by ShortcakeSempai March 03, 2018
Abbreviation for White Phosphorous.
Type of grenade used extensively during the Vietnam War. Upon detination, white phosphorous is spread over a wide area. While often used offensively, it's most prolific use was with tank, aircraft and helicopter crews. Upon the eventuality that they had to abandon their vehicle, they would detonate a WP grenade on equipment they did not want to fall into enemy hands.
White phosphorous is a particularly horrific weapon due to the fact that phosphorous reacts violently with water, thus any attempts at extinguishing the fire would result in it getting worse.
Troops were uneasy about using WP as it is very unpredictable and it has a high spread radius.
The radio designation for White Phosphorous is Willie Pete.
Type of grenade used extensively during the Vietnam War. Upon detination, white phosphorous is spread over a wide area. While often used offensively, it's most prolific use was with tank, aircraft and helicopter crews. Upon the eventuality that they had to abandon their vehicle, they would detonate a WP grenade on equipment they did not want to fall into enemy hands.
White phosphorous is a particularly horrific weapon due to the fact that phosphorous reacts violently with water, thus any attempts at extinguishing the fire would result in it getting worse.
Troops were uneasy about using WP as it is very unpredictable and it has a high spread radius.
The radio designation for White Phosphorous is Willie Pete.
Better bring a few Willie Petes for this fire mission Bill, we don't wan't Charlie getting his hands on these XM16's...
by M1969 January 20, 2005
www.stardestroyer.net
White Phosphorous - Used in WP grenades.
The American M15 grenade contains about 15 ounces, along with a small bursting charge which ignites the phosphorous and scatters it over a 17 metre radius. The phosphorous burns for about 60 seconds at more than 2000 K (which is higher than the melting point of steel), and it will naturally ignite every flammable object in the area.
The burning particles can also embed themselves into human flesh, where they will continue to burn, causing excruciating pain and sinking deeper into the victim's body. Water can only provide temporary relief, as the particles will spontaneously re-ignite the moment they dry. They must therefore be carefully picked out before re-ignition or doused with copper sulphate, which will prevent re-ignition.
White Phosphorous - Used in WP grenades.
The American M15 grenade contains about 15 ounces, along with a small bursting charge which ignites the phosphorous and scatters it over a 17 metre radius. The phosphorous burns for about 60 seconds at more than 2000 K (which is higher than the melting point of steel), and it will naturally ignite every flammable object in the area.
The burning particles can also embed themselves into human flesh, where they will continue to burn, causing excruciating pain and sinking deeper into the victim's body. Water can only provide temporary relief, as the particles will spontaneously re-ignite the moment they dry. They must therefore be carefully picked out before re-ignition or doused with copper sulphate, which will prevent re-ignition.
This type of grenade will cause severe, possibly even fatal injuries to enemy soldiers, and worse yet, its smoke is highly toxic and can also injure or kill. WP grenades are generally used to clear rooms or trenches or other confined areas where it is unlikely that shifting winds will blow the resulting smoke back into your face.
by Diego November 18, 2003
by John Gen September 27, 2007
by Munsturr September 01, 2011