uneven forces which might cut or break the anchorage and strength members  17  and  18  while maintaining correct spacing between adjacent grenades  15 . 
     Line charge  10  may be the MK7 Anti-Personnel Obstacle Breaching System (APOBS) which is in inventory with some units of the U.S. Armed Forces. It is reliably deployed and detonated because it is made according to the novel and unique assembly procedure and apparatus of this invention which assures quality controlled and uniform construction. 
     The disclosed components and their arrangements as disclosed herein all contribute to the novel features of this invention. The novel features of this manufacturing process and means for manufacturing assure more reliable and effective use of different line charges  10  for clearing safe passageways across different terrains that have diverse collections of obstacles and mines. 
     The components of line charges  10  might necessarily have to be tailored for different tasks, yet such modifications will be within the scope of this inventive concept. For example, in accordance with this invention, line structures other than nylon could be used; clamp structures other than the disclosed stainless steel, multi-banded, clipped and buckled designs could be used; and different configurations of line charges could be manufactured that have smaller or larger grenades  15  spaced closer or further apart to match the anticipated breaching tasks. Differently shaped grenades  15  having different explosives could be substituted to suit the mission. Bigger or smaller strength members  17  and  18  and different structures for detonating cord  23  might also be selected for the different tasks. These components can be incorporated into the fabrication procedure of this invention to better accommodate different mission requirements without departing from the scope of this invention. 
     Furthermore, having this disclosure in mind, one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will select and assemble other suitable components in different configurations. For example, line charge  10  may have more strength members  17  and  18  equidistantly spaced around and secured to grenades  15 . Therefore, the disclosed method and means for manufacturing are not to be construed as limiting, but rather, are intended to be demonstrative of this inventive concept. 
     It should be readily understood that many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible within the purview of the claimed invention. It is to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.