Fuzed Insensitive General Purpose Bomb Containing AFX-645.
Abstract
An insensitive high explosive based on TNT, NTO, wax and Aluminum called AFX-645 has been developed for general purpose bombs. This IHE has undergone a series of reformulations over the past four years to improve its processability, control sensitivity and enhance blast performance. Sub-scale and full scale testing in a Mk-82 bomb has been accomplished. Performance measurements including detonation velocity, blast pressure, copper cylinder expansion and fragment velocity indicate performance comparable to Tritonal. Sensitivity testing of the previously developed AFX-644 formulations including friction, impact, thermal stability, electrostatic discharge, cap, gap, Susan, friability, fast cook-off, slow cook-off, bullet impact and sympathetic detonation tests have been accomplished. The explosive has passed the United Nation's Extremely Insensitive Detonating Substance test criteria in its baseline AFX644 formulation. A subsequent less sensitive formulation has passed the most critical of the article tests for the 1.6 hazard classification. Extensive boostering test were done and a complete explosive train to detonate AFX-645 has been designed. This explosive train fits into a slightly modified FMU-139 fuze with a large auxiliary booster stored in a new fuzewell. Minor modifications to the Mk-82 were embodied to incorporate the new fuzewell and explosive train. When installed as a nose or tail fuze in an AFX-645 filled Mk82, the weapon should meet 1.2 hazard classification criteria. jg
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA294414
Entities
People
- Alan C. Stewart
- John D. Corley