Defence Services

Defense Equipment Environmental Testing to Defense Standards

Ensure the reliability of defense equipment in harsh environments

Ensure the reliability of defense equipment in harsh environments

Disclaimer: TÜV SÜD does not test or certify offensive weapons

Defense equipment environmental testing Test Products for Harsh Environments 

The defense industry dictates that products need to be tested to perform in the most extreme environments found anywhere in the world. We are experts in testing to defense standards with over 60 years of experience within the defense industry. TÜD SÜD brings together a wealth of specialist knowledge to provide you with support from requirements management, design advice, preparing test plans, testing 24/7 in modern well-equipped facilities, through to fast and efficient reporting. 

Our specially designed and approved secure facilities for defense and military product testing ensure protection of your product such as communication systems and operations room equipment for surface ships and submarines. We work closely with you in the pursuit of high performance and reliability, so that your defense equipment operates as intended in hostile environments.

Our defense equipment testing services include:

 

What are Defense Technology Standards? 

Defense standards (MIL-STD) establish requirements for military unique processes, procedures, practices, or methods, or commercial processes, procedures, practices, or methods that have been modified to address military unique requirements. Specific defense standards address issues related to product interface, design criteria, manufacturing processes, standard practices, and test methods. 

Download our white paper to learn more about defense technology standards and documents. 

Defense Standard Testing Services 

Our U.S. testing laboratories have been accredited by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) to evaluate and test defense technologies in accordance with the requirements of MIL-STD-461 and RTCA/DO-160. 

TÜV SÜD also provides testing services according to recognized industry defense standards such as:

  • DEF STAN 00-35 including DEF STAN 00-35(20)
  • DEF STAN 59-411
  • MIL STD 461E
  • MIL STD 810F
  • NATO standard AECTP 100-500 series 

 

Product safety standards  

As with all products, providing assurances regarding the safety of defense technologies is of paramount importance. There are hundreds of individual product safety standards applicable to various types of electrical and electronic systems and devices, and individual product safety standards applicable to a given technology depend on the nature of the technology and its intended use. But product safety standards generally address one or more of the following safety-related considerations: 

  • Mechanical safety - such as the ability of a device to withstand physical breakdown or failure linked to vibration, load handling, sudden shock associated with dropping the device, or other causes 
  • Electrical safety - including design or component issues that can result in electrical failure and lead to electric shock, fire, or explosion 
  • Chemical safety - covering design and material aspects that could expose the device user to potentially harmful chemicals 
  • User safety - including ergonomic and interface design issues that could confuse the device user and lead to device misuse 
  • Risk management - all other potential safety aspects of a product not covered by other safety aspects 

 

Benefits of Defense Equipment Environmental Testing 

  • Minimize business risks such as violating regulatory risks and potential legal liabilities   
  • Shorten your time-to-market and increase market access when you meet regulatory requirements and standards

  • Increase customer confidence in your product by obtaining independent testing

  • Benefit from greater cost-effectiveness and faster homologation as most of our services are provided locally

  • Add value to your processes by working with our highly experienced and qualified team of experts

 

Why Choose TÜV SÜD for Defense Equipment Environmental Testing 

TÜV SÜD America’s EMC/Aerospace Unit offers a comprehensive suite of domestic and international compliance services directly relevant to manufacturers of defense technologies. 

  • A2LA-accredited U.S. testing laboratories for MIL-STD-461 and RTCA/DO-160 compliance evaluation 
  • OSHA-designated Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) for product safety 
  • Standards Council of Canada (SCC) accredited certification body 
  • Comprehensive quality management system auditing throughout U.S. and Mexico for aerospace and defense sectors 
  • State-of-the-art laboratory facilities delivering single-source convenience for all defense-related testing 
  • Decades of experience and in-depth technical knowledge across all defense industry sectors 
  • Complete suite of domestic and international compliance services specifically for defense technology manufacturers 
  • Streamlined process that delivers both technical excellence and peace of mind 

"The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) spent over $400 billion (USD) on products and services during fiscal year 2019, representing approximately 2% of the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP)."  

Scott Drysdale, Site Operation Manager 


Want to ensure your products meet defense standards? 

Contact us and download our aerospace and defense technology white paper below 

 

Defense Equipment Environmental Testing Frequently asked questions (FAQs) 

 

  • What defense standards does TÜV SÜD test products to?

    TÜV SÜD tests products according to a range of international defense standards, including: 

    • MIL-STD-461: Electromagnetic interference (EMI) requirements 
    • MIL-STD-810: Environmental engineering considerations and laboratory tests 
    • DEF STAN 00-35: UK Ministry of Defence environmental testing standard 
    • DEF STAN 59-411: UK EMC standard 
    • RTCA/DO-160: Environmental conditions and test procedures for airborne equipment 
    • MIL-STD-202: Test methods for electronic and electrical component parts 
    • MIL-STD-883: Test methods for microcircuits 
    • MIL-STD-1399: Interface standards for shipboard systems 
    • MIL-STD-704: Aircraft electric power characteristics 

    These standards ensure that defense equipment performs reliably under various operational conditions.  

  • What is MIL-STD-461 and how does TÜV SÜD test for it?

    MIL-STD-461 specifies requirements for controlling electromagnetic interference (EMI) characteristics of subsystems and equipment.

    TÜV SÜD conducts comprehensive EMC testing to ensure that defense products meet these stringent EMI emission and susceptibility requirements.

    This includes testing across a wide radio frequency spectrum, addressing higher immunity requirements and tighter emissions limits than commercial standards.  

  • How does TÜV SÜD ensure compliance with MIL-STD-810?

    MIL-STD-810 outlines environmental engineering considerations and laboratory tests for military equipment.

    TÜV SÜD ensures compliance by conducting rigorous environmental tests such as temperature extremes, humidity, vibration, shock, and altitude simulations.

    Their facilities are equipped to replicate harsh environmental conditions to validate the durability and performance of defense equipment.  

  • Why is independent testing important for defense equipment?

    Independent testing by organizations like TÜV SÜD provides unbiased verification that defense equipment meets required standards and performs reliably under specified conditions.

    It helps identify potential issues early, reduces the risk of failure in critical applications, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, thereby enhancing safety and mission success. 

  • What is DEF STAN 00-35, and how does TÜV SÜD ensure compliance?

    DEF STAN 00-35 is a UK Ministry of Defence standard that specifies environmental testing requirements for defense equipment.

    TÜV SÜD ensures compliance by performing tests that simulate environmental conditions such as temperature variations, humidity, shock, vibration, and other climatic factors.

    Their testing facilities are designed to meet the specific requirements of DEF STAN 00-35, ensuring that equipment can withstand the environmental stresses encountered during military operations.  

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