A nine banger, also known as a flash-bang grenade, is a specialized explosive device commonly used by law enforcement and military personnel for various tactical purposes. Its main function is to disorient and temporarily incapacitate individuals in a specific area of operation. Let’s delve into the details of what a nine banger does and how it achieves its intended effects.
1. Loud “bang” and blinding flash:
Upon detonation, a nine banger emits an incredibly loud and sharp “bang” sound, reaching an intensity of 170-180 decibels. To put this into perspective, normal conversation typically ranges around 60 decibels, while a jet engine at close range measures around 140 decibels. The sheer intensity of the sound can cause immediate deafness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and inner ear disturbance.
Simultaneously, the explosion generates a blinding flash of over one million candela within a radius of 5 feet (1.524 meters) from the initiation point. This flash is extremely bright and instantaneous, causing immediate flash blindness for anyone within its range. The intensity of the light overwhelms the eyes, temporarily impairing vision and disorienting individuals.
2. Purpose of the effects:
The primary purpose of the loud “bang” and blinding flash is to disrupt and disorient individuals in a tactical situation. By creating a sudden and overwhelming sensory overload, the nine banger aims to incapacitate potential threats, giving law enforcement or military personnel a tactical advantage.
3. Flash blindness and its effects:
Flash blindness occurs when the intense light from the explosion overwhelms the retinas, causing a temporary loss of vision. The duration of flash blindness varies depending on the proximity to the detonation and the individual’s susceptibility. It can last from a few seconds to several minutes, during which affected individuals may be completely disoriented and unable to assess their surroundings accurately.
4. Deafness and tinnitus:
The intense sound produced by a nine banger can cause immediate and temporary deafness. The high decibel level can overload the auditory system, resulting in a temporary loss of hearing. Alongside deafness, individuals may experience tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. Tinnitus can be quite distressing and can persist for several minutes or even hours after exposure to the explosion.
5. Inner ear disturbance:
The explosive force of a nine banger can create a powerful shockwave that reverberates through the air and affects the inner ear. This can lead to a sense of imbalance, dizziness, and disorientation. The disturbance in the vestibular system, responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation, can further hinder an individual’s ability to move effectively or react to their surroundings.
It is important to note that the effects of a nine banger are temporary and typically subside within minutes. However, individuals with pre-existing hearing or balance issues may experience prolonged or more severe effects. Additionally, the use of flash-bang grenades should always be approached with caution and employed in appropriate situations, considering the potential risks and the safety of all individuals involved.
A nine banger is an explosive device designed to disorient and incapacitate individuals through its intensely loud “bang” and blinding flash. Its effects include immediate flash blindness, deafness, tinnitus, and inner ear disturbance. These effects aim to temporarily incapacitate potential threats and provide a tactical advantage to law enforcement and military personnel.