Weapons Storage and Security System

Weapon Storage Security System (W3S)

This is a marking for the vaults made into the floors of hardened Protective Aircraft Shelters on several US and NATO bases all over the world. These vaults are used for a safe special weapons storage.

During the Cold War era on the US and NATO bases tasked for Quick Reaction Alert readiness forces numbers of bombs were stored in a heavily secured Weapon Storage Area located on or in the vincinity of the base. The ‘specials’ were located in nuclear weapon (igloo) bunkers. Transporting them to and from the Quick Reaction Alert area (a few heavily guarded aircraft shelters near the main runway) during exercises and for logistic reasons always required a convoy with a large number of security forces ( Sabotage Alert, Backup Alert and Reserve Force).

The W3S system allowed ‘special’ storage directly underneath the aircraft intended to carry the bombs. The location inside the aircraft shelter increased the weapon survivability in case of any kind of attack. The W3S system consists of the vault itself, lots of classified sensors, electronic data-transmission and security equipment. These facilities enabled remote controlled weapon safety and made the large security forces obsolete.

Sources:

Main contractor for the construction program Bechtel National Inc.(USA)

Mannesmann Anlagenbau, Düsseldorf, Germany subcontractor mechanical systemparts.

External links containing detailed information and hi-res photos.

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