|
Original Date: 02/26/2001
Revision Date: 01/18/2007
Information : Ethan Allen Firing Range
General Dynamics Armament Systems uses the Ethan Allen Firing Range to provide a wide variety of unique weapons and munitions testing services in support of its customers. The transition from 1970s technology to modern technology in the Range Data Acquisition System utilizes concurrent engineering by combining multiple measurement techniques into a single unit.
The Ethan Allen Firing Range is a government facility operated by General Dynamics Armament Systems (GDAS). This 6,500-meter firing range sits on an 11,500-acre area which is shared with the Vermont National Guard. Approximately 546 acres are exclusive for GDAS’ use and 2,328 acres are shared. GDAS uses the range for system development, qualification, and testing of armament and ammunition. A unique feature of the range is its 40-degree incline firing capability.
The Ethan Allen Firing Range uses 17 interlocked test areas and provides versatility in hardstand, vehicle, and munitions testing up to 40mm. The six-member workforce at the firing range has a combined 150 years of expertise in testing munitions via analog, digital, targeting, and photo instrumentation. Their safety record speaks for itself with zero injuries related to weapons and munitions testing. Audits conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; ISO-9000; Defense Contract Management Command; Government Property Agency; Vermont OSHA; and the Safety Council of the Vermont Army National Guard revealed no significant findings. In 1998, GDAS upgraded its Range Data Acquisition System (RDAS) to modern technology which will allow for easier upgrades in the future.
The Ethan Allen Firing Range has evolved into a center of excellence in weapons and munitions testing and data recording capability due in part to the upgraded RDAS, compliance to ISO-9000 requirements, and other continuous process improvements (CPIs). In addition, GDAS has expanded the range’s capability to include field support, engineering evaluation, system qualification, and customer demonstrations.
For more information see the
Point of Contact for this survey.
|
