http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/01/06/abdulmutallab.pdf

Feds mention TATP in the PETN mix. So the bomb had a three
part chain: sugar + chlorate (sulphuric initiator) sets
off TATP which sets off the bulk PETN. PETN is more
energetic but TATP more easily undergoes the deflagration
to detonation reaction. Various posters have described
such 'trains'.

A small unconfined pile of TATP may just fireball when heated. Or it may detonate.

Its supposedly easily set off but in my experience that is over
hyped. Its obviously not a military explosive (can take
rifle bullets, etc) but its not nitrogen triiodide either.

Anyway, TATP is a good idea, and even a lame sugar chlorate fire would have definately set it off. Not sure why it didn't DDT and
set off the main PETN charge. 3 oz is borderline perhaps.

NB: TATP would dilute the PETN if mixed homogenously; the former
has none of those tattletale nitrate groups that various detectors
like. Woof. (And again, untagged PETN has very low vapor
pressure, and condoms can be tied effectively.)

NB: condoms are supremely QA'd, each is electrically tested.
They have enormous engineering margins: I've inflated them
to 2 feet by 6 inches diam, at least, when I needed a helium
balloon. Ironically, the IRA used them in timer devices,
but worried about them because the IRA was catholic and
condoms were verboten. Again the QA aspect would have been
useful.

Aside from the technically interesting improvised chemistry, the point is that its a losing game, its too cheap for the adversary
to launch attacks. And even partially-failed attacks have
great value to them.

...

I wonder if Detroit had worked, would flight corridors be
shifted to avoid overflying more areas that the precious DC
restricted areas? How much would that cost due to extra fuel?

...

Glass empires shouldn't fly drones.

Point your butt away from the prince.

They're in yur bases detonating your spooks.