Australian Insensitive Munitions Policy: A Working Paper Prepared for the Australian Ordnance Council

摘要

This report has been prepared in response to a request from President, Australian Ordnance Council (PAOC), for a working paper to serve as a basis for derivation of an Australian policy on Insensitive Munitions (IM). IM are defined and the background studies confirming the operational and strategic benefits are summarised. Overseas service/user policies are described, particularly those of the US Navy which has the most clearly defined IM policy. Ten questions from PAOC dealing with background issues, priorities, possible cost penalties and methodology for meeting IM guidelines, Australian production capabilities and current and future R & D, implementation timescale and impact on munition exports and collaborative programs are answered. Policy options are presented followed by a summary and recommendations for implementation such that the potential benefits from IM for Australia's defence preparedness and self-reliance can be achieved. Keywords: High explosives, Propellants, Hazards, Cookoff, Detonations, Energetic properties. (aw)