[CPEO-MEF] Dud rate database

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@cpeo.org>]

Ammunition Dud and Low-Order Detonation Rate Database For MEC
Assessments 

National Defense Center for Environmental Excellence (NDCEE) Newsletter 
Winter 2005

The NDCEE, with assistance from DoD stakeholders, has assessed the dud
rates and low-order detonation rates for a broad spectrum of ammunition
types and compiled them into a user-friendly, searchable database. By
using this database, the DoD can make a better determination on the
extent of munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) found at response
sites. Consequently, the DoD will be able to make more informed
decisions affecting the areas of range safety; range clearance and
remediation; and research, development, test, and evaluation efforts
related to munitions. 

Launched for DoD use in June 2004, the Dud and Low-Order Detonation Rate
Database offers a centralized, electronic repository on the performance
of most explosive-based ammunition used by the Services. Ammunition
types include fuzes, artillery, mortar, gun, and rocket ammunition for
the following sizes/calibers: 40mm?165mm, 2.75 inch, 3.5 inch, 4.2 inch,
and 8 inch. The database also contains data on 20mm, 25mm, and 40mm gun
ammunition, fuzes, grenades, mines, and pyrotechnics. More than 1.1
million records were compiled from Ammunition Stockpile Reliability
Program reports, malfunction reports, Lot Acceptance Testing records,
and summary reliability reports. 

The database condenses complex reports into a clear, concise, and
manageable data form that is more easily accessed for interpretive
decision-making support. Data have been sorted and compiled according to
the following attributes: size, family, type (e.g., high explosives,
smoke, and illumination), and Department of Defense Identification Code
(DODIC). 

The stakeholder team consisted of representatives from the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army Environmental Center, Naval Explosive
Ordnance Disposal Technical Division, Defense Ammunition Center, Joint
Munitions Command, and other interested parties. 

Access to the database is available to DoD employees and current DoD
contractors only, by contacting the points of contacts listed below: 
George Robitaille, USAEC <george.robitaille@aec.apgea.army.mil> 
Stephane Guillard, NDCEE, <guillard@ctc.com>

* A dud is a round that is fired/initiated, but completely fails to
function at the target. It also may mean a round that failed to initiate
in the weapon system and therefore never reached the target. 

* A low-order detonation is a high-explosive round that is
fired/initiated, but only partially functions at the target. 

To download the NDCEE newsletter as a PDF file, go to
http://www.ndcee.ctc.com/reading-room.html and click on the Winter 2005
edition of the newsletter. 

-- 


Lenny Siegel
Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight
c/o PSC, 278-A Hope St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Voice: 650/961-8918 or 650/969-1545
Fax: 650/961-8918
<lsiegel@cpeo.org>
http://www.cpeo.org
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