Report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Enhanced Non-Nuclear Munition Storage
Abstract
This report contains the findings of the SAB Ad Hoc Committee on Enhanced Non-Nuclear Munition Storage. The problem concerns the lack of available real estate on current USAFE air bases to accommodate quantity-distance requirements resulting from the on-base storage of MK82/84 munitions in both aircraft shelters and storage igloos. Because of the high density of personnel and inhabited base facilities, there is inadequate separation (based on quantity-distance requirements) between potential explosive sites and inhabited facilities. In order to maintain operational readiness and meet the training needs, the only recourse which the wing commander has for resolving this dilemma is to obtain waivers from the quantity-distance restrictions and manage the risks very carefully. One solution for which there was high expectations was the successful development of an insensitive high explosive (IHE). Unfortunately, this remedy appears to be a decade away unless some tradeoff with explosive performance is accepted. The committee examined numerous other remedies, many of which have applicability in the short term and can be applied directly to current MK82/84 stockpile. The committee concluded there is no short-term panacea -- however there are a number of solutions available within the next 2-5 years which, if implemented in combination, could lead to a favorable resolution of the current storage problem.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA475026