MIL-STD-810F Method 516.5 – Shock/Drop

Shock, commonly referred to as drop, tests are performed to assure that materiel can withstand the relatively infrequent, non-repetitive shocks or transient vibrations encountered in handling, transportation, and service environments. Mechanical shocks will cause a piece of equipment to respond at both forced and natural frequencies. This response, among other things, can cause:

1. Failures due to increased or decreased friction, or interference between parts.
2. Changes in dielectric strength, loss of insulation resistance, variations in magnetic and electrostatic field strength.
3. Permanent deformation due to overstress.
4. More rapid fatiguing of materials.

Recon, Ranger, Nomad and Yuma are all tested in accordance with Procedure IV, Transit Drop, for items weighing less than 45.4 kg (100 lbs.), and under 91 cm (36 in.) in its largest dimension. Test items are dropped on each face, edge and corner, for a total of 26 drops at room temperature, from a height of 122 cm (4 ft.). Twelve additional drops were conducted; six at –30 C (–22 °F) and six at 60 C (140 °F) for a total of 38 total drops.

Recon, Ranger and Nomad testing was conducted on a plywood on concrete surface.

Yuma testing was conducted on a plywood on steel surface.