Weapon Systems facilities

Advanced Missile Signature Center

Arnold AFB, TN

The Advanced Missile Signature Center (AMSC) is a national facility supporting the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and other DoD programs and customers with analysis, modeling, measurement, archival and distribution services. The AMSC archives include target, threat and background signatures for missiles and other vehicles. A skilled staff and state-of-the-art tools and infrastructure enable the AMSC to efficiently support our customers and reduce program risk.

Advanced Weapons F/A-18

China Lake, CA

Our vision is for the F/A-18 Advanced Weapons Laboratory (AWL) to be the undisputed leader in rapidly delivering the highest value products to the warfighter. The AWL, as a member of a seamless integrated product team (IPT), will lead the advancement of the F/A-18 to higher levels, as the world's most effective, multinational, strike fighter.

Aerial and Surface Target Complex

China Lake, CA

We provide operational and engineering support to Navy target users and providers worldwide.The Complex uses land-based launch sites at Point Mugu and San Nicholas Island, California, both of which are on the Sea Test Range; and land-based sites at China Lake, California, on the Electronic Combat Ranges. We provide air launch support with NWTS Pt. Mugu DC-130 and QF-4 aircraft. The Aerial Target Launch Ship (ATLS) is used for seaborne launches. These assets provide the target capability for airborne or seaborne launches to be deployed in support of Fleet operations or weapon system development. The Complex provides aerial and surface target operational support throughout the threat envelope, as well as auxiliary and augmentation systems that enhance target threat replicability. We can also provide our deployable target control system to present the BQM-74 aerial target anywhere worldwide–shipboard or land based.

Aerial Weapons Scoring System (AWSS)

Orlando, FL

The AWSS is an objective scoring system that supports live Army aviation gunnery training. AWSS provides scoring for 2.75-inch training rockets, both point detonation and multipurpose sub-munitions, area scoring and hit location for a variety of machine gun weapons, and laser scoring of the Hellfire training missile. Four systems are provided for U.S. training exercises and are deployed as needed to support homestation training events. The fifth system is stationed in Grafenwoehr, Germany and supports training both in Germany and in other European countries. The sixth system is stationed in Korea and supports Pacific theater training events. An annual scheduling conference, held in conjunction with the Aviation Master Gunner's Conference, prepares a baseline schedule for deployment of the U.S. systems for the following fiscal year.

Aerial Weapons Scoring System Integration with Longbow Apache Tactical Engagement Simulation System

Orlando, FL

AWSS LBA TESS provides the LBA pilots the ability to conduct force-on-target engagements using live ammunition for 30mm and rocket engagements and simulated Hellfire missile engagements. The SMart Onboard Data Interface Module (SMODIM) sends altitude, heading, speed, trigger-pull and pairing-line engagements from the AH 64D to the ground station to be used in after action reviews. Pilots and commanders use sophisticated AAR tools to train, rate and score the pilot's gunnery performance for instant, positive, value-added feedback.

Air Defense Scoring Systems and Services

Orlando, FL

Scoring augmentation is available for installation on a variety of both aerial and ground live targets. Real-time feedback of scoring data is available by detecting and counting bullets' Miss Distance Indications (MDI) that penetrate a predetermined Radio Frequency (RF) field around the target. After Action Review (AAR) reports are generated by the support contractor and provided to the unit immediately after completion of the mission. Scoring is contractor operated. Training support is scheduled with PM ITTS Target Management Office.

Aircraft Gun Harmonization Facility

Edwards AFB, CA

The Gun Harmonization Facility is a concrete pad with a retaining wall constructed on three sides. The facility measures 50-foot W X 70-foot D. It contains approximately 100 tons of washed plaster sand and has railroad ties and sand bags configured around the exterior to eliminate possible ricochets. There are aircraft (A/C) tie down points available for securing A/C. The facility is primarily used for aligning A/C Head-Up Display (HUD) symbology for gun sighting as well as boresighting and live weapon checkout.

Aircraft Gun Harmonization Facility (Gun Butt)

Edwards AFB, CA

The facility provides a unique capability used for ground firing of aircraft gunnery systems that verifies accuracy and provides operational checkouts prior to flight. It is rated to 30mm (The A-10s, GAU- 8 Gun).

Austere Field Test Areas

Edwards AFB, CA

The field test areas are required to assess weapon systems designed to operate in the austere environment. Specifically, ground operations as well as takeoff and landing performance are assessed. Due to the unique environment close to Edwards Air Force Base, sites have been surveyed capable of testing all foreseeable austere test requirements. California Bearing Ratios from 6 on up are available throughout most of the year (late winter and spring usually close most of the sites due to water saturation). A majority of the areas are also coverable by range cinetheodolites for instrumentation purposes.

Automatic Test Equipment Lab

Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

The Automated Test Systems Division (ATSD) has assembled facilities to support the on-site development of Test Program Sets (TPS) for Weapon Systems. The facility occupies over 13,000 sq. ft. and houses over eighteen million dollars of equipment and materials.

Ballistic Rail Gun Soft Recovery Facility

Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

The Ballistic Rail Gun Soft Recovery Facility accommodates a 155mm Howitzer, fired horizontally into a 104-foot long water trough to slow the projectile and recover the payload undamaged. Experimental items are loaded into the 155mm projectile and fired with energetic propellant to experience the in bore setback, acceleration and spin of a typical projectile firing. Spin can be minimized by the use of the slip obturator to simulate smoothbore environments. The projectile is recovered intact in the water trough within five (5) minutes of firing. This facility is used to evaluate projectiles, mine components, telemetry packages, components for guidance systems, whole guidance systems, fuzes, and fuze components.

Central Target Simulator (CTS) Facility

Washington, DC

Desert Ship

Port Hueneme, CA

In the desert of White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico is a Navy “vessel” that never leaves port but is continually at work: the Desert Ship. The NSWC PHD White Sands Detachment, including the Desert Ship performs live-fire test and evaluation of Navy weapons encompassing missiles, guided munitions, and high-energy laser technologies. The Detachment mission also includes Research Rockets as well as derivative rocket systems providing for the test and evaluation of ballistic missile defense at sea.

Electronic Warfare Systems

Crane, IN

Provides technical leadership and execution throughout the lifecycle for air, ground, undersea, and surface EW, including SIGINT and IO systems. Leads research and development, system engineering, acquisition engineering and logistics, Test and Evaluation (T&E;), design verification, and TECHEVAL / OPEVAL for all surface and undersea EW elements, and for all ground and air EW capabilities. Develops EW system and element technical requirements. For surface and undersea EW, provides the cohesive EW element for Combat Systems Integration and supports the integration effort. Collaborates with other Warfare Center activities to facilitate the transition of new technologies into existing and planned EW capabilities. Supports higher level Combat System activities relative to the evolutionary acquisition strategy. Leads logistics support services for fielded air, surface and undersea EW systems including supply chain management, performance assessments, continual technical refresh, obsolescence management, configuration control, data management services, and maintenance, overhaul and depot repair.

Expeditionary Warfare Systems

Crane, IN

Technical Design Agent for the Marine Corps Combat Identification, Communication Data Link System and Direct Air Support Central Airborne Systems

Experimental Weapon/Armament Prototyping Facility

Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

This complete manufacturing facility contains 250 pieces of equipment to include CNC, NC and conventional machine tools, heat treating, welding, inspection and associated support equipment to meet ARDEC's R&D; mission. This equipment is used for prototype development of test quantities on a wide variety of armaments. The uniqueness of this facility is in the varied type and the quality of the equipment it houses. The building is 85,000 square feet and has three bridge cranes (50 ton, 20 ton, 15 ton) that run the length of the main building. These allow large vehicles to be disassembled, modified and reassembled with ease.

F-14 Weapons System Support Activity (WSSA)

China Lake, CA

Air Systems Command(NAVAIR) PMA-241 and provides cradle-to-grave F-14 weapon system support. For three decades, the F-14 WSSA has provided

Fire Control Integration Laboratory (FCIL)

Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

The RDECOM-ARDEC Fire Control Integration Laboratory (FCIL) is capable of accommodating a broad array of combat vehicles and towed weapons systems for integration and testing of various mechanical and electrical on board components and subsystems. The FCIL is a two bay high ceiling shop with double overhead doors and is capable of housing two combat vehicles at a time. Typically, hardware and software undergoing integration, debugging, and testing are intended as a performance upgrade for a specific system through follow-on retrofitting. The FCIL is classified as open secret storage and contains a full complement of electronic instrumentation for system monitoring and data acquisition during testing, common shop tools, overhead lifts/cranes for light component removal and replacement, power supplies with NATO connectors capable of fully powering up any combat vehicle, and is heated for year-round/all seasonal work. The FCIL is approximately 2,000 sq. ft. and the vehicles currently occupying the facility are the Abrams M1A1/M1A2 Main Battle Tank and the M109A6 Paladin self-propelled Howitzer, which are primarily used to provide field support in the form of technical problem investigation and resolution. The FCIL is constantly conducting evaluations of fire control enhancements and navigational capabilities that allow our soldiers to successfully engage in combat activities while using the latest and most technologically advanced weapons.

Fire Control System Integration Facility

Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

The Fire Control System Integration Facility (FCSIF) is a High Bay facility capable of accommodating a broad array of self propelled and towed weapon systems for system-level integration and testing of various fire control components and subsystems. The facility has a floor area of 11,400 square feet with a 50 ft high ceiling and a 35 ton overhead crane. The facility is accessible by the various weapon systems through a 24 ft wide by 14 ft high overhead door. The FCSIF is equipped with outdoor radio antennas mounted on the building's rooftop that facilitate communicating with the FDC M577 and various weapon systems throughout the arsenal area to support navigation and other system-level testing. The FCSIF is flanked on each side by System Integration Laboratories (SILs) that contain a full complement of electrical instrumentation for system interfacing, monitoring and data acquisition during testing. A rooftop mounted GPS antenna provides GPS signal that is networked and re-radiated through out the laboratory, thus eliminating multiple GPS antennas and providing GPS signal in the SILs and Highbay area. The hardware and software systems undergoing integration, debugging and testing are typically developed in-house as a new capability or a performance upgrade for a specific system. The facility contains shop tools, overhead lifts and cranes for removal and replacement of components weighing up to thirty-five tons, and is heated and cooled for year-round, all season work. Systems currently using the facility include the M1064 Mortar Carrier, M577 Fire Direction Center, STYRKER Mortar Variant, M777 Lightweight Howitzer, and the M109A6 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzer

Fuze Development Facility (Adelphi Laboratory Center)

Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

The Fuze Division at Adelphi applies new and innovative technologies to design and develop safe, reliable and affordable fuzing systems. They specialize in the design and development of proximity sensors, controller circuits, Electronic Safety and Arming mechanisms and inductive setters that provide highly accurate burst height control and improved resistance to Electronic Counter Measures. Their capability can modify and optimize existing proximity sensor designs to satisfy a wide variety of unique requirements and package them to survive gun launch.

Gun Dynamics Laboratory

Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

The Gun Dynamics Laboratory is a research multi-task facility, which includes two firing bays, a high bay area and a second floor laboratory space. The high bay area is used for the investigation of structural dynamic response of heavy weapons and weapon components to launch excitation. The room is 80 feet x 40 feet with a high load density floor. Instrumentation includes 12 channels of digital data capture and display in 3 synchronized Nicolet oscilloscopes with 4,000 points per channel. There is also a data acquisition system with 10 channels at 256,000 points per channel. The photo shows an instrumented experimental 6Omm tube being prepared for firing, to evaluate its dynamic response.

Indoor Environmental Firing Range Test Bed

Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

The range consists of 5 firing lanes at 25 yards for pistol and shotgun. The laboratory is equipped with an adjustable berm support structure that can accommodate various impact various impact media, an overhead remote spray system, a water capture and treatment system and a new state-of-the-art air handling system with HEPA filtration. The range also serves as a pistol training and qualification facility for local Picatinny Police and Marine Corps. Reserve.

Integrated Combat Systems Test Division

Port Hueneme, CA

ICSTD was built in 1978 for the purpose of integrating and certifying combat systems before deployment aboard Navy surface combatants. The 33,000 square foot landbased laboratory located in Point Loma provides a completely reconfigurable test bed containing the actual shipboard computer hardware and support equipment which allows ICSTD to replicate virtually every surface combatant in the US Navy. As the primary certification agent for non-AEGIS combat systems, ICSTD has long been the Navy’s “One- Stop-Shopping” for combat system integration.

Interior Ballistic Simulation Facility

Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

This ISO-registered Air Gun Facility has 2-and 5-inch air guns that provide high-g, unidirectional accelerations and a 155mm gun that gives angular and linear acceleration simultaneously. They operate by accelerating a piston containing the test object down the barrel by means of high-pressure gas. Soft recovery permits immediate post-test inspection and repeated testing of the same items. This equipment supports interior ballistic and time simulation test requirements of ARDEC projects as well as those of other Services and the private sector.

MESA—Missile Engagement Simulation Arena

China Lake, CA

Overview. MESA is a DOD-recognized national asset and is the only facility of its kind in the world. It provides cost effective, timely and accurate dynamic missile engagement test data. Missile fuzes are tested against various targets, including full-scale fighter aircraft, in a secure, controlled laboratory environment, with all weather, round-the-clock operational capabilities. The unique indoor environment lends itself to a wide variety of other types of testing as well.

Missile/Munition Integration Facility

Edwards AFB, CA

A large complex contained within approximately 600 acres with security fencing, controlled access gates, and a munitions convoy access road. The complex is capable of handling multiple programs and multiple levels of security. The complex is certified and meets DoD standards associated with safe separation criteria and isolation requirements for munitions/missile integration buildup and test. Various facilities within the complex are capable of handling solid or liquid powered munitions, missile/payload integration, missile operational software verification, weapon system checkout for first flights, and full rotary launcher maintenance and checkout. The complex also contains munitions storage areas for receiving, inspecting, repairing, repackaging, and issuing munitions and munitions related items. Also within the confines of the complex are 2,213 storage bunkers which are standard double door igloos used to store up to 3,120,000 pounds.

Mortar Fire Control System Integration Laboratory (SIL)

Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

The Mortar Fire Control Programs System Integration Lab is a 2478 square-foot Software Support Environment (SSE). The Lab contains all target fielded hardware and software tools required to support all Mortar Fire Control Programs, such as the Mortar Fire Control System (MFCS) and the Lightweight Hand Held Mortar Ballistic Computer (LHMBC). Testing consists of the operational software which includes integration testing and software formal qualification testing. The MFSC consists of 6 complete test station environments, where each environment supports testing as a mortar platoon, including associated Fire Support Network assets with a Fire Direction Center (FDC), FBCB2, FOS, AFATDS. Multiple gun configurations are constructed to perform multiple-gun testing. The mortar lab is also equipped with outdoor radio antennas mounted on the building's rooftop that facilitate communicating with the FDC M577, Stryker Vehicle and 1064 Gun platforms throughout the arsenal area to support navigation testing. A rooftop mounted GPS antenna provides GPS signal that is networked and re-radiated through out the laboratory, thus eliminating multiple GPS antennas and providing GPS signal in the laboratories and highbay area. The Lab also consists of post-fielding stations and hardware kitting area for system fielding such as that performed for the LHMBC.

Narragansett Bay Shallow Water Test Facility

Newport, RI

The Narragansett Bay Shallow Water Test Facility (NBSWTF), located just off the coast of Newport, RI, is a Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) test and evaluation function that offers a variety of unique shallow water ranges to government and private industry which permit prototype underwater weapons systems to be exposed to real environments with a minimum risk of loss.

Radar Reflectivity Laboratory

China Lake, CA

The RRL has three indoor anechoic chambers designed for both near- and far-field monostatic and vertical- and horizontal-plane bistatic RCS measurements at frequencies from VHF to millimeter waves. RCS measurements are accomplished by irradiating targets with a high-speed, wide-band radar while rotating the target in azimuth at various roll and pitch orientations. This approach yields RCS data for all desired angles for all frequencies within the operating range of the radar. The indoor environment provides secure, low-cost, precision, weather-independent measurements 24 hours a day.

Small Arms

Crane, IN

Soft Recovery System Facility (Scat Gun)

Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

The SCat Guns will be used to impart the severe launch conditions (setback up to PIMP+ 25% and other conditions unique to artillery, mortar and tank gun weapon systems) to developmental ammunition and their components. Current and future weapon requirements of increased range, high precision, high rates-of-fire, and sophisticated electronics (smart rounds), have a direct impact on ammunition development and evaluation. A means of subjecting these developmental designs to actual launch conditions (i.e. high accelerations and spin) and then soft recover for physical inspection, bench tests and evaluation are critical to the designer/engineer. The SCat Gun provides the best and most cost effective method for analyzing these critical components in their representative, unmodified structure by subjecting them to the actual launch environment and then allowing for their recovery without damaging the projectile or payload at a low cost. Additionally, telemetry units can be fired, recovered and evaluated prior to actual proving ground test round firings. This will ensure all data is recorded, stored and/or transmitted back to the ground station during one-of-a-kind type tests. Significant cost savings can be realized on these unique evaluation programs, since every round will produce valid data, thereby reducing the number of proving ground firings needed for overall program development. By using the SCat Gun as an integral design aid, the development engineers will have a low cost, powerful evaluation technique where performance information can be ascertained quickly, cheaply and most importantly, before substantial quantities of experimental test rounds are designed and fabricated. This leads to substantial developmental cost savings

Special Operations Hardware

Crane, IN

Provides full spectrum (only limited basic research and exploratory development), life cycle support functions to provide safe, reliable and effective special missions hardware primarily for use by the individual Warfighter including weapons, munitions, and electronic systems for Special Operations and Expeditionary Forces. Support includes requirements analysis, design, rapid prototype, combat development, integration, deployment, engineering support, test and evaluation, qualification, failure analysis, acquisition, logistics and field support. Weapon systems include small arms (less than 20mm). Munitions include small arms ammunition, hand emplaced and man-portable anti-personnel and anti-material munitions. Electronic systems include electro-optic and visual augmentation sensors, electronic warfare, explosive detection, personnel and vehicle scanning and command and control systems. Hardware provides communications, surveillance, detection, tracking, targeting and engagement capabilities in support of special missions for Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security.

SSN Torpedo Room Training

Orlando, FL

Training includes loading MK48/ADCAP and Tomahawk Missiles in the MK67 torpedo tube. A MK48/ADCAP MK10 Torpedo Mounted Dispenser (TMD) or the 4 foot section of the Tomahawk capsule can be loaded into the MK69 torpedo tube. Training includes attachment of the electrical/pneumatic umbilical penetrators and operation of the interlock mechanism.

Strategic Systems Hardware

Crane, IN

Provides full spectrum life cycle management functions to provide safe, reliable and effective hardware, ordnance and power systems to the Strategic Missions Community. Provides design, development, test and evaluation, logistics management, and sustainment of mechanical, electrical, small ordnance and power systems to enhance or sustain the overall performance of the weapons system through out its life cycle. Provides design and development, technology insertion, modeling and simulation, acquisition support, obsolescence management, test and evaluation of high reliability products, quality evaluation, failure analysis, logistics support, demilitarization/disposal and sustainment functions for strategic missions electronics and ordnance systems.

Test Ship

Port Hueneme, CA

The U. S. Navy dedicated the decommissioned Spruance Class destroyer ex-PAUL F. FOSTER (EDD 964), Test Ship, primarily for at sea demonstration of short range weapon systems and other surface combat and weapon system projects. In addition to Combat & Weapons system Test & Evaluation, the Test Ship supports multiple types and all levels of engineering, testing and evaluation aspects of Naval systems including:

Test Support Facility (South Base)

Edwards AFB, CA

Underwater Weapons System Laboratory (UWSL)

Panama City, FL

This laboratory is for the development and testing of highly sensitive magnetometers, for mapping and measuring the magnetic fields around objects, for the analysis of motional noise in superconducting magnetic gradiometers, and for evaluating magnetic sensing systems based on the principles of superconductivity. Facilities include the capability to physically stimulate or simulate magnetic, pressure, and acoustic influence fields individually or in combination via computer control. The laboratory provides a calibrated test bed for acoustic and magnetic measurements.

Weapons Evaluation

Seal Beach, CA

The Weapons Evaluation Division provides technical program support for the Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs and other DoD conventional and nuclear weapon systems. Technical services include: evaluation of engineering test data; reliability predictions and assessments; statistical analysis; and specialized scientific computer programming for a wide range of military and industrial programs. Member, FAR WEST Region of the Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC).

Weapons Survivability Laboratory

China Lake, CA

The Weapons Survivability Laboratory (WSL) is the Navy's field activity for weapon system non-nuclear survivability, weapons lethality,