JOTP-011
5 December 2014
APPENDIX E. BREAKDOWN TEST AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS (BTCA)
This document was developed within the international community and is written with references
to both US and NATO test procedures to provide a framework for international procurement and
test programs. Table I2-1 (Appendix I, Annex 2) provides cross reference of similar national and
international test standards. The following BTCA procedures must only be conducted by suitably
qualified and experienced personnel.
E.1. GENERAL INSPECTION.
Prior to disassembly for BTCA, conduct a thorough review of Level 1 (basic visual) and Level 2
(radiography) inspection results and non-functioning test results obtained throughout the
sequential environmental trial. Any anomaly should be carefully considered with regard to the
safety of the munition disassembly and BTCA processes.
E.2. BREAKDOWN AND ANALYSIS REQUIREMENTS.
E.2.1 APPLICABILITY.
The following tests are broadly applicable to warheads (main charge and firing train), rocket
motors (main charge, igniter, intermediaries) and pyrotechnic devices (actuators, tracers, etc.).
E.2.2 REQUIREMENT CONSIDERATIONS.
The exact requirements for BTCA need to be determined on a case by-case basis taking into
consideration the degree of novelty and/or complexity of the munition. They will be determined
by known failure modes and life limiting factors for comparable munitions.
E.2.3 BASELINE TEST CONSIDERATIONS.
Prior to commencement of all trials, at least one munition from the same batch/lot as those
undergoing the sequential environmental trial should be disassembled and analyzed to identify
potential failure modes that may occur. This sets the baseline for comparison against the
environmentally stressed munitions. There should also be baseline munitions for the functioning
(dynamic and static firing) tests. It may also be possible to use the results from material
Qualification tests (to STANAG 4170) for baseline purposes, or data from material manufacturers
batch/lot acceptance tests provided these give data equivalent to that from the Qualification tests.
Furthermore, firing data from development trials may be used for baseline purposes provided the
munition is of the same build standard as the test munitions and provides the required data.
However, it should be noted that none of these latter options will permit comparison against the
physical condition of the munitions following the sequential environmental trial.
E-1
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