Ammunition Stockpile Reliability Program

Image: Advanced Command Launch Unit, or CLU, Emulator, or ACE. An emulator is hardware or software used in computing that allows one computer system to behave like another computer system. By emulating the CLU, the ACE can quickly reconfigure Javelin guidance sections for an assortment of test scenarios.

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If you ever walk through an ammunition supply point, you will see rows upon rows of pallets of ammunition, explosives, missiles, etc. If you look closely, you will often come across munitions with dates of manufacture going back 20-plus years. While the ammunition stockpile may be old, it still can be used because of the extensive program known as the Ammunition Stockpile Reliability Program.

Army Regulation 702–6 identifies the objectives, a few include:

·        That ammunition and explosives stockpiles continue to meet established performance, explosives safety, readiness, quality, and reliability requirements.

·        Identify reliability and critical performance parameter trends for timely decision-making on inventory replacement, procurement, or maintenance.

·        Identify items that require maintenance, retrograde, or disposal.

·        Establish the initial shelf life and/or certification period requirements.

Ammunition Stockpile Reliability Program Elements

The Ammunition Stockpile Reliability Program consists of the Research, development, test, and evaluation elements (RDT&E), Stockpile Function Test Program, Stockpile Laboratory Test Program, and Ammunition Surveillance Program.

Two subprograms include organizations storing propellant and propelling charges which are responsible for monitoring propellant stocks stabilizer under the Propellant Stability Program. Management of the Guided Missile and Large Rocket Propellant Assessment Program using shelf life or certification periods.

Depending on the ammunition and explosive item under evaluation, one or more elements may be used. A description of the four elements consists of the following:

Figure 1. Improvement Efforts at US Army ARDEC: Ammunition Stockpile and Service -life Reliability: Elements of the ASRP.

Research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) establishes the initial shelf life and identifies critical life-limiting components and any methods to mitigate any associated risks. The element is carried out by:

·        Reliability testing and predictive technology test methods.

·        Incorporating designs that provide the capability for nondestructive tests or access.

·        Designing and building specialized ASRP test and predictive technology equipment.

·        Establishing the maximum acceptable degradation that can occur in the critical performance parameters without impeding mission performance.

·        Designing and developing ASRP test and predictive technology equipment capable of diagnosing the optimum number of critical performance parameters.

Stockpile Function Test Program uses physical testing to determine continuing reliability, detects trends, and provides critical assessments to stockpile managers to support decisions essential for managing munitions stockpiles. The program can be accomplished through function tests at ammunition test facilities, including proving grounds and units firing large rockets and guided missiles.

Stockpile Laboratory Test Program is for ammunition and explosives favorable to laboratory testing to determine the stockpile’s condition and critical performance parameters that cannot be measured through surveillance or functional testing. The program uses destructive and nondestructive testing techniques, including chemical analysis, material analysis, and component-level testing.

Ammunition Surveillance Program is an integral part of the stockpile reliability program and includes visual inspections and tests performed by ammunition surveillance personnel.

The Ammunition Stockpile Reliability Program is a program that supports munitions readiness by monitoring the safety, reliability, and performance of aging ammunition and explosives inventory for high reliability and function. With continuous measuring of stockpile reliability and providing data, ammunition and components are always available for combat issue and safe use.

References:

https://www.army.mil/article/191704/rtc_offers_new_tool_in_stockpile_reliability_testing

https://ndiastorage.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/ndia/2009/psa_arm/wedcook.pdf

https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/AR702-6_Web_FINAL.pdf