Dirty Bomb Rockets Vanish

Washington Post ^ | Dec. 7, 2003 | Joby Warrick

[FairOpinion]

TIRASPOL, Moldova -- In the ethnic conflicts that surrounded the collapse of the Soviet Union, fighters in several countries seized upon an unlikely new weapon: a small, thin rocket known as the Alazan. Originally built for weather experiments, the Alazan was transformed into a terror weapon, packed with explosives and lobbed into cities. Military records show that at least 38 Alazan warheads were modified to carry radioactive material, effectively creating the world's first surface-to-surface dirty bomb.

The warheads are not known to have been used. But now, according to experts and officials, they have disappeared.

[FreedomPoster]

And plenty of buckshot loads. And range time with some lessons.

Good suggestion.

And don't forget to BLOAT.
(Buy Lots Of Ammo Today)

If you have a basement, a 55-gallon food-grade blue polypropylene water barrel stuffed in a corner is a good idea, along with some food.

[verity]

Well, folks, the threat IS real!

Quickly proceed to your shower stall and do not emerge until the all clear is sounded.

[Calpernia]

ping

[Calpernia]

>>>>Why would the radiation have no effect if exploded in the air, but consequences similar to a small nuclear bomb if on the ground?

Dirty bombs have three components to worry about:

blast
fragmentation
latent ionizing radiation.

The blast will be effective in a very, very short area around the explosion. Explosions on TV and movies use zip-lock bags filled with gasoline and something called detonation cord (det cord is about twice the size of plastic coated clothes line). They put lots of these little baggies of gas wrapped twice in det cord in a long string everywhere. On cue from the director they touch off the det cord exploding it in a long line at well over 20,000 feet a second vaporizing the gas then igniting it. This looks cool, but doesn't do any real work to speak of. They show it in slow motion and from various angles over and over again to milk it for full effect. A real explosion from a real bomb and the casualties from the blast will be long since finished in one second. The blast wave looks like a big ice-cream cone so it's force goes up and away, remember, explosives are generally lazy and will always take the path of least resistance which is up and away from you.

Fragments are parts of the bomb, what it was packed in, and anything laying loose around it. These fragments (called shrapnel incorrectly by most people) will loose speed and power at an amazing rate. Just because you're near it doesn't mean you're going to be hurt. Consider the bombers in Israel blowing themselves up with large charges and lots of intentional fragments in crowded places. The vast majority of people there aren't hurt. 99% of the whole fragment danger period will last one or two seconds literally.

Now we're down to the "Dirty," part. The anthrax in the Hart building in Washington, DC was passive; meaning the decontamination crews had to go find it. The good news for us is the contamination will lead cleanup crews (using a Geiger counter) to itself like a beacon. The government will probably be passing out badges like the ones the girl at the dentist's office wears. They signal when you've had a minor exposure to ionizing radiation (did you know you get exposed to this stuff naturally every day?). If your badge changes color, you've had a minor exposure that will have no discernible effect on you. The clean up crews will check the places where the most badges change the fastest after an initial clean up period. If you're exposed during the initial attack a warm shower and washing your clothes will erase the danger. You need long term exposure to a lot of this stuff to have it harm you twenty years from now. Even if you're near a dirty bomb you are still more likely to be killed by a drunk driver.

Dirty bombs are "The," non-event of the year. It's a terror weapon, designed to let everyone's imagination scare the bejeepers out of them with their own worst fears. When we get scared, when we make new laws, when we alter our lives; the bad people win. Right now those boys are giggling and laughing at how we're reacting to their threats. If you want to help in the war on terror, only worry about things that have happened in your immediate area. If you can throw a rock and have it hit the danger, then be concerned (leave). Don't give them the satisfaction of being scared until we've got something right here-right now to be scared of.

http://goexcelglobal.com/NJ_DefenseForce

[knak]

very interesting! First article of the day with my first coffee of the day. I'll have to read it again later.

[jriemer]

Military records show that at least 38 Aztlan warheads were modified to carry radioactive material, effectively creating the world's first surface-to-surface dirty bomb.

Coming to a neighborhood near you!

[gitmo]

Russian scientists hold an Alan rocket, a slightly larger version of the Alazan, as they get ready for a test launch at a research institute in the Caucasus.

[gitmo]

A dirty bomb is not a nuclear device but a weapon that uses conventional explosives to disperse radioactive materials, which could cause widespread disruption and expose people to dangerous radiation. Unlike other kinds of dirty bombs, this one would come with its own delivery system, and an 8-mile range. A number of terrorist groups, including al Qaeda, have sought to build or buy one.

[jerseygirl]

I also came across that article. Was apparently from "The Globe." I wrote it off as just another tabloid press. Probably just wishful thinking on my part as I do believe that we are facing serious threats which will make 9/11 seem minor.

[jerseygirl]

Or was it from the Mirror? Will check.

[Quix]

HMMMMM

THANKS.

[C210N]

Dirty Bomb Rockets Vanish ...

Now, no need to worry. I'm sure they'll "turn up" somewhere sometime soon.... {w/sarcasm}

[BureaucratusMaximus]

A rifle makes alot of sense...as does the rest of your response. How much can I pick one up for? (including a feasible amount of ammo). Also...how do you store yours at home? (meaning if you have kids...what is the common sense/safest way to store it)

[Iris7]

I suggested a 94 Winchester because I saw one in Wal-Mart made by US Repeating Arms Co. (USRAC), fine piece of American equipment, for about $280. Gave me lust. Balances and hangs wonderfully. Much better arm than a AK. Ammunition about $8.34 for a box of 20 at cheaperthandirt.com - no surplus in this caliber. These are Korean PMC cartridges. Get flat nose only for a 94.

There are other cheaper options. Do not despise bolt guns. Find a good used .308 bolt gun in the paper or local shopper. If you get it with a scope make sure the scope is deer hunting equipment, not "military". I suggest iron sights, though, more reliable and fine out to 350 yards for me with old eyes. Ammunition is cheap in surplus military ball style, and effective. Lots of other choices. Old military rifles, pre-WWII, work very well indeed, and are second only to the 94 in the jury test.

Shotguns have their place. Stick with deer hunting styles, none of that pistol grip stuff. A Mossberg pump set up with a rear peep and front rifle sight, set up for deer hunting with slugs, would be my choice. This would have a cylinder bore or improved cylinder choke. Use slugs and buckshot. Effective range with slugs about 150 yards, buckshot 40 yards. For inside the house use lead shot size BB. Very effective to 20 yards. If you use a rifle indoors remember the bullet will penetrate several Sheetrock walls. Freepmail me if you want.

[risk]

It's just a matter of time.

Yes, it is. We should be talking more honestly about how we are going to handle the pandemonium that results. I know we'll survive as a nation. I just want us to think more practically about how we will go about our business as survivors in the days and weeks to follow.

[clee1]

Yep. If I could have only 1 gun, it would be a 12 gauge pump action. The most versatile firearm there is, just by changing the loads.

a water barrel stuffed in a corner is a good idea, along with some food.

How about a 1000 gallon food grade water container and a 6 month supply of MRE's (among many other "survival" items) ???? These are all kept prepared on wooded property I own far from large population centers.