Original Date: 05/23/1994
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

Previous test methods at Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Keyport for performance testing explosive devices (primarily arming devices and fuses) in torpedoes were cumbersome mechanical test hardware arrangements for conducting go/no-go tests to determine hardware acceptance or rejection. These tests exhibited poor accuracy and repeatability, were overly time-consuming, and did not accurately replicate operation of the hardware in the field.

Keyport has developed computer-based systems to remotely control the performance of the tests while providing high-speed data acquisition during testing to improve accuracy. It has also worked extensively with field personnel to create hardware test scenarios that are more representative of actual field conditions and operations. The combination of these efforts has resulted in tests that are highly accurate and repeatable, safely operated in a completely remote manner, and also provide significant diagnostic information on the devices' operation.

Keyport has been performing tests on arming devices since 1991 and has been able to use the diagnostic data to work with device vendors to improve product reliability and reduce production times, and also with the design agent to improve the design analysis process for new device developments. Keyport has also used this testing capability with fuses since late 1993 and has been able to identify certain types of fuses that needed to be removed from fleet service due to potential early arm/early burst problems.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.