Safer Method of Storing Ammunition in a Conex Container

摘要

Many of the explosively loaded munitions in the inventory today are packaged and stored in such a manner that they respond en masse to an accidental initiation. As a result, a mass detonation of all the munitions in the storage area can occur. Techniques can be used to control the sympathetic response of munitions through the use of antifratricide devices, such as buffers, deflectors, and spoilers. All three types of antifratricide devices were employed in development of a storage configuration for boxed 4.2-inch mortar ammunition which limited the event to a single box of mortar rounds. The fires that were encountered, due mainly to splintered wood, had to be eliminated in order to prevent late-time cook-offs of munitions. Incorporation of fire extinguishing techniques into the antifratricide devices eliminated fires and late-time cook-off problems. The danger area associated with a Conex was reduced by over 98 % by implementing antifratricide, fire extinguishing, and sandbagging measures.