European Test, Evaluation and Training Facilities

摘要

In an age of more complex and expensive weapons systems, a crucial stage of their development is testing and evaluation (T&E). This requires large areas of controlled land and restricted airspace, away from residential and industrial districts, as well as an understanding of how to manage the environmental impact. A significant number of T&E ranges are located in the larger European countries, such as France and Germany, catering for land, sea and air weapons trials, including live firing as well as combat systems' validation. The Etablissement d'Experimentation Technique de Bourges (ETBS), a test site in central France managed by the Delegation Generate pour I'Armement (DGA), is one of the main European test centres for ground-to-ground and air-to-ground weapon systems and munitions. The proving ground is unique because of its size and the quality and quantity of available equipment and competent human resources. The facilities offer firing tests in tunnels and open ground, including internal and external ballistics testing, trajectography measurements, terminal effectiveness and detonation tests. Tests simulating climatic, mechanical, electromagnetic and nuclear environments can also be conducted. The facility's main task is to carry out technical tests supporting the official evaluation of materials by the French Army Weapons Directorate before being adopted by the Army Chief of Staff. Many tests are carried out on behalf of the manufacturers, including acceptance and ammunition surveillance tests.