The U.S. Army Defense Ammunition Center (DAC), Validation Engineering Division (SJMAC-DEV) was tasked by Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC/AMSRD-AAR-AIL-TP R) to conduct Engineering Evaluation Tests IAW MIL-STD-1660, 'Design Criteria for Ammunition Unit Loads' on the use of 16 gauge staples vs 14 gauge staples. The unit load tested simulated 40MM cartridges, packed 32 per PA120 metal container, and unitized 48 containers per 40 in. x 48 in. pallet. Three test units were tested with a load of 2,910 lbs, 2,915 lbs, and 2,915 lbs. The testing accomplished on the test units was the Stacking, Repetitive Shock, Edgewise-Rotational Drop, Incline- Impact, Forklifting, and Disassembly Tests. Test Units No. 1 and No. 2 were unitized using 16 gauge staples holding the wooden gates in place, while Test Unit No. 3 was unitized using the existing requirement of 14 gauge staples holding the gates in place. The result of the staples being disengaged did not differ significantly between the use of the 14 gauge or 16 gauge staples. The use of 16 gauge staples on the 40MM cartridges packed 32 per PA120 metal container and unitized 48 containers per 40 in. x 48 in. pallet, as simulated for testing, meets the requirements of MIL-STD-1660 and can be utilized by the United States Army.
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