Chemical weapons delivery systems

This article surveys the various types of chemical weapons delivery systems that were developed during the twentieth century, concentrating on weapons produced by the United States. In general, chemical weapons delivery systems fit into one of several general types weapons produced by other nations tend to have similar designs. 

TACTICAL AND STRATEGIC USE OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS Chemical Agent Delivery Systems Physical Properties of Chemical Agents Strategic Concerns in the Use of Toxins Choice of Agent and Delivery System Detection and Protection... 

Chemical weapons (CW) Munitions and other delivery systems that contain chemical substances intended to injure or kill or incapacitate personnel or to deny access or use of area, facilities, and materials. 

Delivery systems were also improved. As early as 1920, experiments with the barrel of the Stokes Mortar enlarged the bore to 4.2 in. in diameter, which increased the range of the mortar from 1100 to 2400 yards. By 1928 this new improved mortar became the standardised weapon for the delivery of toxic chemical agents, as well as smoke and high explosives.7... 

China Has advanced chemical weapons programme. Researching more advanced agents. Delivery systems include artillery, rockets, mortars, landmines, aerial bombs, sprayers, and short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. 

India Declared in June 1997 that it possessed a chemical weapons stockpile. Has begun to destroy its stockpile under the CWC. Its industry retains the ability to produce agent precursors - chemicals that can be used in chemical weapons production. Delivery systems include short-range anti-ship cruise missiles, air-launched tactical missiles, fighter aircraft, artillery and rockets. 

Iran Has a stockpile of chemical weapons. Previously known to have produced and stockpiled blister, blood and choking agents, and probably nerve agents. Seeking aid from Chinese and Russian entities to develop more advanced self-sufficient infrastructure. Delivery systems include artillery shells, mortars, rockets and aerial bombs. Used chemical weapons during Iran-Iraq War. 

The production of the new 4.2-in. chemical mortar eventually made that weapon the key ground delivery system for the CWS. Between 1928 and 1935, the army attempted to make the 4.2-in. mortar a mechanized weapon by mounting it on various vehicles (Figure 2-24). The CWS also began ex-... 

The proliferation of chemical and biological weapons involves a spread in the possession of weapons or of the capability to produce them. Like nuclear proliferation, this phenomenon can have a vertical as well as a horizontal dimension - that is, it can involve the development, refinement, or accretion of weapons by the great powers as well as the spread of capabilities to countries outside the orbits of NATO and the former Warsaw Pact. It can also imply qualitative as much as quantitative developments, since the use of new agents or combinations of agents or new delivery systems could affect the tactical utility of chemical weapons or their effectiveness as a deterrent. 

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