Why is depleted uranium used in weapons? What does it do and is it truly necessary?

Question

The stuff is so toxic - even for our troops - so why do they allow its use??

From http://www.vethealth.cio.med.va.gov/DUProgram.htm

"Depleted uranium (DU) is a by-product of the uranium enrichment process; it possesses less U-235 and about 50% of the radioactivity of natural uranium. During the Gulf War, uranium containing munitions were used on a large scale for the first time. It was used by the United States military in projectiles and armor for tanks. While thousands of military personnel had proximity to uranium munitions, either as they were stockpiled, transported or while riding in vehicles carrying these weapons, of most concern have been those individuals who were on or in vehicles when struck by depleted uranium projectiles. DU is a radiation hazard primarily if internalized, such as in shrapnel, contaminated wounds, and inhalation. In addition to its radioactivity, DU has some chemical toxicity related to being a heavy metal (similar to lead).

Answer 1

The projectile it's self is not toxic but the dust created by the projectile passing threw it's harden target is. handling ammo possessing depleted uranium is harmless. Breathing the dust particles sheared off by penetrating it target is the only problem known to date. I read some articles about this last summer they were on a study the British had done.

Vet-USAF 44MMS / Nuclear Missile spec.

Answer 2

It makes a great kinetic penetrator due to the weight / density of the material. No other readily available material comes close for punching thru armor at attainable velocities with current gun systems.

We use it because it is the best. Using something else is using a inferior product.

As far as toxicity, the contents of a modern armored fighting vehicle are pretty nasty themselves once you punch that hole in the shell and set it on fire. Petroleum products, plastics, circuit boards and electronic components, ammunition, and of course the meat that was the crew are all not exactly things you want to have burning in your backyard.

The minor increase in hazardous material resulting from the heavy metal toxicity of DU is not that big a deal.

DU will fall out of favor once we find a heavier metallic element that is easily obtainable, machineable with minimal difficulty, and economical to fire off as projectiles by the thousands. A quick look at the periodic table of elements will show you what those elements might be, and why we are going to be using DU for a long time to come.

Answer 3

DU rounds are neccary. The fact is that some of the armor packages on todays main battle tanks are so good that HEAT rounds just bounce off. That is where SABOT rounds come in. These are dense arrows that are made of DU and they go through any tank armor like a hot knife through butter.

Answer 4

Staballoy (pure DU is not used in projectiles) is used for armor-defeating ammunition because it is extremely strong and extremely dense.

Uranium metal has roughly the same human health effects as lead. All of the claims about cancer and radiation poisoning is BS intended to scare people who have never had any science classes.

Even the UN has found that DU is not a major human health issue

Answer 5

Calee, I watched that video just now.

And I recognized many of the birth defects, and they have nothing to do with radiation. and even 2 specific photos I remember seeing before the iraq war.

Answer 6

It is used because it punches through armor better then most other materials.

It is necessary if you have an MBT bearing down on you.

As far as to toxicity levels......Different studies say different things.

Answer 7

It is toxic for the same reason gold is DU is a heavy metal.

Answer 8

I have to warn you, this is quite disturbing.
http://www.ericblumrich.com/swf/silentscream

It's not that long, but you really need to watch the
whole video, to see the horror.

The only reason I can see for them allowing it, is because
they haven't seen this video.
Or, as usual, they're doing their best to keep the
horror a secret.
More people need to see the real horror of war.

Answer 9

it is heavy and solid plus it's stronger than steel it makes good armor piercing shells

Answer 10

Uranium, depleted or not, is heavy, so it's perfect for things like armour-piercing shells.