UNDEX Test Facility

The UNDEX Test Facility (UTF) is located at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Aberdeen, Maryland. The UTF is composed of two ponds used by the Navy to conduct underwater explosion tests. The Briar Point Test Pond is a shallow depth pond used primarily for conducting underwater explosion shock qualification tests of mission critical surface ship and submarine components. The larger Underwater Explosion Test Pond was designed to conduct land-based testing of full-scale submersible shock test vehicles. Concerns related to minimizing environmental effects at previously used protected water sites prompted the Navy to sponsor development of the Aberdeen UTF facility. Explosive charge weights of 350# HBX-1 can be used at Briar Point, and 3500# HBX-1 can be used at the Underwater Explosion Test Pond.