HERO ORDNANCE CLASSIFICATIONS
The susceptibility of ordnance to RF environments
is determined by a testing program sponsored by the
Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEASYSCOM).
Tests are conducted in the maximum RF environment
the ammunition or ordnance systems maybe subjected
to in its stockpile-to-launch sequence. This data is the
basis for the three HERO classifications assigned to
ordnance-HERO-safe ordnance, HERO-susceptible
ordnance, and HERO-unsafe ordnance.
HERO-Safe Ordnance
An ordnance item is classified as HERO safe if it
meets the following criteria:
Percussion initiated
Sufficiently shield protected so all EEDs
contained by the item are immune to adverse
effects (safe and/or reliable) when the item is
used in its expected RF environments.
General HERO requirements are observed.
HERO-Susceptible Ordnance
An ordnance item is classified as H E RO
susceptible if proved (by tests) to contain EEDs.
HERO-susceptible ordnance can be adversely affected
by RF energy. The safety and/or reliability of the system
is in jeopardy when the system is used in its expected
RF environments.
A1.
A2.
A3.
A4.
HERO-Unsafe Ordnance
An ordnance item is classified as HERO unsafe if
it meets the following criteria:
Its internal wiring is physically exposed
Tests are being conducted on the item that result
in additional electrical connections to the item.
EEDs that have exposed wire leads are handled
or loaded
The item is being assembled or disassembled.
It is disassembled
HERO EMISSION CONTROL
(EMCON) BILL
Ordnance items classified as HERO unsafe are
protected from electromagnetic radiation by putting
them in a completely enclosed all-metal container.
NOTE: Ordnance in a wooden or plastic
container or on a metal pallet is as exposed as
if the container or pallet were not there.
HERO-unsafe ordnance should NEVER be
exposed to an RF environment. However, the
requirement for assembly, disassembly, handling,
loading, and unloading exposes ordnance to some
degree. If exposure cannot be avoided, ordnance should
be exposed only in essentially RF-free designated
regions, such as below deck or in RF-shielded buildings.
The commanding officer is responsible for making
sure that HERO-unsafe ordnance is not handled in RF
environments. Sometimes operational commitments
require HERO-unsafe ordnance to be exposed to RF
REVIEW NUMBER 4 ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS Q1. THROUGH Q4.
The weapons staging area on the flight deck located between the island and the
starboard catwalks is known as the bomb farm.
A pier-side weapons movement of ammunition loaded onto an aircraft carrier is
authorized in emergency situations when authorized by NAVSEASYSCOM or to
conform to the ship's sailing schedule.
Conventional replenishment (CONREP) and vertical replenishment (VERTREP)
are used to transfer ammunition at sea.
When VERTREP is being used to transfer ammunition between ships, transfer is
accomplished by helicopters using slings or cargo nets.
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