SB 742-1
(6) Accidents and incidents involving DU munitions
(3) Uploaded M829A2 cartridges may exhibit a
will be reported through the local Radiation Protection Officer
chambering problem if they have been exposed to water or a
(RPO), to addressee in paragraph 1-5d(19)(b). These include:
high humidity and high temperature environment such as
theft or loss of control, functioning, fires, explosions or
accidents where the DU munitions are or could be damaged, or
stowage compartment, or if they have been subjected to
damage that exposes or releases DU to the environment.
unpackaged storage. Chamber gage cartridges using a Man
Portable Chamber Gage (MPCG) Set, P/N 12948079, on a
b. All 120MM Ammunition:
monthly basis. P/N 12948079 includes Letter of Instruction
Personnel must handle ammunition assembled with for using MPCG. At the same time, QASAS should inspect
combustible cartridge cases carefully. Personnel will avoid cartridges for corrosion on the projectile, the case base, and for
damaging or scratching the combustible cartridge case during watermarks on the cartridge.
handling. Handle the cartridge by the metal case base and
b. Swipe Test: QASAS will perform swipe test only on
projectile sabot.
L-3. Gaging and Test Requirements:
a. Personnel will perform gaging IAW SB 742-1, para 2-8:
(1) Every lot must be gaged at least once during its
storage life cycle and results documented on Depot
Surveillance Record card.
(2) Whenever possible, QASAS will gage cartridges
during initial receipt inspection or at the next scheduled
periodic inspection. Gage rounds whenever conditions such as
indicate a need to verify serviceability.
LIST
DESCRIPTION
PART NUMBER
APPLICATION
Man Portable Chamber Gage(MPCG)
12948079
All 120MM Ctgs
Set
Proportional Counter
Commercial Equip
Swipe (Smear) Test
Ring Gage Set
PN: 12900358
ALL
g. QASAS supporting upload operations in conjunction
NOTE: The ring gage set may be used in lieu of the
with armored unit deployments should assure that tank
man-portable chamber gage, if unavailable.
stowage compartments are thoroughly dry prior to ammunition
L-4. Inspection Category and Sampling Plan:
upload. QASAS at the receiving end of deployment should
assure uploaded ammunition serviceability at earliest
a. All 120MM cartridge inspection category: Y (3 years, 20
opportunity to preclude potential moisture damage to the
round sample size).
combustible cartridge case and forward adapter. QASAS must
b. This item is included in the Ammunition Stockpile
advise the office in para 1-5d(1) and 1-5d(21)(a), of any damage
Reliability Program. Prepare test samples IAW chapter 3.
QASAS will not individually swipe DU ammunition samples.
attributable to moisture damage in transit. Damage reports
QASAS will swipe only exterior PA-116 Shipping & Storage
shall provide the bumper number and unit ID for the affected
tank.
of ASRP test.
h. If M829A2 rounds are uploaded or stored in water or
c. QASAS will conduct an initial upload inspection when a high humidity and high temperature environments outside of
using unit uploads cartridges during peace time loading.
their original package, it may result in the round not
chambering in the main gun. QASAS shall perform monthly
d. QASAS will perform the annual or semi-annual basic
chamber gage inspections, using a MPCG to verify ability of the
load inspections on cartridges according to SB 742-1, Chapter
cartridge to chamber. It is also recommended that M829A1
8 and
this appendix. Ammunition contained in
basic load
rounds, which have been exposed to freezing temperatures and
stocks will not be rejected for minor correctable defects.
rain or water, be chamber gage inspected by QASAS using a
e. Storage of empty PA-116 containers should be MPCG prior to their intended use to verify ability of the
examined to verify that lids are in place and containers cartridge to chamber. This applies regardless of the position of
the white mark(s) on the sabot segment. At the same time,
protected from the elements.
QASAS should inspect cartridges for corrosion on the
f. QASAS should report any observed stowage area that projectile, the case base, and for watermarks on the cartridge.
could affect serviceability of the ammunition. Examples of
such areas are: tank stowage compartments including the hull L-5. Specific Inspection Points:
QASAS will inspect and classify items according to Tables L-2
burred racks, or swing tubes, etc. Report findings to the office
through L-6.
L-2