The primary objective of this project is to demonstrate and validate a munition residue testing method, which would leverage existing performance tests and testing facilities at temperate conditions for new munition development, and reduce reliance on snow covered ranges for such testing. The secondary objective is to concisely transfer all testing performance data and optimized procedures to the direct stakeholders at Project Manager Combat Ammunition Systems and Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center, and to the anticipated testing partner Yuma Proving Ground (YPG).

The technology to be demonstrated here is a munition testing method that combines static detonation techniques, sampling of detonation products deposited on soil/sand or on witness plates, and quantitative chemical analysis for the determination of post-detonation energetic residues (i.e., munitions constituents [MC]). The demonstration involves integration of several mature technologies, such as representative fuze simulation for static firing and insensitive munition compound analytical techniques, as well as the addition of a computer vision method for automated deposition plume delineation. An 81mm Insensitive Munitions Explosive 104, with MC loading rates well-established during previous SERDP-funded testing on snow, will be leveraged for the demonstration. Over two field seasons at YPG, soil/sand will be tested as a collection medium for 14 cartridge detonations and witness plates tested for seven cartridge detonations. Two testing approaches (individually resolved and co-detonation sites), two soil/sand sampling tools (corer and scoop), and two witness plate orientations (vertical and horizontal) will be compared during the demonstration. Core performance objectives to be evaluated are: 1) method sensitivity; 2) method representativeness; and 3) technology integration cost.

Demonstration and validation of this technology will enable stakeholders to empirically test new munitions for post-detonation energetic residues while at temperate conditions and at the same time as performance testing. The addition of residue testing for new munitions would provide critical data to acquisition risk assessments prior to materiel release and fielding. Integration of this testing methodology would also identify pathways for risk mitigation across the munitions lifecycle. Additionally, this project enables Department of War priorities focusing on lethality and is expected to support the rapid fielding of proven technologies. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2028)