Basic Tow Missile (BGM-71A-1) Quantity-Distance Hazard Study for Handling Operations,

Abstract : A quantity-distance study was performed for the basic TOW guided missile BGM-72A-1 in pallet, weapon skid, and helicopter transport/handling configurations. A sympathetic detonation test was conducted with the missiles in the pallet unit load (ADU-486/E pallet adapter) configuration to verify analytical predictions for detonation propagation. Flash x-ray tests were performed to verify estimates for the shaped charge slug mass, shape, and initial velocity. The tests supported the predictions. For differences that did occur between the test results and predictions, the predictions tended to be conservative -- that is, they over-estimated the hazard. Analyses of the test data indicate that propagation of detonation in the pallet configuration is highly unlikely. However, violent reactions did occur within the pallet but were limited to nearby missiles within a direct line of sight from the donor warhead.