Originally Posted by
PEI_3721
Dan Gerous, re 'expanding rod'.
Yes the photograph shows a pattern normally associated with an expanding rod warhead.
Red Top - IR homing on the flare; typically, the dark doughnut explosive ring (to the fore of the bright clover leaf) gives some spin to the ring, thus the effect is like a band saw.
Its a good picture, but begs the question where were did all of the other segments of the ring go … , photo-chase break off now !
Expanding rod warheads morphed into continuous expanding rods with the one in the -9G raising a concern or two with its tiny rod structure and sub-3kg of bang. The US had lots of 'trust me' effectiveness data but in the very end of its career the continuous rod made a very nice slice through 2 x Adour engines and associated fuselage that was particularly reassuring (well, probably not the pilot concerned). The -9L saw the introduction of an annular blast/frag warhead, with added evilness and a 'sick-puppy' patent for its designer.