Break Up Unit ID

[Burney Davis]

A friend has asked if I can find out any information on the pictured item. Basically what was it used with/for and the period in service (appears to be dated 1973).

TIA

 

[Snufkin]

Break-up units were used on missiles to initate self destruct if they went astray, were likely to cause unacceptable colateral damage, or needed to have flight terminated during proof tests. They contained an explosive charge to cause the missile to disintegrate without setting off the warhead. Bloodhound and Seaslug were so equipped. While in British service, for many years there was an annual proof firing from the RAE Aberporth range of a Bloodhound selected from stock, and I suppose there was someone on the break-up telemetry trigger in case the Bloodhound misbehaved.

I don't know what specific missile the photos refer to, but the NATO number might reveal.

ETA: It appears 1336 is the supply classification "Guided Missile Warheads and Explosive Components", 99 the country of manufacture (UK), but the full part designation 1336-99-964-1939 remains classified. See:

https://www.nsndepot.com/FSC/1336?PageNumber=4

​

 

[Burney Davis]

Break-up units were used on missiles to initate self destruct if they went astray, were likely to cause unacceptable colateral damage, or needed to have flight terminated during proof tests. They contained an explosive charge to cause the missile to disintegrate without setting off the warhead. Bloodhound and Seaslug were so equipped. While in British service, for many years there was an annual proof firing from the RAE Aberporth range of a Bloodhound selected from stock, and I suppose there was someone on the break-up telemetry trigger in case the Bloodhound misbehaved.

I don't know what specific missile the photos refer to, but the NATO number might reveal.

ETA: It appears 1336 is the supply classification "Guided Missile Warheads and Explosive Components", 99 the country of manufacture (UK), but the full part designation 1336-99-964-1939 remains classified. See:

https://www.nsndepot.com/FSC/1336?PageNumber=4

​

Thanks Tom, that's great. I'll pass it on.

 

[TimG]

CBU for Swingfire?

TimG