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DU in the Gulf War


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A total of 320 tons (290,300 kilograms) of DU projectiles were fired by the U.S. during the Gulf War:
  • Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs (Warthogs) – 260 tons
  • U.S. Marine Corps AV-8 Harriers – 10 tons
  • U.S. Army and Marine Corps M60 and M1A1 Abrams tanks – 50 tons

A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog)

A-10 Thunderbolt II GAU-8

A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog) A-10 Thunderbolt II GAU-8
cannon fires 30mm DU rounds

M1A1 Abrams tank

AV8-B Harrier

M1A1 Abrams tank AV8-B Harrier

120mm DU Sabot round

Sabot separating from the penetrator

120mm DU Sabot round
(cutaway) for the M1A1 tank
Sabot separating from the DU
penetrator

DU friendly fire and accidental fire incidents contaminated a total of 31 U.S. combat vehicles (16 Abrams tanks and 15 Bradley armored vehicles) in the Gulf during 1990-1991. These incidents, and the resultant cleanup and recovery operations, exposed a number of soldiers to depleted uranium. Those with the highest exposures were in, on, or near vehicles when they were struck.

For more information on the use of Depleted Uranium during the Gulf War, see our Environmental Exposure Report, Depleted Uranium in the Gulf (II).