TheM43 BZ cluster bomb,or simplyM43 cluster bomb,was a U.S. chemicalcluster bombintended to deliver the incapacitating agent known asBZ.The weapon was produced in the early 1960s and all stocks of U.S. BZ were destroyed by 1989.
History
editTheUnited States Armyre-evaluated itschemicalandbiological weaponsprograms in 1961.[1]This re-evaluation led to a renewed focus on anincapacitating agentprogram.[1]A project was established to begin producingBZmunitions; one result was the mass production of theChemical Corps' M43 BZ cluster bomb in March 1962.[1][2]Though M43s and another BZ weapon, theM44 generator cluster,were produced, they were never really considered an integral part of theU.S. chemical arsenal.[1]In the end around 1,500 BZ munitions were produced between the M43 and the M44.[1]
Specifications
editThe 750-pound (340 kg) M43 BZ cluster bomb had a 16-inch (41 cm) diameter and a 66-inch (170 cm) length.[3]This cluster bomb was designed to hold three stacks of 19M138 bomblets.[3]The bomblets each held about 6 ounces (170 g) of the incapacitating agent BZ, also known as 3-Quinuclidinyl benzilate.[3] The M43 was meant to be delivered from asubsonic aircraftand used a standard cluster adapter which would have tail fairing added to adapt it for high speeds.[4]The M43 cluster bomb was intended to cover an area of about 0.11 to 0.88 ha (0.27 to 2.17 acres) with BZ agent, which made it useful for attacking a squad or company sized element.[4]A weapon such as the M43 would have been best used against hard, high-value intelligence targets, in hostage or prisoner rescue situations, or in any other situation where friendly forces and enemy forces occupied the same area.[4]
If the M43 had been used in open terrain under neutral atmospheric stability it could have potentially incapacitated about 94% of the target with a fatality rate no greater than 2%. This would have been for a delayed (3 to 6 hour onset) and relatively long-term (1 to 5 days) neutralization.[5]
Issues
editThe M43 never rose above the status of "interim weapon" due to a number of shortcomings and issues with both the agent and the delivery system.[1]BZ was expensive and difficult to synthesize, and this expense made large-area use of BZ impractical.[4]Agent manufacture presented its own set of problems. BZ was susceptible to accidental ignition on the production line.[4]The weaponization of BZ presented other problems including the agent cloud's easy visibility, and simple counter-measures (such as a few layers of cloth over the mouth and nose) could defeat it.[4]In addition, the agent's "envelope-of-action" and rate of action were of questionable effectiveness.[1]Between 50% and 80% of BZ casualties had to be restrained during recovery to preventself-injury;other common symptoms during recovery wereparanoiaandmania.[4]The combination of these issues made BZ weapons, the M43 and M44 generator cluster, unattractive to military planners.[4]
Storage and disposal programs
editAll BZ agent and munitions produced were shipped to and stored atPine Bluff Arsenalin Arkansas.[3]The stored BZ agent and munitions were destroyed between December 1988 and 1989,[3]with nearly all of them being destroyed by mid-December 1988.[6]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^abcdefgDavison, Neil. "'Off the Rocker' and 'On the Floor': The Continued Development of Biochemical Incapacitating WeaponsArchived2008-11-09 at theWayback Machine",Bradford Science and Technology Report No. 8, Department of Peace Studies,University of Bradford(UK), August 2007, p. 5, accessed December 10, 2008.
- ^Smart, Jeffery K.Medical Aspects of Chemical and Biological WarfareArchived2012-08-26 at theWayback Machine:Chapter 2 – History of Chemical and Biological Warfare: An American Perspective, (PDFArchived2015-09-23 at theWayback Machine:p. 51),Borden Institute,Textbooks of Military Medicine, PDF viaMaxwell-Gunter Air Force Base,accessed December 10, 2008.
- ^abcdeMauroni, Albert J.Chemical Demilitarization: Public Policy Aspects,(Google Books), Greenwood Publishing Group, 2003, p. 19, (ISBN027597796X).
- ^abcdefghKirby, Reid. "Paradise Lost: The Psycho Agents",The CBW Conventions Bulletin,May 2006, Issue no. 71, pp. 2–3, accessed December 10, 2008.
- ^*Goodman E (2010). Ketchum J, Kirby R (ed.).Historical Contributions to the Human Toxicology of Atropine.Eximdyne. p. 120.ISBN978-0-9677264-3-4.
- ^Bobrick, Michael C. "A Reasoned Response to NIMBY Opposition to Incineration of Chemical Weapon Stockpiles", (PDFp. 41,cachep. 36),Thesis,United States Army Judge Advocate General's School,April 1993, accessed December 10, 2008.