Munitions Testing
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For a recent episode of the NatGeo series, "Time Shifters,"
Owner Ken Malley demonstrates techniques used at E-Labs
to test for safety
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E-Labs has an extensive background in the development and testing of Less Than Lethal (LTL) devices. We were the first to develop a measuring system to capture blunt force or impulse of a round in real time. The Ballistic Impulse Measuring System (BIMS) developed by E-Labs was used on USMC programs to evaluate LTL rounds and compare impulses on a one to one basis.
We have a full service quality assurance
testing facility and can set up ammunition evaluation and testing
protocols for most measurements required on a test range. We are
also able to gather relevant data using state-of-the-art technology.
Some of our tests include:
- Velocity measurement.
- Trajectory verification.
- Distance Verification.
- OC spray performance characterization.
- Fragmentation mapping - For
fragmentation mapping, a paper and foamboard
fragmentation arena is set up with fixturing
and witness panels. Witness mapping is done
by measuring the surrounding boundary of
lightweight witness material that registers
the impact of fragments generated by a less
than lethal noise flash diversionary device.
The number of fragment impacts greater than
a specific measurement are counted, and
segregated by perforation through the
foamboard or paper.
- High speed camera to 8,000 frames per
second.
- Light output phototropic.
- Light plume size.
- Sound output - Industrial and military
standards exist for evaluating the measured
impulse noise of a weapon or less than
lethal noise flash diversionary device.
Parameters have been established to evaluate
the need of hearing protection from impulse,
transient sound waves. These shock pressure
waves are measured using piezo-electric
pressure transducers and the reading is
converted into decibel sound measurements.
- Fire susceptibility.
- 12 gauge and 40 mm projectile
characterization.
- Flash bang and diversionary
characterization.
We use a custom high-speed data acquisition
system to control several of our tests. The system consists of 16
channels of analog to digital recording capable of sampling rates of
100,000 points per second. The data acquisition system uses a UNIX
based operating system with custom test and analysis software. It is
capable of remotely controlling all tests, from initiation to camera
sequencing, and recording of light and pressure detector signals.
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