Grate Pallet 8232 (GP-8232) Vehicle Pallet, Evaluation Tests MIL-STD- 1660, 'Design Criteria for Ammunition Unit Loads' and TP-94-01 (REV 1), 'Transportability Testing Procedures'

摘要

The U.S. Army Defense Ammunition Center (DAC), Validation Engineering Division (SJMAC-DEV) was tasked by the Transportation Engineering Division (SJMAC-DET) to conduct an Evaluation Test to determine if the Grate Pallet 8232 (GP-8232) Vehicle Pallet, manufactured by Grate Pallet Inc., ITN Corporation, could be utilized for the unitization and transportation of metal ammunition cans and boxed ammunition. The testing was conducted for informational purposes only. The GP-8232 Vehicle Pallet was evaluated by the testing procedures set forth in MIL-STD-1660 and TP-94-01 (Rev. 1) testing procedures. Stacking, vibration, drop, incline impact, sling compatibility, forklift handling, disassembly and on/off road transportability testing were conducted on the GP- 8232 Vehicle Pallet. The testing caused damage to the GP-8232 Vehicle Pallet. The outside tabs on the top shelves were damaged and the top shelf was no longer properly engaged. The failures created an unsafe condition, which would preclude the continued safe transport of ammunition. Throughout the MIL-STD-1660 testing the GP-8232 Vehicle Pallet pins continuously loosened and were unable to perform as required. At the beginning of the Repetitive Shock Test one pin was ejected and one was disengaged. The disengaged pin was replaced (into position) and the other pin was replaced with a new one. Following completion of the Edgewise Drop test, two pins had to be returned to the proper position. One pin was disengaged during the Forklift Handling Test. The pins, as currently designed, are not adequately held in position. Also, the shape of the tie-down rings on the GP- 8232 Vehicle Pallet would not allow the strap hooks or keeper to properly engage. As tested, the GP-8323 Vehicle Pallet, manufactured by Grate Pallet Inc. , ITN corporation did not successfully complete the MIL-STD-1660 and TP-94-01 test requirements.