Knowledge (XXG)

Medium Atomic Demolition Munition

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commando teams to destroy enemy infrastructure such as bridges tunnels, and harbors, among others. The MADM warhead was designed to be economical in nuclear material, having a diameter of less than 15 inches (380 mm), and it was hoped that the device could be broken down into sub-40 pounds (18 kg) components for carriage and assembly in the field.
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In September 1957, the warhead operational availability date was delayed by 14 months. In February 1958, for still-classified reasons, the weapon received a significant redesign and a new developmental name: XW-45-X1. This, however, increased the weapon diameter to 12.75 inches (324 mm) and made
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In January 1960, the MADM version of the W45 was assigned the name W45 Mod 1. This version of the warhead was only different from the W45 Mod 0 used in Little John and Terrier in that it had no environmental sensing device, the ADM role having precluded the possibility of such a device. Instead, the
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that the usefulness of the weapon was limited by the inability to emplace the weapon underwater or in backfilled holes. Sandia and Livermore replied in December 1963, proposing a watertight case for the weapon featuring waterproof cables and connectors. A prototype was demonstrated in January 1963
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The history of the MADM began in 1954 with the proposal for a light-weight multi-purpose warhead. Its predecessor, the first atomic demolition munition (ADM), was deployed in the same year. This was a low-yield weapon (0.5 to 15 kilotonnes of TNT (2.1 to 62.8 TJ)) used by special forces and
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In February 1957, it was believed that the weapon could be design released by mid-1958 with production beginning a year later. In March 1957, it was suggested that the W44 and W45 programs be consolidated. This proposal was later abandoned. At this point, it was believed the design would have a
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Extensive tables were provided to enable the selection of the correct yield for each particular target. These tables accounted for various employment particulars such as depth of burial, fallout considerations, and minimum safe separation distances between adjacent weapons and personnel.
167:(PAL), consisting of a five-digit coded switch. This was accepted and implemented on the subsequent W45 Mod 2. When the Mod 2 weapon was incorporated into its new protective case, the weapon became the W45 Mod 3. Early production of the Mod 3 began in July 1965. 220:
ADM employment manuals describe the use of ADMs defensively for combat engineering purposes. Possible targets described include bridges, dams, canals, tunnels, airfields, railroad marshaling yards, ports and industrial plants, and power facilities.
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the warhead incompatible with Little John without substantial redesign. In the interest of economics and stockpile simplification, it was decided to revert to the original XW-45 design in February 1959.
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The program languished for several years, with Los Alamos and Sandia in a joint letter suggesting that warheads in the range of 12 to 18 inches (300 to 460 mm) were possible. At one point, the
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maximum diameter of 11.75 inches (298 mm), a length of 27 inches (690 mm), and a weight of 150 pounds (68 kg). Major components of the weapon were sourced from other weapon systems.
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with an estimated yield of 0.5 to 15 kilotonnes of TNT (2.1 to 62.8 TJ). Each MADM weighed 391 pounds (177 kg) in its transportation container. They were deployed between 1962 and 1986.
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In offensive operations, ADMs are described as being useful for improving flank and rear security of a unit, impeding counterattacks, and assisting in enemy entrapment.
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In its waterproof case, the weapon was 42 inches (1.1 m) long, 24 inches (0.61 m) wide, 28 inches (0.71 m) high and weighed 391 pounds (177 kg).
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missile was considered for the application. The program for the W45 was authorized in January 1956. In addition to MADM, the program was to develop warheads for
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The weapon was designed so it could be detonated by a timer of up to 21 days, by radio or by field wire, and featured a waterproof protective case.
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Air Transport Procedures, Transport of the W45-3 Warhead in Container, H815, For Medium Atomic Demolition Munition (MADM) by US Army Helicopters
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warhead received a three-digit combination padlock to restrict access to the device. War reserve production was achieved in April 1962.
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Scientists look at a Medium Atomic Demolition Munition. Cutaway casing with warhead inside, code-decoder / firing unit is at left.
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Employment of Atomic Demolition Munitions (ADM) (Report). Headquarters, Department of the Army. August 1971. FM 5-26.
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weapon utilizing an air-lens. The yield was reportedly 0.5 to 15 kilotonnes of TNT (2.1 to 62.8 TJ).
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ADM employment manuals describe the use of ADMs tactically in both offensive and defensive operations.
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This article is about the nuclear weapon. For the alternative rock musician, see
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Diagram showing underground emplacement of the Medium Atomic Demolition Munition
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Internal components of the MADM setup. From left to right: packing container,
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Atomic Audit: The Costs and Consequences of U.S. Nuclear Weapons Since 1940
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The weapon was a boosted, externally-initiated device. It was allegedly a
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At about the same time, it was proposed that the weapon be fitted with a
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and production of the case was authorized the following month.
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Index

Melissa Auf der Maur


W45 warhead
tactical nuclear weapon
United States
Cold War
atomic demolition munition
W45 warhead
W25
AIR-2 Genie
Nike I
Little John
Terrier
ASROC
Operations Redwing
Plumbbob
XW-44
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Atomic Energy Commission
Permissive Action Link

Swan-type
Special Atomic Demolition Munition


Air Transport Procedures, Transport of the W45-3 Warhead in Container, H815, For Medium Atomic Demolition Munition (MADM) by US Army Helicopters
Archived

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