UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2025

What is the common characteristic of the chemical substances generally known as CL-20, HMX and LLM-105, which are sometimes talked about in media?

  1. These are alternatives to hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants
  2. These are explosives in military weapons
  3. These are high-energy fuels for cruise missiles
  4. These are fuels for rocket propulsion

Answer

Correct Answer

These are explosives in military weapons

Explanation

CL-20, HMX, and LLM-105 are all high-energy chemical compounds used as explosives in military ordnance and weapons systems, valued for their high energy density and (in the case of insensitive explosives like LLM-105) reduced sensitivity to accidental detonation.

Topics: defence, explosives, science and technology