Airdrop_&_HSL_Certification_Processes_-_Feb_16.pdf

NSRDEC Airdrop & HSL Certification Processes Feb 2016

AIRDROP AND HELICOPTER SLING LOAD

CERTIFICATION PROCESSES

U.S. ARMY NATICK SOLDIER RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND

ENGINEERING CENTER (NSRDEC)

CERTIFICATION AGENCY

FOR

AIRDROP & HELICOPTER SLING LOAD

The attached adobe document provides detailed instructions leading to certification for both Airdrop and Helicopter Sling Load (HSL) for Systems, Equipment, and Materials (SEM). NSRDEC is the DOD certification agency for HSL, and the Army certification agency for Airdrop, of SEM. It is recommended NSRDEC be contacted as early in the acquisition, design/development process as possible.

Airdrop and Helicopter Sling Load Certification Group Members

• George Moorachian –Group Leader

–DSN 256-5276

–Comm 508-233-5276 –george.n.moorachian.civ@mail.mil

• Todd Grenga

–DSN 256-6355

–Comm 508-233-6355 –todd.m.grenga2.civ@mail.mil

• Walter Krainski

–DSN 256-4614

–Comm 508-233-4614 –walter.j.krainski.civ@mail.mil

• Jim Belanger

–DSN 256-5256

–Comm 508-233-5256 –james.p.belanger2.civ@mail.mil

• Jennifer Hunt

–DSN 256-5620

–Comm 508-233-5620 –jennifer.a.hunt34.civ@mail.mil

Fax: 508 233-4652

Standard Requirements and Process for Airdrop Certification

1. A request for airdrop certification/cost estimate must be received in writing via memo, facsimile, or email. The request must contain airdrop certification requirements, such as, airdrop configuration (i.e., A-22 Low Velocity (LV), A-22 High Velocity (HV), A-7A LV, A-7A HV, Personnel Static Line, Palletized configurations, etc.) and any other pertinent information and/or special requirements (e.g., sinkable platforms). Requestor, if applicable, should contact Program Managers/Product Managers and/or user representatives as a source of all pertinent information. In addition, include all applicable drawings showing external dimensions of the item itself, including weight, as well as, the item’s shipping and storage container.

Send the information to:

U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center ATTN: RDNS-WPA-D (Mr. George Moorachian) Kansas Street Natick, MA 01760-5017 FAX: DSN 256-4652 or Commercial 508-233-4652 Email: George.N.Moorachian.civ@mail.mil

2. After the information in paragraph 1 is received, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command/ Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC) will issue a cost estimate no later than (NLT) two (2) weeks after receipt of request. The cost estimate will include test item requirements. (Funding can only be received from Government sources. NSRDEC cannot accept funding from contractors for certification efforts.)

3. Upon receipt of the required funds, NSRDEC will:

a. Develop test airdrop rigging procedures for the required airdrop configurations.

b. For some heavy Low Velocity Airdrop (LVAD) loads, a roller load test is required to determine if the load will exceed aircraft roller limitations.

NSRDEC is the only facility that has a roller load test bed facility that can simulate C-130H, C-130J, C-17 airdrop, and C-17 logistics roller configurations.

c. At the discretion of NSRDEC, a Simulated Airdrop Impact Test (SAIT), a.k.a. Static Drop Test, may be perform to determine if the item and its honeycomb energy dissipation kit are ready to begin airdrop testing from aircraft. Instead of performing a SAIT at NSRDEC, testing is often conducted at the site of the actual airdrop testing, or the location of the test items.

d. For Paratrooper Individual Combat Equipment, if determined necessary by NSRDEC, drop tower testing may be conducted instead of the more traditional SAIT, to simulate the ground impact of such equipment at the maximum allowed wind conditions on the drop zone. This allows NSRDEC to expose the test item to a horizontal velocity component, as well as a vertical velocity vector.

e. After completion of test rigging procedures, NSRDEC will develop a Proposed Test Plan (PTP). The PTP includes the test rigging procedures and NSRDEC test requirements.

(Time: Rigging procedure development generally takes NLT 4 weeks from the receipt of funds, required materials, and test items. If any of the testing noted in 3b-d must be conducted additional time will be necessary.)

4. NSRDEC will send the PTP to the Air Force, specifically HQ Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) and HQ Air Mobility Command (AMC). These Air Force entities must approve the PTP before airdrop tests can be conducted from Air Force aircraft. (Time: Per the Air Force, the PTP approval process takes 120 days.)

5. Once PTP approval has been granted by the Air Force, airdrop testing can begin. Typically three (3) successful airdrop tests per airdrop configuration are required for non-munition items. The number of airdrop tests required for munitions is variable (See notes below on munition airdrop test item requirements.) After the airdrop tests have been completed:

a. Airdropped munitions must be test fired to determine if any degradation in reliability occurred. The airdropped munitions should function the same as a munition which has not been airdrop tested.

b. In the case of vehicles, weapon systems and other non-munition items, a test to evaluate the item’s functionality is performed.

(Time: Variable. Depends on aircraft schedules and test facilities test schedules. Please contact U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG), or Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate (ABNSOTD), Ft. Bragg.)

6. The testing agency, YPG or ABNSOTD, will then write a test report reporting airdrop and firing test results. (Time: Variable, please contact YPG or ABNSOTD, typically 30 days.)

7. Once NSRDEC receives the test report and finds that airdrop and post-airdrop test criteria were successfully met, NSRDEC will issue an airdrop certification memorandum for the item. The airdrop certification memorandum will also direct the U.S. Army Quarter Master Center and School to publish the validated airdrop rigging procedure in the appropriate field manual series. (Time: NLT 2 weeks)

Additional Information

1. Ammunition/Munitions Items

a. All munitions airdrop certification testing must be performed at YPG.

b. An ammunition airdrop certifications provides a guarantee of munition functionality of 90% reliability at 90% confidence. Twenty-two (22) test points with zero (0) failures are necessary to achieve this reliability/ confidence level.

At least 22 tactical/live containers of the munition will be rigged throughout the different configurations and airdrop tests. Following airdrop testing, ammunition may be x-rayed to determine if they are safe to fire. Then, all airdropped rounds will be test fired. Airdropped munitions should function in the same manner as non-airdropped munitions of the same type.

c. Before any airdrop certification testing can be conducted from Air Force fixed-wing aircraft, a safety certification must be acquired from the HQ Air Mobility Command, Safety Office. This is the same safety certification that is required Air Force fixed-wing airlift transport.

d. In addition to the munitions that are to be airdropped in the required configurations, the U.S. Air Force requires a malfunction airdrop test to be performed before any other airdrop tests for that munition can be conducted.

Three (3) containers of the munition are rigged nose-up, nose-down, and on its side with a streamer to keep load orientation (no parachute). The purpose is to simulate an airdrop malfunction, to make sure that the aircraft is not in danger if the munition explodes upon impact with the ground at terminal velocity.

2. Airdrop Certification by Analogy

a. It is possible to airdrop certify an item by analogy to another similar item that is already airdrop certified.

b. The items must be of similar weight and external dimensions. If stored in a container, the items must also use the same shipping and storage container.

c. The differences in the currently certified item and the item proposed to be certified by analogy must be such that when exposed to the airdrop shock environment, the components of the new item must have the same level of robustness, or be less susceptible to the airdrop shock environment.

d. The item must be able to be rigged in accordance with the published airdrop rigging procedures for the analogous certified item. And once rigged the item must have the same rigged airdrop load characteristics, weight, dimensions, CB (CG), tip-off curve profile, etc.

e. NSRDEC will either require an engineering assessment from the SME item developer, or conduct a technical assessment to make the determination whether an item is suitable for airdrop certification by analogy. NSRDEC will evaluate any recommendations with supporting data for certification by analogy. Ultimately, NSRDEC will make the final determination whether an item can be certified by analogy, or will require the standard process, with testing, for airdrop certification.

3. Roles/Responsibilities

a. The NSRDEC cost estimate includes the following for Airdrop Certification efforts:

i. NSRDEC will provide engineering guidance to the item developer and contractors, as necessary.

ii. Develop airdrop rigging procedures.

iii. Establish test requirements.

A. Test items (quantity and type)

B. Test method/scope of test

iv. Conduct testing at NSRDEC, if necessary.

A. Roller Load Test

B. Simulated Airdrop Impact Test (SAIT), a.k.a. Static Drop Test

C. Drop Tower Test

v. Create the airdrop Proposed Test Plan (PTP) for Air Force approval.

vi. Provide engineering support throughout the airdrop test program.

vii. Grant airdrop certification after it is determined from the test report that all certification requirements have been met.

b. The customer will need to contact and fund the airdrop test agency (ABNSOTD or YPG) under separate cover. The test agency will coordinate all necessary test assets for any airdrop and post airdrop functionality tests.

4. Relevant Documents

a. MIL-HDBK-669, Loading Environment and Related Requirements for Platform Rigged Airdrop Materiel

b. MIL-STD-814D, Requirements for Tiedown, Suspension and Extraction Provisions on Military Materiel for Airdrop

c. AR 70-44, DOD Engineering for Transportability

d. AR 70-47, Engineering for Transportability

Standard Requirements and Process for Helicopter Sling Load (HSL) Certification

1. A request for Helicopter Sling Load (HSL) certification must be received in writing via memo, facsimile, or email. The request must contain:

a. The item(s) description, HSL certification requirements, including specific item configurations (e.g., HMMWV M-1097A1 with SICPS [S-788] shelter, LMTV M-1081 2 ½-Ton Truck, M-200A1 Trailer mounted PP-AN/MJQ-14).

b. Specific aircraft requirements (e.g., UH-60A/L, CH-47D, CH-53E) and HSL load configurations (e.g., Single Point, Dual Point, and/or Tandem lift).

c. Include all applicable drawings showing external dimensions of the item itself, including weight, CG locations in X-Y-Z relative to the HSL lift provisions, size of lift provisions, and any item shipping and storage plans.

Physical characteristics should include all configurations that for which certification is required (e.g., curb/empty, ½ capacity, gross weight, etc.).

The requestor, if applicable, should contact Program Managers/Product Managers and/or user representatives as a source of all pertinent information.

Send the information to:

U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center ATTN: RDNS-WPA-D (Mr. George Moorachian) Kansas Street Natick, MA 01760-5017 FAX: DSN 256-4652 or Commercial 508-233-4652 Email: george.n.moorachian.civ@mail.mil

2. After the information in paragraph 1 is received, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command/ Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC) will issue a cost estimate no later than (NLT) two (2) weeks after receipt of request. The cost estimate will include test item requirements. (Funding can only be received from Government sources. NSRDEC cannot accept funding from contractors for certification efforts.)

3. Upon receipt of the required funds, NSRDEC will:

a. Develop test rigging procedures for the required HSL configurations and determine the scope of testing. Any tests deemed necessary by NSRDEC are scheduled and funded after the initial analysis. Major testing elements include the following:

i. Static Lift Test (lifting with a crane using a standard helicopter sling set)

ii. Helicopter Lift Provision and Supporting Structure Strength Proof Load

Test

iii. Helicopter Flight Evaluation Test

b. Typically, as a minimum, static lift testing is required to verify rigging procedure chain link counts and any potential sling interference issues. At the discretion of NSRDEC and the program office, proof load and flight evaluation testing is often conducted at the location of the test items (Aberdeen Test Center [ATC], Yuma Proving Ground [YPG], or Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, Fort Bragg [ABNSOTD]).

c. Actual helicopter flight evaluation tests may not be required for some HSL loads. NSRDEC is the only facility that has data to allow comparative analysis leading to Helicopter Sling Load certification based upon similarity.

d. In rare instances tests conducted on identical items, or tests done for other governmental agencies, may be used in lieu of required HSL specific tests.

(Time: Rigging procedure development generally takes NLT 4 weeks from the receipt of funds, required materials, and test items. If any of the testing noted in 3a,i-iii must be conducted additional time will be necessary.)

4. NSRDEC will forward the scope of test and test rigging procedures to the appropriate test agency. The test agencies will provide time and cost estimates for their involvement. (Time: Variable. Depends upon aircraft requirements and facility test schedules. Please contact ATC, YPG, or ABNSOTD.)

5. Once testing is scheduled, NSRDEC will provide technical support and guidance until all test phases are complete. (Time: Variable. Depends upon aircraft availability and facility test schedules. Please contact ATC, YPG, or ABNSOTD. Typically 10-30 days.)

6. The testing agency, YPG, APG or ABNSOTD, will then write a test report detailing the results of the Helicopter Sling Load testing. (Time: Variable, please contact ATC, YPG, or ABNSOTD, typically 30 days.)

7. Once NSRDEC receives the test report and determines that proof load and flight evaluation post-test criteria were successfully met, NSRDEC will issue a HSL certification memorandum for the item. The certification memorandum will also direct the U.S. Army Quarter Master Center and School to publish the validated helicopter rigging procedure in the appropriate field manual series.

(Time: NLT 2 weeks)

Additional Information

1. Petroleum Oils and Lubricants (POL), Rations, and Ammunition/Munitions Items

a. Munitions, POL and Rations are normally flown by helicopter in cargo nets or bags. HSL certification and testing is not required for cargo net and bag loads.

b. There are numerous delivery methods (A-22 cargo bag, 5,000-pound, 10,000-pound capacity nets) listed in the Multiservice Helicopter Sling Load:

Basic Operations and Equipment publication.

c. Natick can provide assistance to all governmental agencies interested in helicopter lift.

2. Helicopter Certification by Similarity

a. It is possible to certify an item by similarity to another similar item that is already Helicopter Sling Load certified.

b. The item must be of similar weight, center of gravity, structure, and/or general physical characteristics (external profile, construction, appearance, materiel classification)

c. The differences in the currently certified item and the item proposed to be certified by similarity must be such that when exposed to the helicopter flight aerodynamic environment, the item is as susceptible or less susceptible to aerodynamic instability.

d. NSRDEC will conduct a technical assessment to make the determination whether an item is suitable for Helicopter Sling Load certification by similarity.

NSRDEC will evaluate any recommendations with supporting data for certification by similarity. Ultimately, NSRDEC will make the final determination whether an item can be certified by similarity, or will require the standard process, with testing, for HSL certification.

3. Roles/Responsibilities

a. The NSRDEC cost estimate includes the following for Helicopter Sling Load Certification efforts:

i. NSRDEC will provide engineering guidance to the item developer and contractors, as necessary.

ii. Develop HSL rigging procedures.

iii. Establish test requirements.

A. Determine test items (quantity and type)

B. Establish test method and determine testing requirements

iv. Conduct and/or provide technical assistance and guidance during testing, if necessary.

v. Provide engineering support throughout the HSL test program.

vi. Grant HSL certification after it is determined from the test report that all certification requirements have been met.

b. The customer will need to contact and fund the HSL test agency (ABNSOTD, APG, or YPG) under separate cover. The test agency will coordinate all necessary test assets for any prior and post sling load functionality tests.

4. Relevant Documents

a. MIL-STD-209, Interface Standard for Lifting and Tiedown Provisions.

b. MIL-STD-913A, Requirements for the Certification of Sling Loaded

Military Equipment For External Transportation by Department of Defense Helicopters.

c. MIL-STD-1366D, Interface Standard for Transportability Criteria.

d. AR 70-44, DOD Engineering for Transportability

e. AR 70-47, Engineering for Transportability

Guidance for Funding Airdrop & HSL Certification Efforts

MIPR documentation should be sent to the U.S. Army RDECOM, Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center resource management POC:

RM Budget POC:

o Amelia Lipton Tel: 508-233-4439, DSN 256-4439

FAX: 508-233-4109

e-mail: amelia.e.lipton.civ@mail.mil Address:

U.S. Army RDECOM Natick Soldier RDEC ATTN: RDNS-OOR-P (Amelia Lipton) Kansas Street Natick, MA 01760-5021

NSRDEC DODACC: W56YHX

NSRDEC Technical POC:

o George Moorachian Tel: 508-233-5276, DSN 256-5276

FAX: 508-233-4652

e-mail: george.n.moorachian.civ@mail.mil

-or-o The NSRDEC/ADEST project officer with whom the certification effort was coordinated.

Financial POC:

o Kimberley Mahon

Tel. 508-233-4345, DSN 256-4345 e-mail: kimberley.j.mahon.civ@mail.mil

IMPORTANT NOTES:

In the Header Text/body of the MIPR, please provide your agency’s DODAAC, the name of the NSRDEC Technical POC(s) involved in this effort, and PoP of the MIPR. The statement of work should be Airdrop and/or Helicopter Sling Load Certification of the System Description/Nomenclature. Do not simply note Airdrop and/or HSL Certification, solely. System name is required.

Ensure that funding will not expire prior to all certification efforts being completed, which includes issuance of the NSRDEC certification memorandum.

Funding can only be received from Government sources. NSRDEC cannot accept funding from contractors for certification efforts.

NSRDEC is still accepting MIPR’s. Funding requirement includes labor and travel. At present NSRDEC is not supporting GFEBS cross organizational funding of travel expenses for airdrop and/or HSL certification efforts. Any funds MIPRed will be used for TDY expenses. Therefore, any MIPR's stating that funds cannot be used for travel will be rejected. For questions, please contact my supporting Budget Analyst, Kimberley Mahon at 508-233-4345, kimberley.j.mahon.civ@mail.mil.

If you are in GFEBS and experience trouble with our DODAAC, please contact our financial POC, Kimberley Mahon.