Which form of ammunition or explosive is most likely to emit a nitrous/nitric smell indicating deterioration or leaking containers?

• A. Bulk solid and propellant
• B. Liquid explosive formulations
• C. Primer cartridges
• D. Submunitions

Answer: (A)

The smell of nitrous or nitric compounds is a warning sign of deterioration in nitro-based propellants, which are typically used in bulk solid forms. When aging, moisture and heat cause the nitrocellulose-based propellant to break down and release nitrogen oxides. These gases can leak from containers, producing a sharp, nitrous/nitric odor. This makes the bulk solid propellant form the most likely to emit that specific odor as a deterioration indicator.

Liquid explosive formulations, primer cartridges, and submunitions may have various odors due to solvents or other chemicals, but they do not produce the characteristic nitrous/nitric smell as a reliable or common deterioration indicator in storage.