Hazards of electromagnetic radiation to ordnance (HERO)

Definition

Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO) refers to the potential risk or danger that electromagnetic radiation poses to explosive ordnance, which could cause it to unintentionally ignite or detonate. This can happen when electronic devices emit radiation that interferes with the electronic systems within the ordnance. The military takes measures to limit this risk including certain safety precautions and procedures.

Key Takeaways

1. The term “Hazards of electromagnetic radiation to ordnance (HERO)” refers to a situation where electromagnetic radiation can inadvertently detonate armaments or explosives, which can cause significant damage and casualties.
2. HERO is an essential consideration during the design or modification of military equipment, environment, and procedures, because safety measures must be in place to control the emission of electromagnetic radiation in environments where ordnance is present.
3. The military employs strict rules and regulations, including maintaining certain safe distances, implementing protective enclosures, and applying specific procedures and training, to minimize the risk of HERO incidents.

Importance

The term “Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO)” is crucial in military operations as it refers to the potential risks or hazards that electromagnetic radiation poses to explosive ordnance.

This is significant because electromagnetic radiation can unintentionally ignite or detonate explosive devices, leading to premature explosions that can result in catastrophic damage to equipment and personnel, compromising safety and mission success.

Therefore, understanding and mitigating HERO is essential in military operations to ensure safe handling, storage, transportation, and use of explosive ordnance, especially in environments where electromagnetic radiation sources are present.

Explanation

Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO) is primarily used as a preventative measure within military operations to ensure the safety and effectiveness of explosive ordnance. Essentially, this concept helps to mitigate the potential risks that electromagnetic radiation (EMR) can cause to explosive devices.

Electromagnetic radiation, which can emanate from a variety of sources such as radio communication devices, radars or satellite systems, can inadvertently set off explosive systems if not properly managed. Therefore, the central purpose of HERO is to provide guidelines and standards for managing such exposures to prevent accidental detonations.

HERO is crucial in ensuring that potentially catastrophic accidents are preempted, particularly in environments where different types of electromagnetic emissions are prevalent. This often includes shipborne, airborne, or ground-based military operations where EMR-emitting devices coexist with explosive ordnances.

Accordingly, the precautions taken might include maintaining safe distances between the sources of EMR and the weapons, shielding ordnance or sources of radiation, or turning off key equipment during certain critical operations. Thus, the doctrine of HERO provides an essential set of protocols for mitigating the risks associated with EMR in the environment of military operations.

Examples of Hazards of electromagnetic radiation to ordnance (HERO)

The USS Forrestal Fire: On July 29, 1967, electromagnetic radiation accidentally triggered ordnance aboard the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal. A Zuni rocket, which can be triggered by electromagnetic energy, accidentally launched and struck another aircraft stocked with more ordnance, leading to a destructive fire and the loss of 134 lives.

The Battle of the Coral Sea: During this World War II battle in May 1942, discrepancies in electromagnetic radiation thresholds led to a communication glitch. American aircraft carriers USS Lexington and USS Yorktown could not effectively communicate due to incompatible EMR settings, hampering the coordination during the battle.

Military Air Bases: In contemporary military air bases, HERO plays a significant role. Airplanes and drones are often packed with electromagnetic devices like GPS, radio devices, etc. An electromagnetic radiation burst in the wrong place could set off munitions unexpectedly. As such, these bases have strict guidelines and protocols to minimize the risk of electromagnetic radiation to ordnance.Please note, while these examples highlight the significance of HERO, not all details (e.g., explicit recognition of electromagnetic radiation as the root cause) might be available due to the sensitive and classified nature of such incidents. These examples are simplified and may contain approximations for illustrative purposes.

FAQs for Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO)

What is HERO (Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance)?

HERO refers to the potential risks or hazards presented by electromagnetic radiation to explosive devices or ordnance. It concerns the unintentional detonation of explosive devices due to electric current or the electric field produced by the radiation.

What is the purpose of HERO?

The main purpose of HERO is to ensure the safe handling, transportation, and storage of ordnance to prevent accidents resulting from exposure to electromagnetic fields. It includes applying strict rules and regulations to limit the ordnance’s exposure to such fields.

How are HERO conditions classified?

HERO conditions are typically classified into three categories: HERO SAFE (no precautions needed), HERO SUSCEPTIBLE (special precautions needed), and HERO UNSAFE (energized transmitting antennas must not be used near ordnance).

What could be the consequences of ignoring HERO precautions?

Failing to maintain HERO precautions can result in accidental detonation of explosive devices, which can cause major damage including loss of lives, loss of valuable assets, and mission failure.

How can HERO hazards be minimized?

HERO hazards can be minimized through multiple ways, such as placing restrictions on the use of electronic devices near explosive ordnance, limiting radio frequency transmissions in and around storage areas, and adhering to standard maintenance procedures.

Related Military Operation Terms

• Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
• Radiation Hazard (RADHAZ)
• Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR)
• Ordnance Safety Measures
• Radiation Shielding

Sources for More Information

Sure, here are four reliable sources on the subject of Hazards of electromagnetic radiation to ordnance (HERO):

• Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) – The website for the U.S. Navy’s air systems command. HERO falls under their purview and they may have resources or information on the subject.
• Jane’s Information Group – A reliable source of information on military and intelligence subjects. They course a broad range of topics and may well have information on HERO.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – The FAA often intersects with military matters because it manages U.S. airspace. Their site may have resources or guidelines that are relevant to HERO.
• Defense Acquisition University (DAU) – DAU is a higher learning institution that educates military members on various topics, including electronics and ordnance. They might have educational resources related to HERO.