Why does the military use uranium 238 (depleted uranium) in weapons now, knowing it hurts our troops too?
2007-03-17 22:29:29 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
They are used in 25 mm rounds in M242 gun mounted on the U.S. Army's Bradley Fighting Vehicles and other armour-piercing weapons.
2007-03-17 22:39:12 · update #1
Yes, it's incredibly dirty especially when powdered or vapourised. (and it's not just used in weapons rounds: ballast weights in commercial aircraft, for example.)
Depleted uranium was introduced as, being more dense, it made a more effective armour- penetrating round that the tungsten previously used in discarding sabot ammunition. But it's not THAT much more effective. It is however much cheaper and easier to work than tungsten. This is probably the crucial factor.
Long term health risks *can* be a secondary consideration compared to that of finding yourself out-gunned in tank combat, but much of the DU used in recent years has come from aircraft.
(A10's and AV8 Harriers in tank-buster roles)
Having said that, the days of uranium may be coming to an end as weapon development passes on to other means of cracking open armour. "Preference may be given to guided anti-tank missiles and portable launchers, which will replace conventional anti-tank artillery".
2007-03-17 23:21:06 · answer #1 · answered by Pedestal 42 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Depleted uranium is used in ammunition to penetrate thick armor. The soldiers are ordered not to approach vehicles that have been "unzipped" with these rounds. The problem is, soldiers don't always obey orders! And if they are exposed to this for any length of time, it certainly can cause serious health issues.
2007-03-18 05:38:34 · answer #2 · answered by C J 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
We have 480,000 tonnes of DU, and the only other suitable material, tungsten, is available in quantity only from China.
Since kinetic energy penetrators are needed to successfully take out armored targets, I think that the potential harm of incidental exposure to DU pales next to coming home wrapped in a flag.
You have to be alive to worry about DU exposure.
2007-03-18 07:15:32 · answer #3 · answered by A Balrog of Morgoth 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's extremely effective with armour piercing rounds. The government and military hierarchy don't care about the average soldier, they're expendable. That will be a cover up for a later generation to worry about.
2007-03-18 05:48:15 · answer #4 · answered by homer28b 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Battlefield superiority.
Would you want the round that can punch through the armor of a tank and disable it in one to two rounds or use a whole belt just to hurt it?
We do what we have to to keep battlefield superiority, I accept the dangers and welcome the round as it is saving my *** when I am on the ground facing the enemy.
2007-03-18 07:35:10 · answer #5 · answered by Q-burt 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
What weapon that soldiers use contains uranium in its ammunition? None that I have heard of. You need to get your facts straight.
2007-03-18 05:32:33 · answer #6 · answered by Desert Rose 5 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Well the military says it hardens the steel.Also that it's harmless.
2007-03-18 05:39:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
the bomb? or tank shells? the bomb no need to explain. tank shells are armor piercing
2007-03-18 05:38:46 · answer #8 · answered by michael_6446 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋