MC-1 bomb
Encyclopedia
The MC-1 bomb was the first U.S. non-clustered air-dropped chemical munition. The 750 pounds (340 kg) MC-1 was first produced in 1959 and carried the nerve agent
sarin
.
chemical munition in the U.S. arsenal. The MC-1 was designed to be delivered via U.S. Air Force aircraft. The MC-1 was never used against enemy targets.
(GB) nerve agent
. The MC-1 was designed to be air-dropped via the F-4 Phantom II
and was unable to fit that aircraft's replacement, the F-16.
stored about 2,400 MC-1 bombs until the final one was demilitarized and destroyed on June 9, 2006. Another 3,047 MC-1s were stored at Johnston Atoll
when demilitarization operations began there in 1990. Those weapons were destroyed during the ensuing decade and operations at Johnston Atoll Chemical Agent Disposal System
ended in 2000.
in Utah. The aim of these tests, which were part of Project 112
, was twofold. One goal was to determine hazards associated with the accidental release or damage from hostile fire of the MC-1 during takeoff or landing. A second goal was to determine if leak suppressant and disposal procedures for damaged bombs were adequate. For the purpose of the tests the MC-1 was filled with water and a sarin simulant, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
(DEHP). The bombs were dropped from an F-4 during the tests.
Nerve agent
Nerve agents are a class of phosphorus-containing organic chemicals that disrupt the mechanism by which nerves transfer messages to organs...
sarin
Sarin
Sarin, or GB, is an organophosphorus compound with the formula [2CHO]CH3PF. It is a colorless, odorless liquid, which is used as a chemical weapon. It has been classified as a weapon of mass destruction in UN Resolution 687...
.
History
The MC-1 chemical bomb was first brought into regular mass-production in 1959. A modified general purpose demolition bomb, the MC-1 was the first non-clusteredCluster bomb
A cluster munition is a form of air-dropped or ground-launched explosive weapon that releases or ejects smaller sub-munitions. Commonly, this is a cluster bomb that ejects explosive bomblets that are designed to kill enemy personnel and destroy vehicles...
chemical munition in the U.S. arsenal. The MC-1 was designed to be delivered via U.S. Air Force aircraft. The MC-1 was never used against enemy targets.
Specifications
The MC-1 was a 750 pounds (340 kg) munition. The weapon had a diameter of 16 inches (41 cm) and a length of 50 inches (127 cm). The MC-1 was filled with about 220 pounds (100 kg) of sarinSarin
Sarin, or GB, is an organophosphorus compound with the formula [2CHO]CH3PF. It is a colorless, odorless liquid, which is used as a chemical weapon. It has been classified as a weapon of mass destruction in UN Resolution 687...
(GB) nerve agent
Nerve agent
Nerve agents are a class of phosphorus-containing organic chemicals that disrupt the mechanism by which nerves transfer messages to organs...
. The MC-1 was designed to be air-dropped via the F-4 Phantom II
F-4 Phantom II
The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a tandem two-seat, twin-engined, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet interceptor fighter/fighter-bomber originally developed for the United States Navy by McDonnell Aircraft. It first entered service in 1960 with the U.S. Navy. Proving highly adaptable,...
and was unable to fit that aircraft's replacement, the F-16.
Demilitarization operations
Umatilla Chemical DepotUmatilla Chemical Depot
The Umatilla Chemical Depot, based in Umatilla, Oregon, was a U.S. Army installations in the United States that stored chemical weapons. The chemical weapons originally stored at the depot consisted of various munitions and ton containers containing GB and VX nerve agents and HD blister agent...
stored about 2,400 MC-1 bombs until the final one was demilitarized and destroyed on June 9, 2006. Another 3,047 MC-1s were stored at Johnston Atoll
Johnston Atoll
Johnston Atoll is a atoll in the North Pacific Ocean about west of Hawaii. There are four islands located on the coral reef platform, two natural islands, Johnston Island and Sand Island, which have been expanded by coral dredging, as well as North Island and East Island , an additional two...
when demilitarization operations began there in 1990. Those weapons were destroyed during the ensuing decade and operations at Johnston Atoll Chemical Agent Disposal System
Johnston Atoll Chemical Agent Disposal System
Johnston Atoll Chemical Agent Disposal System was the U.S. Army's first chemical munitions disposal facility. It was located on Johnston Island, at Johnston Atoll and completed its mission and ceased operation in 2000.-Background:...
ended in 2000.
Test involving the MC-1
Tests were conducted using the MC-1 from July-November 1971 at Dugway Proving GroundDugway Proving Ground
Dugway Proving Ground is a US Army facility located approximately 85 miles southwest of Salt Lake City, Utah in southern Tooele County and just north of Juab County...
in Utah. The aim of these tests, which were part of Project 112
Project 112
Project 112 was a biological and chemical weapons experimentation project conducted by the US Army from 1962 to 1973. The project started under John F. Kennedy's administration, and was authorized by his Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, as part of a total review of the US military. The name...
, was twofold. One goal was to determine hazards associated with the accidental release or damage from hostile fire of the MC-1 during takeoff or landing. A second goal was to determine if leak suppressant and disposal procedures for damaged bombs were adequate. For the purpose of the tests the MC-1 was filled with water and a sarin simulant, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
Bisphthalate, commonly abbreviated DEHP, is an organic compound with the formula C6H42. It is sometimes called dioctyl phthalate and abbreviated DOP. It is the most important "phthalate," being the diester of phthalic acid and the branched-chain 2-ethylhexanol. This colourless viscous liquid is...
(DEHP). The bombs were dropped from an F-4 during the tests.