Taking The War Underground

Iraq may have hundreds of underground bunkers, including this type, designed to shelter up to 1,200 troops. One installation can be built in a matter of days: modular, prefab units are simply dropped into a hole in the desert and covered over. Each bunker can survive an air-burst atomic weapon, a direct hit by a 500-lb. bomb, or ground movement equivalent to a magnitude 8 earthquake. The bunkers were designed for 14-day occupation, but could be used as long as supplies of water and food last. Here is a simplified view of one bunker complex.

Hiding Troops: Bunkers can be placed as deep as 50 feet underground. Each complex is roughly 70 feet wide and 140 feet long. Airplanes: It has been reported that up to 300 British-designed aircraft shelters are buried in the sands of Iraq. Troops Living Quarters: Compartment can be expanded to hold as many as 100 troops. Each compartment has its own activated-carbon air filtration system that removes all known gases and bacteria as well as nuclear particles. Emergency Escape Tunnel: Each compartment has an escape hatch with a 3-foot diameter tunnel leading to ground level. Bunker Protection: A 2-foot-thick slab of concrete completely covers the bunker, and extends 10-20 feet beyond the sides. Main Corridor: Every compartment can be sealed with a pressure door. Source: Federation of Nuclear Shelter Consultants & Contractors, Associated Press