What is a critical factor in the design of ordnance?

Safety and efficiency of detonation is a critical factor in the design of ordnance because it directly impacts both the effectiveness of the munition and the safety of personnel handling and deploying it. The ordnance must be designed to initiate reliably under specific conditions while minimizing the risk of unintended detonations. This requires a thorough understanding of the chemical properties of the explosive materials used, as well as the mechanisms for detonation.

Ensuring that the ordnance can be deployed safely in various operational scenarios is paramount, as any failure or unintended detonation could have catastrophic consequences. Furthermore, efficiency in detonation means the ordnance must perform as intended when required, delivering the necessary force to achieve its mission objectives effectively.

While cost-effectiveness, ease of transportation, and availability of raw materials are important considerations in the overall lifecycle and production process of ordnance, they do not surpass the imperative of ensuring safety and controlled performance during detonation. The primary goal of ordnance design remains to create munitions that function reliably without compromising safety, making this aspect a foundational principle in EOD practices.