Rail Impact Test of the XM119 (L119 Howitzer).

The U.S. Army Defense Ammunition Center and School USADACS previously tested the XM119 Howitzer during 15-17 January 1986 and 15-17 April 1986 in a two component shipping configuration. The test procedure used for the two component shipping configuration was MIL-STD-810D, Method 516.3. The two component shipping configuration passed the required tests. On 27 January 1987, the XM119 Howitzer was tested in a single component shipping configuration. The Howitzer was positioned in the firing position and subjected to the revised MIL-STD-810D rail transport criteria. The Howitzer was subjected to three successive impacts at velocities of 4-, 6-, and 8-miles per hour in a forward direction and one 8-mile per hour impact in the reverse direction. At the completion of the test, the weapon was unloaded from the railcar, visually inspected, and returned to the stowed position for return shipment. The Howitzer did not sustain any physical damage during this series of tests. Keywords Transportation, HOWITZERS.