Radioactive Depleted Uranium Munitions

Introduction

Caution. Radiation! These words would catch anyone off guard, let alone have the responsibility to handle radioactive material. So, knowing what to do when faced in a situation that requires you to handle the material is essential. Low-level radioactive waste does not present a radiation hazard to military personnel unless the sealed item is broken or in bulk quantities. Because of the potential hazard, safety is paramount, and service members must follow applicable regulations for radiation safety. Safety included in transportation, while in storage, and for final disposal.

Radiation

Radiation is a naturally produced occurrence that is in the environment and maybe artificially produced. There are two types of non-ionizing radiation, which is electromagnetic radiation ranging from extremely low frequency (ELF) to ultraviolet (UV). And ionizing radiation, which includes particulate (alpha, beta, neutrons) and electromagnetic (x-rays, gamma rays) radiation. Classification of low-level radioactive waste includes Class A, B, and C, with Class A being the least hazardous and accounts for the majority of the waste. Including military material waste with various radioactive ionizing radiation elements.

Depleted Uranium Ammunition

Radioactive materials, such as Tritium, Americium, and Depleted Uranium (DU), are used in many military items. The most common radioactive material in military munitions is DU, which is a by-product of the uranium enrichment process of natural uranium. The properties which make DU are its high density and strength, along with the relatively low cost of fabrication; and its availability after the enrichment process. Then, of course, the most notable ability for the rounds to self-sharping upon impact with a hard target. Some of the common rounds in DoD inventory include:

• 20mm MK149 Armor-Piercing Discarding Sabot
• 25mm M919 Armor-Piercing, Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot with tracer (APFSDS-T)
• 30mm PGU-14/B Armor-Piercing Incendiary
• 105mm M833 APFSDS-T
• 120mm M829A1 APFSDS-T

Below an ammunition specialist during Desert Shield carries a 105mm armor-piercing, discarding sabot round used in an M-1 Abrams main battle tank. 

Figure 1. 105mm armor-piercing, discarding sabot rounds. Source: Defense.gov. 

One obscure round in DoD research was a feasibility model 7.62 MM Flechette Cartridge, developed under an Air Force program consists of a depleted uranium flechette. The DU flechette is assembled within a lightweight plastic sabot and loaded in standard 7.62 MM NATO Cartridge case. The final configuration was capable of launching depleted uranium flechettes from a conventional rifle. 

Figure 2. 7.62mm DU flechette cartridge. 

Radiologically Contaminated Equipment

Besides the management of DU munitions, there also must be safe risk management processes for used radiologically contaminated equipment (RCE). There are many radioactive commodities in the Army supply system, for example, items containing tritium, such as fire control azimuths, level gauges, and muzzle reference sensors. Additionally, Chemical Agent Detectors/Monitors containing americium and Nickel, and night vision devices containing thorium. While all the mentioned equipment may not be familiar to all service members, one item that everyone should know is the military US compass. While not every compass was radioactive, the one pictured is dated to 1966 and was made with radioisotope H3.

Figure 3. 1966 Vietnam Era US Army Lensatic Compass, Magnetic Radioactive

While an ammunition supply point does not store any of these items, there is one munition system that would make its way into the inventory. The M72-Series Shoulder-Launched Munitions, including the M72A2/A3. The M72A2/A3 launcher has front sights with raised vertical range lines marked with ranges from 50 to 350 meters. Soldiers use the front sight illuminated range marks at the 100 and 150 meters in low light. The safety warning in the technical manual states the following:

M72A2/A3 front sights contain a radioactive substance. Do not handle excessively. Detach and dispose of in accordance with the standing operating procedure (SOP) after firing the munition.

Figure 3. Sight for LAW Rocket Launcher

Low-Level Radioactive Waste (LLRW) Disposal

All precautions should be taken when dealing with munitions that contain Depleted Uranium, which includes Radiologically Contaminated Equipment. Ensuring that handling is under the supervision of explosives specialists such as explosive ordnance disposal or ammunition surveillance personnel. And any disposal is coordinated with Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). The Headquarters Industrial Operations Command (IOC), Rock Island, Illinois, maintains the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license, SUC 1380, which authorizes the storage of Army DU ammunition at Army installations.

The US Army Joint Munitions Command (JMC), Safety and Risk Management Directorate, provides direction and manages the disposition program of LLRW. The program includes any waste material generated from operations at Ammunition supply activities. The Safety and Risk Management Directorate assists with packaging, ship, process, and disposal of LLRW. Most importantly, the office provides shipment instructions for any disposal. The website and official email located at the following link. 

Conclusion

The lack of radiation safety can have long term health effects on employees and of those soldiers under the care of leaders. Understanding the regulatory requirements of munitions with depleted munitions and equipment with radiological hazards is not just a requirement but essential to leaders. The accomplishment of disposing of Low-Level Radioactive Waste must be in a reasonable amount of time. And cannot be left to build up, or for others to complete. Supervisors have to take ownership of the process and be aware of the organizations that support radiation safety. Most of all, to keep employees safe in their workplace. 

References 

TB 9-1300-278. Guidelines for Safe Response to Handling, Storage, and Transportation Accidents Involving Army Tank Munitions or Armor Which Contain Depleted Uranium. July 1996. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

TM 3-23.25. Shoulder-Launched Munitions. September 2010. Publication is approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Technical Report AFATL-TR-69-53. Study to Determine the Feasibility of Using Sabots for Launching Depleted Uranium Projectiles. April 1969. Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited.