29 December 2008. A writes:

Re: pressurized gas speculation

Suggest: http://www.defensetech.org/archives/002220.html

Also (oddly) search this document for instances of word 'foam' http://cryptome.info/ssnm/ssnm-transport.htm

These refer to "sticky foam" invented at Sandia National Lab which might be provided for nuclear containers by the system of tanks and piping shown below.

26 December 2008

Nuclear warheads are processed at Sandia National Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, NM, for transhipment to and from US nuclear combat forces. The largest US nuclear weapons storage area, named the Kirtland Underground Munitions Storage Complex (KUMSC), is located nearby.

Warheads are transported by truck and aircraft. Transport security practice is ship warheads separate from the capsule which is required to detonate the weapon.

The means other than armed escort by which warheads and capsules are protected during shipment against accidents and hostile theft is classified. More: http://cryptome.info/ssnm/ssnm-transport.htm

Speculation is that the warheads and capsules are encased in pressurized containers which if depressurized will cause destruction of crucial elements of the units. Pressurization may be by way of a special gas. Photos below show an aircraft facility at Kirtland which appears to be where warheads and capsules may be pressurized for shipment by air.

Information on this topic invited. Send to cryptome[at]earthlink.net.

DoD description of nuclear weapons surety:

http://www.acq.osd.mil/ncbdp/nm/nuclearweaponssurety.html