[NickinAM]

Reid attempted to light the fuse and could not due to sweat having dampened the fuses.

Understand that 8 - 12 ozs of C4 will blow out the side of a plane and take it down. That is why Reid was sitting in that seat location.

How it would be used is simple. The C4 would be removed from the cavity and fashioned into some other shaped charge and with other objects be ready to be placed and detonated.

Have no fear, this will bring down a plane.

[doug from upland]

Yes, Reid chose his seat very carefully.

[demlosers]

Reid attempted to light the fuse and could not due to sweat having dampened the fuses.

I know what 8 - 12 onces of plastic exposives can do. I've seen many explosive shots on the range. I was a munitions troop in the AF for many years.

Reid needs more than a fuse to set off C4 or Semtex. He needs an explosive train to set it off and a fuse alone will not do it. Shock has to be applied - an explosion to set off the main charge. That fuse was probably crimped to a blasting cap.

However, I never heard about the blasting cap in the news and I have always wondered if Reid just didn't know what he was doing.

Have no fear, this will bring down a plane.

I never had a doubt.