AECTP-300
Scope of testing to AECTP-300
AECTP-300 brings together the climatic test methods of NATO's AECTP series: an introductory part sets out general test conditions and tolerances, and Methods 302 to 319 describe the individual tests. Test parameters, durations and sequence are derived for each programme from the environmental conditions in AECTP-200 and the equipment's service profile. We perform each method individually or as a complete test sequence to your specification.
↓Temperature↓Solar, humidity, water↓Corrosion and fluids↓Pressure, dust, atmosphere↓Combined tests↓Contact
Temperature tests to AECTP-300 (302 to 304, 315)
Military equipment is deployed in deserts as well as arctic regions and sometimes moves between extreme temperatures within minutes. The temperature methods test storage, operation and handling at the limits of the climatic zones the equipment is designed for.
| 302 | High Temperature: Storage and operation at high temperatures as found in hot climates, in parked vehicles or in heated containers. Demonstrates operation, material behaviour and dimensional stability at the upper temperature limit. |
| 303 | Low Temperature: Storage, operation and handling in cold climates. Checks whether the equipment starts after cold exposure and remains operable, and whether plastics, elastomers and lubricants retain their properties. |
| 304 | Thermal Shock: Rapid transition between widely different temperatures, for example when moving from a heated shelter into arctic cold or during air transport. The test reveals cracks, leaks and joint failures caused by uneven thermal expansion. |
| 315 | Freeze/Thaw: Repeated cycling through the freezing point, causing moisture in gaps, seals and cavities to freeze and thaw. Evaluates damage from ice formation and operation after cycling. |
Solar, humidity and water tests to AECTP-300 (305 to 307, 310, 311)
Sunlight, tropical humidity, rain, ice and water act on enclosures and seals continuously in the field. These methods demonstrate that materials remain stable and that no water enters the equipment.
| 305 | Solar Radiation: Irradiation with simulated sunlight that reproduces both the heating of the test item and the ageing of surfaces by UV radiation. Evaluates thermal behaviour, colour and material changes and operation. |
| 306 | Humid Heat: Exposure to a warm, humid atmosphere, partly with temperature cycles, as found in tropical regions. Checks moisture absorption, corrosion, insulation behaviour and operation after exposure. |
| 307 | Immersion: Partial or complete immersion in water, for example during river crossings or flooding. Demonstrates that no water enters and that the equipment works afterwards. |
| 310 | Rain/Watertightness: Exposure to wind-driven rain, dripping water or water jets. Checks the watertightness of enclosures, covers and connectors and operation during and after exposure. |
| 311 | Icing: Ice accretion from freezing rain or water spray. Checks whether moving parts, controls and antennas remain functional under the ice layer. |
Corrosion, fluid and mould tests to AECTP-300 (308, 309, 314, 319)
Salt-laden air, acidic atmospheres, operating fluids and mould attack materials slowly but persistently. The methods in this group evaluate corrosion protection, fluid resistance and the susceptibility of organic materials to mould.
| 308 | Mould Growth: Extended exposure to mould spores in a warm, humid environment. The test shows whether materials, coatings or contamination promote mould growth and whether operation or insulation suffers as a result. |
| 309 | Salt Fog: Exposure to salt fog as found in coastal and maritime environments. Evaluates corrosion of metals, contacts and fasteners and the protection provided by coatings. |
| 314 | Contamination by Fluids: Contact with operating fluids such as fuels, oils, hydraulic fluids and cleaning agents. Checks swelling, discoloration, coating detachment and operation after exposure. |
| 319 | Acidic Atmosphere: Exposure to an acidic atmosphere such as found in industrial areas or near combustion exhaust. Evaluates corrosion and the resistance of surfaces and protective coatings. |
Pressure, dust and atmosphere tests to AECTP-300 (312, 313, 316)
Air transport, high-altitude operation, desert dust and fuel-laden surroundings place particular demands on sealing and safety. AECTP-300 covers natural environments up to an altitude of 30,000 m; beyond that it refers to space standards.
| 312 | Low Pressure: Storage and operation at reduced air pressure, for example during air transport in unpressurised cargo holds or in high mountain areas. Evaluates sealing, enclosure deformation and malfunctions due to reduced heat dissipation. |
| 313 | Sand and Dust: Exposure to blowing dust and sand as found in deserts, on unpaved tracks or in helicopter rotor downwash. Checks particle ingress, abrasion and malfunctions of ventilation, connectors and mechanisms. |
| 316 | Explosive Atmosphere: Operation in an ignitable mixture of fuel vapour and air. Demonstrates that the equipment does not cause ignition, or that an ignition inside the enclosure does not propagate to the outside. |
Combined tests to AECTP-300 (317, 318)
In service, temperature, humidity, air pressure and vibration act simultaneously. The combined methods superimpose these stresses and reveal interactions that separate individual tests would miss.
| 317 | Temperature/Humidity/Altitude: Combined exposure to temperature, humidity and low air pressure, mainly for equipment in aircraft. The test reveals effects that only occur in combination, such as condensation during descent. |
| 318 | Vibration/Temperature/Humidity/Altitude: Superimposes vibration on temperature, humidity and altitude, as experienced by airborne equipment and aircraft stores. This reveals failures that neither climatic nor vibration testing alone would show. |
Product information "AECTP-300"
Climatic Environmental Tests
From arctic cold to desert heat, from tropical rain to salt-laden coastal air: defence materiel of NATO nations has to remain operational in every climatic zone. AECTP-300 is the part of NATO's Allied Environmental Conditions and Test Publications that defines the climatic test methods; member nations agree to its use through STANAG 4370. The current edition of November 2019 covers temperature, solar radiation, humidity, water, corrosion, pressure, dust and combined stresses. EDAG Testing performs the AECTP-300 methods individually or as a complete test sequence.
Login
Get in touch with us
Do you have any questions or need personalized advice?
We are happy to assist you.
