What are the two shape charges in the FGM 148?

• A. Main charge
• B. Booster charge
• C. Precursor charge
• D. Precursor charge and main charge

Answer: (D)

A tandem shaped-charge warhead is used, consisting of a precursor charge and a main charge. The smaller precursor shaped charge detonates first to defeat or disrupt reactive armor and to create an opening. Right after, the larger main shaped charge erupts behind it, sending a penetrating jet through the opening to defeat the base armor. This two-charge arrangement is specifically designed to defeat reactive armor that would otherwise blunt or absorb a single jet. Booster charges aren’t the components in question here; the effective defeat of modern armor comes from the two shaped charges working in sequence—the precursor to defeat the reactive layer, then the main charge to penetrate the underlying armor.