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The MC-1 bomb was the first U.S. non-clustered air-dropped chemical munition. The 750-pound (340 kg) MC-1 was first produced in 1959 and carried the nerve agent sarin.

History

The MC-1 chemical bomb was first brought into regular mass-production in 1959.[1] A modified general purpose demolition bomb, the MC-1 was the first non-clustered chemical munition in the U.S. arsenal.[1] The MC-1 was designed to be delivered via U.S. Air Force aircraft.[2] The MC-1 was never used against enemy targets.

Specifications

The MC-1 was a 750-pound (340 kg) munition.[1][2] The weapon had a diameter of 16 inches (41 cm) and a length of 50 inches (127 cm).[2] The MC-1 was filled with about 220 pounds (100 kg) of sarin (GB) nerve agent.[2] 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.[3]

Demilitarization operations

Umatilla Chemical Depot stored about 2,400 MC-1 bombs until the final one was demilitarized and destroyed on June 9, 2006.[4] Another 3,047 MC-1s were stored at Johnston Atoll when demilitarization operations began there in 1990.[5] Those weapons were destroyed during the ensuing decade and operations at Johnston Atoll Chemical Agent Disposal System ended in 2000.[5][6]

Test involving the MC-1

Tests were conducted using the MC-1 from July-November 1971 at Dugway Proving Ground in Utah.[7] The aim of these tests, which were part of Project 112,[8] 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.[7] A second goal was to determine if leak suppressant and disposal procedures for damaged bombs were adequate.[7] For the purpose of the tests the MC-1 was filled with water and a sarin simulant, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP).[7] The bombs were dropped from an F-4 during the tests.[7]

See also

• M117 bomb

References

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