ENGINEERING/SERVICE DESERT ENVIRONMENTAL TEST OF FOXHOLE DIGGING AID (INTERIM)
Abstract
The purpose of the test was to determine suitability of the test item for desert use. Interdependent tests were conducted to determine procedures for handling duds, ruggedness and reliability (air drop), operational characteristics and capabilities. The program was divided into three phases: a period of exposure, air drop and firing. Testing was conducted under summer conditions of extreme temperatures on four representative types of derert terrain. Five shortcomings were noted which did not seriously impair the operation of the item. It was concluded that the proposed procedures for handling duds were safe and effective, that the item is suitable for low velocity air drop, that the plastic connection on the cratering charge is suitable for use in the desert summer environment, that personnel can exert sufficient hand force to initiate the explosive, that utilization of two test items is a suitable means for generating an acceptable excavation in desert soil, and that the test item will not contaminate the drop zone after malfunction air drop when the item is rigged in a horizontal position. It was recommended that the procedures developed for handling duds at YPG be incorporated into those proposed by Picatinny Arsenal, that the packages be rigged for air drop with the items in a horizontal attitude, that care be exercised when assembling a cratering charge that has been exposed to extreme heat over an entended period of time, and that the cratering charge be tapered for easier use in the field.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0806547
Entities
People
- Walter E. Schoudel