Antifratricide Protection for Palletized Chemical Rockets during Shipment.
Abstract
The US Army has a large number of M55 chemical rockets in storage which it needs to destroy. The maximum credible event (MCE) for moving pallets of these rockets is the spontaneous detonation of one rocket on a pallet, with a sympathetic detonation of another rocket warhead, and massive leakage of agent from the remaining 13 rockets. The Ballistic Research Laboratory (BRL) was asked to consider the use of antifratricide techniques to reduce the magnitude of such an accidental detonation. Several antifratricide techniques were tried to prevent propagation of reaction between a detonated donor warhead and adjacent acceptors. Insertion of rockets into 9.5 mm wall thickness aluminum tubes separated 275 mm on centers with 41 mm diameter thinwall electrical conduit between warhead provides excellent protection. Prevention of initiation of the donor motor is a much more difficult task, and these tests could only be accomplished by modifying the rocket. Keywords: Demilitarization, Chemical munitions, Munitions transport, Munitions safety.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA167816
Entities
People
- John T. Mclaughlin
- Ona R. Lyman
Organizations
- Ballistic Research Laboratory