O-154 Technical Session Paper: Clarification of HD Storage Sub-Divisions

Much discussion and debate on the benefits of storing munitions with reduced hazard classifications have been heard over the last couple of years.  This is often connected with attempts to quantify the benefits of implementing an Insensitive Munitions policy.  Recent questions at MSIAC probed the benefits of NATO’s storage sub divisions associated with HD 1.2 and 1.3 particularly the impact that these might have on quantity distances.

Our research revealed some remaining issues or inconsistencies with the QDs derived using the current rules, which can lead to SsD 1.2.3 muntions being treated more conservatively or equivalent to SsD 1.2.1 and 1.2.2. As a consequence, storage benefits from the introduction of Insensitive Munitions may not be fully realized. This paper will address what appears to be inconsistencies with the standard and attempt to clarify the changes that are currently proposed for the next edition of NATO AASTP-1.

Some examples are provided to highlight the changes and to illustrate the challenges a user will have in determining the proper quantity distance.