Use of Tp84 in a contaminated environment

Earlier studies of decontamination routines and techniques for pilots and air crews have focused on fixed decontamination stations. To clarify the NBC threats for Tp84 (C 130 Hercules) in order to facilitate relevant risk assessments and the creation of realistic routines, the following tests have been carried out; performance of detection equipment under flight, deposition and self decontamination as well as decon routines for entering the aircraft. The trials indicate a risk for light injuries of crews entering the plane after passing a contaminated area. The risk can be handled with further training and more equipment (e.g. extra sets of gasmasks and gloves). Values of the deposition rate in a closed airplane show a disappearance of agent corresponding to 1.5 changes of air per hour. Tests indicate that the floor can be decontamintaed with a hot air aggregate in 24 hours, except for VX, which takes longer time. When the contaminted soldiers had entered the aircraft, the atmosphere was measured according to different ventilation techniques. Three of four tested detection instruments were found to work normally onboard the plane, as well as the N-detection instrument and a particle counter. Detection using detection paper 104 on the outside of the plane worked, but further testing is necessary because of possible false alarms after a period of flying.