NATO AOP-64 PDF

In-service Surveillance (ISS) becomes increasingly important with the relatively fast changes in storage conditions that may occur when the ammunition is used in world-wide operations. The need for monitoring is heightened because of stress from elevated ambient temperatures, high temperature stress field storage conditions, more transport shocks, more vibration, changing air pressure, and changes in humidity conditions.

It is preferred that the minimum amount of ammunition is destroyed in order to assess its usability in field operations. This focuses the demand on non-destructive methods and predictive methods. The decisive question is at what ageing state of the energetic material is the fulfillment of the military mission no longer possible?

This AOP provides standards for the procedures required to assess continued or extended service use of an item. This includes the essential chemical and mechanical degradation modes of energetic materials that should be measured, and it provides examples of ISS programs performed by different nations. This document is relevant to scientists or engineers looking for guidance on test procedures and for program managers seeking guidance on defining minimum inspection standards for service munitions.

Each nation should tailor its program to specific requirements and environments that apply to its inventory. It is not possible to prescribe a single protocol for each energetic material that will suit all nations.