As electronic systems have evolved, they have become more complex and electromagnetic environmental effects (E3) have become a critical factor in the ability to employ military systems and platforms effectively. Reductions in the number of military platforms and personnel and increased reliance on technology means that controlling electromagnetic environmental effects on weapon systems is critical to future U. S. military success.
That is because the increased use of electronics in weapon systems has produced a growth of electromagnetic interference (EMI) that has made the modem battlefield a more hostile place for sensitive electronic devices. Multi-service, U.S. and combined allied operations that put friendly forces closer to hostile forces can produce electromagnetic interference between friendly forces that mimics the damaging effects of enemy electronic warfare. The Gulf War emphasized the need to control the electromagnetic environments Control of E3 by U. N. forces was a major factor in their victory. The lessons of the Gulf War are being applied in current U. N. military operations and they are influencing the purchase of new and modified military systems.
Industry and the Navy's Systems Commands have had the technology to prevent and resolve E3 problems for several years. Much of this technology was developed and perfected during electromagnetic compatibility engineering investigations and problem-solving through the active Sect E3/EMI corrective action programs It was, and continues to be, fed back to design activities and integrated into tailored design specifications. Unfortunately, it is often lost in the transition of equipment or a platform from prototype design to production The introduction of electromagnetic compatibility best practices into the Navy's Best Manufacturing Practices program - this publication is part of that effort - adds another means to share technology between DoD and industry. Its documentation reference base promotes the use of these best practices during "dual-use" technology development and DoD procurement.
This is the first in a series of guideline publications on E3 control. It focuses on aerospace cabling electromagnetic compatibility best practices. Future publications will address other practices to control E3 problems; solutions that are effective and producible; and provide supplemental design and manufacturing information on EMI prevention techniques and processes that reflect the latest experience of industry in applying new technology and processes to attain E3 control.
As E3 control technology continues to evolve with the development of new materials and processes, you are encouraged to let us know of developments that ought to be addressed in future revisions of this publication or that can help in the development of the companion publications of this series. We are convinced that, by the Navy and industry continuing to cooperate on E3 control and other technical issues concerning the design and manufacture of reliable products, we will meet the ultimate objectives of significant improvement in force readiness and reduced life cycle costs. Early and continuing work to eliminate E3 problems in the design, development, and production of electronic systems will ensure the delivery of problem-resistant systems to operational commanders.
W.J. Willoughby, Jr. Director of Product Integrity Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy For Research, Development, and Acquisition
