Depleted uranium counterweights for control surfaces.

[FlyingColors]

You read it right.

Is that strange or what? Did a little reading up on it, aircraft like the MD-11 and newer don't use DU anymore.

Plenty of the L-1011s, 10s and 747 did.

Did the older narrow body airlines use this too?

Can anyone else here tell us more about this stuff in aviation? Like why and how dangerous is this stuff as a flier or a mechanic.

[moose135]

From the World Health Organization:

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs257/en/

Applications of depleted uranium

* Due to its high density, about twice that of lead, the main civilian uses of DU include counterweights in aircraft, radiation shields in medical radiation therapy machines and containers for the transport of radioactive materials. The military uses DU for defensive armour plate.
* DU is used in armour penetrating military ordnance because of its high density, and also because DU can ignite on impact if the temperature exceeds 600°C.

Exposure to uranium and depleted uranium

* People near an aircraft crash may be exposed to DU dusts if counterweights are exposed to prolonged intense heat. Significant exposure would be rare, as large masses of DU counterweights are unlikely to ignite and would oxidize only slowly. Exposures of clean-up and emergency workers to DU following aircraft accidents are possible, but normal occupational protection measures would prevent any significant exposure.

[FlyingColors]

Nice work Moose!
Is it OK to be around DU counterweights?
Not burning of course

[SengaB]

Mike!,
Where is your you Avatar!

I can't deal with this change its just too much to bare!
Senga

[hiss srq]

Jetstars used DU quite a bit. There is a good amount right out at the tip of the wings on them if my memory serves correct.

[Matt Molnar]

Is it OK to be around DU counterweights?

The soldiers driving around in M1 Abrams tanks are enveloped in armor infused with depleted uranium and they seem to be mostly healthy, though this type of armor has been in use for less than 20 years so any possible long-term effects may still be in the mail. There seems to be evidence that exposure to spent depleted uranium ammunition could cause health problems, but that would be due to the uranium being vaporized from the impact.

So, I would say DU counterweights are perfectly safe for passengers. There's probably a better chance of frequent fliers suffering health problems as a result of exposure to the enhanced solar radiation that occurs at high altitudes.