AFX-757
AFX-757 is an insensitive high explosive developed by the Energetic Materials Branch of the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory.[1] Initially, it was intended as a replacement for the tritonal filler of hard target penetrator bombs, but has found other applications. It is a mixture of RDX, aluminium powder, ammonium perchlorate and the plasticizer hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB).
AFX-757, which is cast-filled into warheads, has been used in warheads including the 250lb GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb, the WDU-42/B warhead of the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), BLU-121A/B 2000lb penetrator bomb with thermobaric effects, and BLU-122/B 5000lb hard target penetrator.[2] As part of the JASSM project, it was the first explosive certified in the lowest hazard category for transportation, essentially stating that it will not explode accidentally. [3]
References
- ↑ Insensitive High Explosives, Globalsecurity
- ↑ Solicitation Number: W15QKN-09-X-1211, Removing Cast-Cured Explosive Fills from Military Munitions, Department of the Army, 30 June 2009
- ↑ "JASSM Subjected to Insensitive Munitions/Hazard Classification Tests - IM/HC - weapons systems", Program Manager, November 2000