posted on Feb, 24 2005 @ 09:59 AM
Prototypes of unconventional munitions designed to destroy stores of chemical and biological weapons could see their first use in Iraq, analysts
believe.
UN weapon inspectors have not uncovered any chemical and biological weapons (CBWs), and fierce international debate continues over the necessity of
military action to ensure Iraq has disarmed.
www.newscientist.com
11:01 21 February 2003
Incendiary device
Destroying CBWs without dispersing their deadly contents is a difficult task. Using conventional explosives is not an option - their detonation
generates a shockwave of rapidly gases that would disperse the deadly agents far and wide. C4 high explosive, for example, creates a velocity of
detonation of about 8000 metres per second.
Instead, ADW's uses incendiary chemical 'fills' that produce intense and long-lasting fires, rather than exploding. Some designs also belch out a
cocktail of bleaching chemicals to further reduce the threat.
One such ADW is being developed by the US Naval Surface Warfare Center, in Indian Head, Maryland, along with Lockheed Martin, the USAF and others.
First, it uses existing laser- or satellite-guided bombs such as the BLU-116 or BLU-109, to penetrate an underground bunker.
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
"Much of this work is classified, but it would seem reasonable to assume that an ADW capability would be available," he told New Scientist. "A
good deal of work in this area has already been done."
Another novel weapon that is likely to be in the US arsenal is the High Power Microwave (HPM) device reported on by New Scientist in August 2002. This
destroys electronic equipment in command, control and communications targets by unleashing an intense electromagnetic burst.
[edit on 24-2-2005 by Bourgeoisie]
[edit on 24-2-2005 by John bull 1]