Sheet 8

...the device included industrially or home-made electric detonator(s) or blasting cap(s).

Analysis of expert practice, as well as the results of field experiments specially conducted at the All-Russian Federal Nuclear Center (Sarov) with various masses of high-explosive (HE) charges, show that with charge masses exceeding 5 kg, it is impossible to find any informative remains of the explosive device's firing mechanism (initiation means in the form of shell fragments and end-wire fragments, electric current sources, connecting wires, time delays, and electronic circuit boards), its packaging (containers), or camouflage suitable for diagnostic research. During the explosion of an HE charge, the listed items undergo fragmentation into minute particles, high-speed projection, and additional crushing upon impact with obstacles. This is explained by the extremely high explosion parameters (pressure, temperature, velocity of explosion products) of large masses of HE. Based on the above, it is not possible to determine the specific design and method of activating the explosive device.

CONCLUSIONS

Regarding Question 1

The destruction and damage to the objects were formed as a result of the action of an explosion.

Expert [signature] T.V. Vinogradova

Regarding Question 2

The mass of the detonated charge was 800 - 1850 kg in TNT equivalent.

Expert [signature] T.V. Vinogradova

Regarding Question 3

A composite explosive was used as the explosive charge, which included TNT, hexogen, and, most likely, aluminum; additionally, ammonium nitrate could have been included, or a combination of the substances listed above and explosives based on them.

Expert [signature] K.N. Stovbur

[Stamp: Investigative Department of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation. For information 3]