UPSC Prelims 2025·GS1·science-and-technology·defence

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?

Dalvoy logo
Reviewed by Dalvoy
UPSC Civil Services preparation
Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. AThese are alternatives to hydro-fluorocarbon refrigerants
  2. BThese are explosives in military weaponsCorrect
  3. CThese are high-energy fuels for cruise missiles
  4. DThese are fuels for rocket propulsion

Explanation

CL-20, HMX, and LLM-105 are all high-energy explosive compounds used in military applications: CL-20 (Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane): One of the most powerful non-nuclear explosives known, used in advanced military munitions and rocket propellants. HMX (Cyclotetramethylene-tetranitramine): A powerful and relatively insensitive explosive used in military applications, including nuclear weapon triggers and advanced conventional munitions. LLM-105 (2,6-diamino-3,5-dinitropyrazine-1-oxide): A relatively insensitive high explosive developed for military use, offering good performance with improved safety characteristics. These compounds represent advanced explosive technology designed to provide maximum energy output while maintaining handling safety for military applications.
science-and-technology: What is the common characteristic of the chemical substances generally known as CL-20, HMX and LLM-105, which are someti

Related questions

More UPSC Prelims practice from the same subject and topic.