Gamma-Ray Exposure Hazard due to Stowage of M-774 APFSDS (Armour- Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding-Sabot) Rounds in a Leopard C-1 Main Battle Tank

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Abstract:

The M-744 APFSDS anti-tank round contains a depleted-uranium penetrator of 3.4 kgram mass. Since depleted uranium is naturally radioactive, the storage of a substantial number of these rounds inside a Leopard C-1 main battle tank creates a gamma radiation field within the vehicle. Gamma-ray exposure rates have been measured using a sodium-iodide spectrometer at each of the four crew-member locations and for two turret orientations, with 59 rounds stowed in the vehicle. In all cases the measured gamma-ray dose rates were less than a maximum of 0.17 millirad per hour observed at the loaders position. Assuming the loader spent an entire week 168 hours at his station, his integrated dose would amount to 29 mRad - approximately a factor of 4 lower than the maximum currently allowed by Canadian Forces regulations. It is therefore concluded that the M774 round does not represent a significant gamma radiation hazard to Leopard C1 crewmembers.

Author(s):
Robitaille, H. A.
Author Organization(s):
DEFENCE RESEARCH ESTABLISHMENT OTTAWA (ONTARIO)
Descriptive Note:
Technical note
Supplementary Note:
Summary in French.
Pagination:
0015

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release, Document Partially Illegible
Distribution Statement:
Availability: Document Partially Illegible.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
DREO-TN-82-32
Monitor Series:
DREO
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_6.3.3_Spectrum Management; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_3.2.1_Kinetic Means; JCA_6.3_Net Management; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_7.2.1_Mitigate Lethal Effects; JCA_7.2_Mitigate; JCA_7_Protection; JCA_JCA_4.1.2_Sustain the Force; JCA_4.1_Deployment and Distribution
Communities of Interest:
Counter WMD
Descriptor(s):
*EXPOSURE(GENERAL), *GAMMA RAYS, *DEPLETED URANIUM, *RADIATION HAZARDS, *ANTITANK AMMUNITION, MEASUREMENT, POSITION(LOCATION), CANADA, ORIENTATION(DIRECTION), LOADERS, SAFETY, LOW LEVEL, RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS, STORAGE, DOSE RATE, RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION, TANK CREWS, TANKS(COMBAT VEHICLES), SPECTROMETERS, RADIATION DOSAGE, GUN TURRETS
Field(s)/Group(s):
Radiobiology, Chemical, Biological and Radiological Warfare
Keyword(s):
FOREIGN
Report Date:
1983 Sep 01