Publications - Munitions Safety, Transport & Storage

A number of deadly ammunition accidents in the sixties and seventies of the last century have triggered the development and use of Insensitive Munitions (IM). Although good progress has been made IM has unfortunately not yet been widely fielded around the world. 

An increasing number of warhead designs shows a less violent response than Detonation (type I) in cook off or impact scenarios. In order to quantify the safety benefits, MSIAC is working on improvements in the risk management of such munitions.

Traditionally countermeasure flares have been manufactured from a mixture of Magnesium, Teflon® and Viton® (MTV). Unrivalled in their high temperature output, they have protected aircraft for almost 50 years.

Ballistics trajectory and impact conditions calculations were conducted in order to investigate the origin of the projection criteria for Insensitive Munitions (IM) and Hazard Classification (HC).

The probability of an accidental initiation of explosives and ammunition is an important parameter in Quantitative Risk Analysis (QRA).

NATO standards for the safe storage of ammunition and explosives contain tables with so-called Quantity Distances (QDs).

NATO standards for the safe storage of ammunition and explosives contain tables with so-called Quantity Distances (QDs).

With greater international interest on munitions safety it is important to identify the potential benefits of Insensitive Munitions (IM) when compared to conventional munitions.

A study has been conducted on the origin of projection criteria for Insensitive Munitions and Hazard Classification.

An accidental explosion in an ammunition magazine may result in break-up of the structure and a significant debris hazard. Knowledge about this effect is essential to define safety distances and in order to asses the risk.