4608 Eed 01

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STANAG 4608
(Edition 1)
RECORD OF AMENDMENTS
No. Reference/date of Date Signature

Amendment Entered
EXPLANATORY NOTES
AGREEMENT
1. This NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) is promulgated by the

Director NATO Standardization Agency under the authority vested in him by the NATO
Standardization Organisation Charter.
2. No departure may be made from the agreement without informing the tasking
authority in the form of a reservation. Nations may propose changes at any time to the
tasking authority where they will be processed in the same manner as the original
agreement.
3. Ratifying nations have agreed that national orders, manuals and instructions
implementing this STANAG will include a reference to the STANAG number for
purposes of identification.
RATIFICATION, IMPLEMENTATION AND RESERVATIONS
4. Ratification, implementation and reservation details are available on request or

through the NSA websites (internet http://nsa.nato.int; NATO Secure WAN
http://nsa.hq.nato.int).
FEEDBACK
5. Any comments concerning this publication should be directed to NATO/NSA –

Bvd Leopold III - 1110 Brussels - BE.
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STANAG 4608
(Edition 1)
NATO STANDARDISATION AGREEMENT

(STANAG)
AMMUNITION BELOW 12,7 MM CALIBRE - DESIGN SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND SAFETY

SUITABILITY FOR SERVICE (S3) EVALUATION
ANNEXES:
A. Design Safety Requirements and Assessment Criteria for Ammunition below 12,7 mm Calibre.
B. Test Requirements for the Assessment of the Safety and Suitability for Service of Ammunition
below 12,7 mm Calibre.
Related Documents:
STANAG 2310 Small Arms Ammunition (7,62mm).
STANAG 2401 Weapon Danger Areas/Zones for Unguided Weapons for use by NATO
Forces in a ground role: Factors and Processes – ARSP-1.
STANAG 2895 Extreme Climatic Conditions and Derived Conditions for Use in Defining
Design/Test Criteria for NATO Forces Materiel.
STANAG 2953 The Identification of Ammunition – AOP-2(B).
STANAG 4090 Small Arms Ammunition (9mm Parabellum).
STANAG 4110 Definition of Pressure Terms and Their Interrelationship for Use in the
Design and Proof of Cannon, Mortars and Ammunition.
STANAG 4123 Methods to Determine and Classify the Hazards of Military Ammunition
and Explosives.
STANAG 4147 Chemical Compatibility of Ammunition Components with Explosives and

Propellants (Non Nuclear Applications).
STANAG 4170 with Principles and Methodology for the Qualification of Explosive Materials for
AOP 7 Military Use.
STANAG 4172 5,56mm Ammunition (Linked or Otherwise).
STANAG 4187 with Fuzing Systems – Safety Design Requirements.

AOP 16
STANAG 4224 Large Calibre Artillery and Naval Gun Ammunition Greater than 40 mm,
Safety and Suitability for Service Evaluation.
STANAG 4234 Electromagnetic Radiation (Radio Frequency) - 200 kHz to 40 GHz

Environment - Affecting the Design of Materiel for Use by NATO Forces.
STANAG 4235 Electrostatic Environmental Conditions Affecting the Design of Materiel for
Use by NATO Forces.
STANAG 4236 Lightning Environmental Conditions Affecting the Design of Materiel for
Use by NATO Forces.
STANAG 4239 Electrostatic Discharge Munitions Test Procedures.
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STANAG 4608
(Edition 1)
STANAG 4240 Liquid Fuel Fire Test for Munitions.
STANAG 4241 Bullet Attack Test for Munitions.

STANAG 4242 Vibration Test Methods and Severities for Munitions Carried in Tracked
Vehicles – AOP 34 Vibration Test Procedures for Munitions Carried in
Tracked Vehicles.
STANAG 4297 with Guidance on the Assessment of Safety and Suitability for Service of Non-
AOP 15 nuclear Munitions for NATO Armed Forces.
STANAG 4340 NATO Standard Packaging Test Procedure.
STANAG 4370 Environmental Testing (incl. AECTP 100 – 500).
STANAG 4375 Safety Drop Munition Test Procedure.
STANAG 4382 Slow Heating, Tests for Munitions.
STANAG 4396 Sympathetic Reaction Munition Test Procedures.
STANAG 4439 with Policy for Introduction, Assessment and Testing for Insensitive Munitions
AOP 39 (MURAT).
STANAG 4509 5.7 X 28mm Small Arms Ammunition.
STANAG 4518 Safe Disposal of Munitions, Design Principles and Requirements, and
Safety Assessment.
AC/225(LG/3-SG/1)D/14 Evaluation Procedures for Future NATO Small Arms Weapon Systems.
UN Document UN recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.
AECP 1 Mechanical Environmental Conditions to Which Materiel Intended for Use

by NATO Forces Could Be Exposed.
AOP 38 Glossary of Terms and Definitions Concerning the Safety and Suitability
for Service of Munitions, Explosives and Related Products.
AOP 48 Explosives, Nitrocellulose based Propellants, Stability Test Procedures

and Requirements using Stabilizer Depletion.
Implemented through STANAG 4620 (in ratification)
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STANAG 4608
(Edition 1)
AIM
1. The aim of this agreement is to provide a uniform method for establishing the Design Safety
Requirements and for the assessment and testing of the Safety and Suitability for Service (S3) of ammunition
below 12,7mm calibre within NATO.
AGREEMENT
2. Participating nations that Ratify this STANAG, and who develop and/or modify ammunition below
12,7mm calibre, agree:
a. for Design Safety Requirements:
(1) to incorporate the design safety requirements outlined in this STANAG in

ammunition below 12,7 mm calibre developed after ratification.
(2) to incorporate, as far as practicable, the design safety requirements of this

STANAG when modifying existing ammunition below 12,7 mm calibre.
(3) to identify details of any design safety requirements that have not been
incorporated in this STANAG and inform the custodian of the omission.
b. for S3 evaluation:
(1). that the developing nation conducts the S3 evaluation procedures outlined in
this STANAG on ammunition below 12,7 mm calibre adopted for use by own forces
after ratification.
(2) that procuring nations may conduct additional evaluation procedures or

trials to meet national safety requirements.
(3) to maintain a record of all trials conducted and their outcome.
c. Data developed in accordance with this STANAG shall be made available to other NATO
Nations participating in a collaborative weapon development or procurement programme
upon receipt of a request submitted through appropriate national channels.
Likewise, data developed in accordance with this STANAG shall be made available to
nations procuring or otherwise acquiring the ammunition.
Nations may carry out additional trials at their own expense, either to ensure national safety requirements
are met or to establish whether the Small Arms Ammunition is suitable in an environment not covered by the
developing nation.
DEFINITIONS
3. Please refer to AOP-38 Glossary of Terms and Definitions Concerning the Safety and Suitability for
Service of Munitions, Explosives and Related Products.
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STANAG 4608
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The following additional definitions are provided for the purpose of this STANAG:
Weapon Danger Area/Zone. The 3-dimensional space around/extending from a weapon where the
risk from the weapons projectile, submunitions, fragments, as well as blast overpressure, heat or
other effects is not acceptable. Weapon danger area/zones are dealt with in STANAG 2401.
DESIGN SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
4. The Aim. The aim of the design safety assessment is to review the design of the ammunition in
order to ascertain to what extent the relevant design safety requirements have been met. It is also to identify
potential failure modes and areas of technical risk. The assessment should be conducted as early as
possible in the design process, but on a build standard that is sufficiently representative of the production
standard to ensure validity of the analysis. All the main components and sub-assemblies of the cartridge and
its packaging shall be considered. The assessment shall take account of the climatic, mechanical, chemical,
electrical and radiological environments, the intended uses of the ammunition as identified in the Allied
Ordnance Publication (AOP) 15 Environmental Questionnaire as well as, where relevant, any predictable
unintended uses of the ammunition.
5. General Considerations. In appraising the design safety aspects of the ammunition, it must be
remembered that ammunition below 12,7mm calibre is carried by individual soldiers and on vehicles, and as
a consequence will almost certainly be exposed to severe combinations of climatic and rough handling
(mechanical) conditions.
6. Design Safety Requirements. The design safety requirements and assessment criteria are given
in Annex A.
ASSESSMENT OF SAFETY AND SUITABILITY FOR SERVICE
7. Purpose. The purpose of the assessment of S3 is to identify from the design assessment, test
results, and any other relevant information, all of the significant risks that might be presented by the
ammunition being used in its defined service environment. The risks should then be specified to determine
whether they have been reduced to an acceptable level. Where appropriate, the S3 assessment should
consider predictable unintended use of the ammunition. Where appropriate to the scope of the task, the
assessment should consider system safety (ammunition + weapon) as well as the safety of the ammunition
alone, including the performance of the packaging associated with the ammunition.
8. Procedures. Each nation will be responsible for the safety and suitability for service assessments of
ammunition to be used by its own services and, for this purpose, will require copies of relevant design
parameters, assessments, and test reports from the nation developing the ammunition. The data needed to
conduct this assessment shall be made available as specified in the agreement at paragraph 2.
9. S3 Test Requirements. The tests required for each type of ammunition may vary depending on the
design, the design safety assessment, the degree of commonality with types already tested, and the
specified service environment(-s). The spectrum of weapons, that use ammunition below 12.7mm in calibre,
means that the test program and individual test parameters will likely need to be tailored. The developing
nation shall provide full details of the environment against which a munition has been tested, and in addition,
details of the parameters of the tests which have been conducted. The tests and analyses that may be
needed to provide the evidence required by the National Authority to assess the S3 of ammunition below
12.7mm in calibre are in Annex B and can be broadly grouped into the following categories:
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STANAG 4608
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a. Preliminary functioning and safety tests. The aim of the preliminary functioning and
safety tests is to demonstrate, that the strength of design of the cartridge is satisfactory, that
it is free from the possibility of premature functioning, that the pressures generated are safe
with respect to both weapon and projectile, to obtain ballistic data and to establish the
weapon danger area/zone.
b. Sequential environmental tests. The aim of sequential environmental tests is to verify, that
the ammunition can survive the expected environments in a safe and satisfactory manner.
Ammunition, packaged and unpackaged as appropriate, will be subjected to the manufacture
to target or disposal sequence (MTDS) environments; individual cartridges may be
withdrawn at various points to ascertain the effects of specific environments. The sequence
of tests will vary from munition to munition, and shall be designed to reflect the specific
MTDS. Guidelines on environmental testing may be found in STANAG 4370 and associated
AECTP’s.
c. Functioning tests and critical examination: The aim of the functioning tests and the
critical examination is to establish the ballistic and functional reliability of the ammunition,
including after exposure to stressed environments.
d. Non-sequential safety tests. The aim of the non-sequential safety tests is to verify that the
ammunition can survive expected individual environments in a safe and satisfactory manner.
The selected tests will vary from munition to munition, depending on the expected
environment(-s) of the MTDS.
e. UN Hazard Classification. Where possible the statutory tests to establish UN hazard

classification will form part of the safety and suitability test program.
f. Packaged tests. The packaged tests are performed to verify that the packaged ammunition
will safely withstand logistic environments, typically experienced during transportation.
g. Unpackaged tests. The unpackaged tests are performed to verify that the bare ammunition
will safely withstand environments to which it will typically be exposed when carried by
troops or on vehicles.
h. Service life assessment. Using data from environmental and other tests, to give an initial
assessment of the expected storage and operational lifetimes of the ammunition.
10. Insensitive Munitions test requirements. The Insensitive Munition properties of the ammunition
are to be assessed according to STANAG 4439 and AOP 39.
GUIDANCE ON THE ASSESSMENT OF S3
11. Guidance. Guidance on the assessment of S3 for ammunition below 12.7mm calibre can be found
in AOP-15. Further details of ammunition testing are to be found in AC/225(LG/3-SG/1)D/14, as well as in
the Manuals of Proof and Inspection (MOPI) for the individual ammunition calibres and STANAG 4439 with
AOP 39.
12. Additional testing. Notwithstanding the intention to avoid duplication of testing, each nation
reserves the right to repeat tests conducted by the developing nation and carry out additional testing if
considered necessary and to bear the financial, technical and safety consequences of conducting such tests.
Nations requiring additional test may obtain assistance, under conditions to be negotiated, from the
developing nation.
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STANAG 4608
(Edition 1)
13. Test selection. There may be inherently different environmental hazards and operational
philosophies that affect safety and suitability for service assessments by particular nations. A specific test
program need not be limited to or include all tests described in this document except in the case of
mandatory tests, as given in Annex B of this STANAG. The selection of supplemental (non-mandatory) tests
and test parameters shall be based on the measured or analytically forecasted MTDS (life cycle)
environmental profile, using guideline documents such as STANAG 2895, STANAG 4370 with associated
AECTP’s, AECP-1 and AOP-15. It should be noted that if the forecasted MTDS indicates, that a test in
section II of Annex B is appropriate, then this test is to be considered mandatory to that specific ammunition,
with the given MTDS (life cycle). Also, whether a test is mandatory or supplemental, it may need to be
repeated for various parts of the MTDS (packaged, unpackaged, during handling, etc.). Read-across may be
acceptable, provided that sufficient confidence in the results can be established.
14. Test assessment. No individual test or group of tests can be assessed in isolation; therefore, to
make a valid assessment of the ammunition in its expected service life environment, the final S3 assessment
recommendation needs to consider both development tests as well as the individual national evaluation
procedures.
15. Proof of interoperability. The test requirements to ensure interoperability of the ammunition, as
specified in the relevant Manual of Proof and Inspection, may be used to supplement/compliment the safety
and suitability for service assessment requirements defined in this STANAG. Other calibre ammunition may
be assessed by related type standards. Read-across may be acceptable, provided that sufficient confidence
in the results can be established.
16. Test items. Tests should be conducted on the final design of the ammunition and packaging, which
have been manufactured to full production standards and is ready to be deployed. Deviations and waivers
from this design shall be identified. Design or production changes after deployment shall be identified and
supporting information to confirm the validity of original tests as affected by these changes shall be provided.
Non-functional items may substitute items within the ammunition provided this does not detract from the
purpose of the test or test sequence. The configuration shall be specified in detail in the test plan and
reported in the test report.
17. Explosive Qualification and Final (Type) Qualification. Evidence shall be provided by the
developing nation that the explosive and propelling charge compositions used in the ammunition have been
assessed and qualified to the requirements of STANAG 4170 and AOP-7. These include propellant stability
tests in accordance with AOP-48, and chemical/physical compatibility of ammunition components with
explosives and propellants in accordance with STANAG 4147, where appropriate.
18. UN Classification. Evidence shall be provided by the developing nation that the ammunition has
been given a UN Hazard Classification valid to its design and packaging in accordance with UN
recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and STANAG 4123. Guidance may also be found in
STANAG 4340.
19. Marking. The ammunition packaging shall be marked in accordance with STANAG 2953 and AOP-
2(B).
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STANAG 4608
(Edition 1)
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGREEMENT:
20. This STANAG is implemented by the ratifying nation when that nation:
a. Has revised or issued applicable national documents to agree with the provisions of the
STANAG.
b. Has issued the necessary orders/instructions to its services that all new ammunition below
12.7mm calibre will be developed in accordance with the requirements and procedures
detailed in this agreement.
c. Has issued the necessary orders/instructions to its services that the requirements and
procedures detailed in this agreement will be incorporated as far as practicable in
modifications of ammunition below 12.7mm calibre.
7
ANNEX A
STANAG 4608
(Edition 1)
DESIGN SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR AMMUNITION BELOW 12,7 MM CALIBRE
Serial Design Safety Requirements Assessment Criteria / Remarks
COMPLETE CARTRIDGE
1 The structural integrity of the complete cartridge shall be Successful completion of mandatory tests in Annex B, tests
sufficient to withstand cycling through the feed system and according to relevant Manual of Proof and Inspection (MOPI),
mechanism of the specified weapons(s) during the loading and where available, and field trials.
unloading process.
2 The cartridge shall be sufficiently robust to withstand thermal The term "expected service environment" includes the
and mechanical stresses arising from the expected service environment
environment. (-s) within the specified weapon(s).
3 The cartridge shall remain waterproof throughout its expected Successful completion of mandatory tests in Annex B, tests
service life. according to relevant MOPI, where available, and field trials.
4 Sealants, adhesives and paints used in the ammunition shall Testing according to STANAG 4147 Chemical Compatibility of
neither render explosive compositions unsafe, nor cause Ammunition Components with Explosives and Propellants
unacceptable degradation in performance during the life of the (Non Nuclear Applications).
ammunition.
The efficiency of sealants and adhesives will be assessed
during sequential environmental testing.
A-1
ANNEX A
STANAG 4608
(Edition 1)
5 Materials used in the construction of the cartridge and protective The resistance of any exposed components, such as the
finishes, such as paints, sealants and lacquers, shall not be cartridge case or case-mouth or primer sealants, to damage
degraded by the service environment and/or exposure to and degradation is to be assessed.
contaminants likely to be encountered in service use, such that
the cartridge becomes unsafe or unserviceable.
6 Toxicity a. Each type of ammunition is to be considered; read across

may be acceptable.
To assess the toxic hazards produced when firing.
b. This is not normally required for aircraft weapons unless
mounted in the main fuselage.
c. A range of wind speeds/directions and training/operational
variations of field emplacements are to be considered.
d. Samples are to be collected on crew positions.
e. This test is to be undertaken in accordance with AC/225
(LG/3-SG/1), Document D14.
Toxic hazards produced when firing may influence the Weapon

Danger Area/Zone, as described in STANAG 2401.
7 The design of the cartridge, and where appropriate, its Guidance on Insensitive Munition (IM) tests and criteria are
packaging, shall minimise the violence of the reaction to contained in STANAG 4439 and AOP 39.
externally applied stimuli.
A-2
ANNEX A
STANAG 4608
(Edition 1)
8 The future safe and environmentally responsible disposal of the The ammunition shall be designed in accordance with
ammunition shall be considered in the design phase. STANAG 4518.
CARTRIDGE CASE
9 When fired, the cartridge case (supported by the chamber of the To be demonstrated during the preliminary functioning and
weapon) shall be capable of withstanding the projectile design safety tests.
pressure.
10 The cartridge case shall provide satisfactory rearward Any gas wash shall be insufficient to result in a hazard to the
obturation/sealing of weapon chamber to prevent hazardous or operator or cause significant damage to weapon components.
damaging blow-back of propellant gases.
PRIMER ASSEMBLY
11 The sensitivity of the primer assembly to mechanical shock and a. Where Electro Explosive Devices (EED) are included, the
electrical or radio frequency induced stimuli outside the design No Fire Threshold (NFT) shall be established by the
tolerances, and under all specified conditions of storage, manufacturer to the 0.1% power energy level at 95%
transportation, handling, and feeding through the specified single sided lower level of confidence.
weapons, shall not be sufficient to cause accidental initiation of
b. As part of the critical examination after sequential
the cartridge.
environmental testing, it shall be verified that the EED
properties have not changed, and that the cartridge
functions correctly.
A-3
ANNEX A
STANAG 4608
(Edition 1)
12 The primer assembly shall be adequately secured in the To be demonstrated during the Preliminary Functioning and
cartridge case to withstand firing loads at extreme service Safety Test.
conditions.
13 Energetic material used in primer assemblies must be The manufacturer must provide evidence, where appropriate,
compatible with the associated propellant if there is any of the compatibility of such substances with the propellant.
possibility of contact between them.
14 In un-cased or caseless ammunition, where the primer becomes Testing in accordance with national procedures.
exposed during the firing cycle, the exposed primer must be
designed so that if ejected, it is not at a temperature high
enough to cause injury to the operator or, where relevant, to
ignite an unpackaged combustible cartridge case.
SAFETY OF PROJECTILE
15 Projectile Strength of Design. To be demonstrated during preliminary functioning and safety

tests.
To determine whether the non-explosive parts of the projectile
can successfully withstand the maximum firing stress.
16 Projectile Safety. To be demonstrated during preliminary functioning and safety

tests.
To determine whether projectiles loaded with hazardous fillings
(high explosives, pyrotechnics or other) are bore and flight safe.
A-4
ANNEX A
STANAG 4608
(Edition 1)
17 Worn Barrel. To be tested in accordance with national procedures.

To determine:
a. Whether the non-explosive parts of the projectile can
successfully withstand the maximum firing stress in a worn
barrel.
b. Whether projectiles loaded with HE, other hazardous fillings,
submunitions with HE or other hazardous fillings, and low
hazardous projectiles which may or may not contain explosive
or pyrotechnic components are bore and flight safe and do not
produce erratic flight when fired from a worn barrel.
18 Obturator Band. Note that most conventional natures of ammunition below

12.7mm calibre have no obturator band. Certain special types
To determine whether the pressure of an obturator band
of ammunition, e.g. some armour-piercing types, may have
adversely affects the safety and suitability for service of a
this feature.
projectile.
This test can be performed as part of test serial no. 15 and/or
16.
19 Muzzle Blast. To be tested in accordance with national procedures.

To determine impulse noise caused by firing the ammunition, so
that physiological effects on the operator and other personnel in
the vicinity can be assessed.
A-5
ANNEX A
STANAG 4608
(Edition 1)
EXPLOSIVE COMPOSITIONS
20 Explosive compositions included in a cartridge shall remain safe a. Explosive compositions shall be fully defined in terms of
after the cartridge has been subjected to the specified thermal percentage compositions of the constituents, function (e.g.,
and mechanical stressing and firing loads. delay, booster, propellant), weight and source.
b. Compositions shall be qualified for service use in
accordance with STANAG 4170.
c. Where explosives are used that are not qualified, the
results of Hazard Data Sheet (HDS) tests shall be supplied,
together with details of other stores in which they have been
used.
21 Lifetime assessment, to arrive at a preliminary (expected) To be determined using data from sequential environmental
lifetime of the ammunition in the given life cycle. tests and comparison with similar ammunition types.
A-6
ANNEX B
STANAG 4608
(Edition 1)
TEST REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF THE SAFETY AND SUITABILITY FOR SERVICE
OF AMMUNITION BELOW 12,7 MM CALIBRE
This annex is divided into two sections, section I listing mandatory tests and section II listing supplemental tests.
SECTION I, MANDATORY TESTS:
Test Test Purpose Remarks

Ser. No
PRELIMINARY FUNCTIONING AND
SAFETY TESTS
1.1 Safe functioning and ballistics 1. To demonstrate that the internal, intermediate, a. Tests are to be conducted using ammunition
and external ballistics are satisfactory before loaded with standard charge weights for service use.
ammunition is subjected to further testing.
b. Tests are to include firings undertaken with
2. Verify ballistic data for the ammunition, including the ammunition conditioned at 21°C as well as Upper
establishment of the weapon danger area/zone. Firing Temperature (UFT) and Lower Firing
Temperature (LFT), to establish the propellant
temperature coefficient.
Test b. is to be conducted in accordance with
relevant Manual of Proof and Inspection (MOPI), if
such is available. If not, national procedures are to
be used.
c. A charge weight assessment test may be required
to identify the effects of incremental changes of
propelling charge.
d. Weapons are to be check-zeroed in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.
B-1
ANNEX B
STANAG 4608
(Edition 1)

Ser. No
1.1 Safe functioning and ballistics e. Weapons are to be fired from a mount designed
to simulate manual firing as closely as possible.
(cont.)
f. Weapons are to be fired single shot and, if
relevant, in automatic mode with ammunition
conditioned at 21oC. The following data are to be
recorded:
(1) Rate of fire (automatic weapons).
(2) Muzzle velocity
(3) Point of aim in relation to mean point of
impact.
(4) Consistency.
(5) Ejection pattern.
g. The following criteria are also to be assessed:
(1) Wind effects.
(2) Effect on zero of gunfire shock, including
that related to dual systems.
(3) Sight calibration marks and trajectory
variations for specified ammunition natures.
(4) Rear arc debris from muzzle attachments.
Read across may be feasible.
Tests d.-g. are to be conducted in accordance with
AC/225 Document D14 and relevant MOPI, if such is
available.
B-2
ANNEX B
STANAG 4608
(Edition 1)

Ser. No
1.1 Safe functioning and ballistics h. Establishment of the Weapon Danger Area/Zone
(WDA/Z).
(cont.)
Guidance on WDA/Z may be found in STANAG
2401 and ARSP-1.
1.2 Strength of design To demonstrate the strength of design of the Ammunition to be loaded with special or
cartridge case and projectile assemblies. overpressure charge to give projectile design
pressure.
Test in accordance with national procedures.
1.3 Gun cycling and functioning To demonstrate that the ammunition is sufficiently Testing in accordance with relevant MOPI, if such is
robust to be cycled through the gun mechanism available. If not, national procedures are to be used.
without damage, and to subsequently function
satisfactorily.
SEQUENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL TESTS
1.4 A Sequential environmental To assess whether the ammunition is safe and The ammunition, packaged and unpackaged as
evaluation, using tests selected suitable for service when subjected to environmental appropriate, shall be subjected to the manufacture to
from Section II of this annex. conditions representative of service use. target or disposal sequence (life cycle)
environments.
Examples can be found in relevant MOPI.
1.5 Service life assessment. To give an initial assessment of the expected Assessed using data from sequential environmental
storage and operational lifetimes of the ammunition. tests and comparison with similar ammunition types.
B-3
ANNEX B
STANAG 4608
(Edition 1)

Ser. No
FUNCTIONING TESTS AND CRITICAL

EXAMINATION
1.6 Functioning and reliability To establish the ballistics and functional reliability of a. Supplementary reliability data may be obtained
environmentally stressed ammunition. by utilising unstressed ammunition in parallel firings
to enhance the statistical sample and to obtain
comparative ballistic data.
b. Pressure barrel firings are required to provide
direct comparison of internal, intermediate and
external ballistics of environmentally stressed and
unstressed ammunition from the same production
lot.
c. A series of firing tests with service weapons will
be required which may include:
(1) Firing at ambient conditions.
(2) Firing hot conditioned ammunition.
(3) Firing cold conditioned ammunition.
(4) Tracer functioning.
(5) Accuracy firings to validate ballistic
predictions.
(6) Barrel wear and erosion rates for the
specified firing cycle.
B-4
ANNEX B
STANAG 4608
(Edition 1)

Ser. No
1.6 Functioning and reliability (7) Firing with a worn barrel.
(cont.) Reliability tests and pressure barrel firing according
to relevant MOPI.
1.7 Critical examination To assess the effects of environmental stressing on a. A proportion of cartridges should be subjected to
the component parts of the ammunition. a Sealing Test (See Ser. 2.1).
b. The examination may include:
(1) External condition - loadability,
(2) Bullet pull (described in MOPI).
(3) Propellant weight, moisture content and
stabiliser content.
(4) Primer functioning and sensitivity
parameters, where applicable (described in
MOPI); Fire and No Fire energy thresholds
and electrical resistance.
(5) Condition of explosive/pyrotechnic
compositions (some guidance in MOPI).
(6) Metallurgic condition of cartridge case and
projectile body.
c. The need to examine other features may be
identified during environmental and firing tests.
B-5
ANNEX B
STANAG 4608
(Edition 1)

Ser. No
NON-SEQUENTIAL SAFETY TESTS
1.8 Double feed To identify the potential safety hazard when one Only required if the design safety assessment
cartridge is fed to impact the base of a live cartridge, identifies such an event to be credible. Dependent
or a fired case, already in the chamber. on the weapon/ammunition combination.
1.9 Fuze safety Where relevant, to verify the safety of the fuze in a. The applicable tests in STANAG 4187 are to be
credible accident scenarios and in the specified carried out.
environmental conditions.
b. Some tests may need to be repeated with
environmentally stressed cartridges/fuzes.
Note that ammunition below 12,7mm calibre will not
normally be equipped with fuzes.
1.10 Pressure verification/Propellant To verify that the maximum operating pressure is a. Ammunition must be subjected to preliminary
safety. lower than the weapon permissible maximum environmental stressing, and conditioned and fired
pressure. at the temperature giving rise to the extreme service
condition pressure. Ammunition that has been
subjected to the sequential environmental tests may
be used for this purpose.
b. Test ammunition to contain propellant from 2
production lots.
c. Tests to be fired from 2 pressure barrels, on 2
occasions.
B-6
ANNEX B
STANAG 4608
(Edition 1)

Ser. No
1.10 Pressure verification/Propellant d. A minimum of 10 cartridges per occasion shall be
safety. fired.
(cont.)
e. The internal form of the pressure barrel shall be
the same as that of the weapon for which the
ammunition is being assessed.
f. Maximum operating pressure to be calculated in
Guidance can be found in relevant MOPI).
1.11 Cookoff To determine the temperature at which the Results to be related to the weapon heating/cooling
ammunition will cook off when fed into a hot characteristics established during the safety
breech, the time to cook off, and the pressures assessment of the weapon. Guidance on test found
generated. in AC/225 Document D14.
1.12 Levels of airborne toxic To determine the level of toxic elements that could a. Not normally required for aircraft weapon
substances produced on firing. be a health hazard to the shooter or crew when the ammunition unless the weapon is mounted internally
weapon is mounted on/in a weapon platform. in the main fuselage of the aircraft.
b. Worst case wind speed and direction to be
established prior to the tests.
c. For turreted weapons, tests to be repeated with
possible training and operational variations of
hatches open/shut and NBC conditioning on/off.
d. Samples to be collected in selected crew
locations.
B-7
ANNEX B
STANAG 4608
(Edition 1)

Ser. No
1.12 Levels of airborne toxic e. Test may be carried out as part of other test
substances produced on firing. series using representative weapons(-s) to fire the
(cont.)
ammunition.
Note that the levels of airborne toxic substances may
influence the Weapon Danger Area/Zone (see ser.
1.1 (h)).
1.13 Safety drop To demonstrate that the ammunition will remain Test procedures to be in accordance with STANAG
safe for disposal following impact from high 4375.
accidental free drops.
1.14 Burst safety distance To identify, where relevant, the fragment hazard Guidance on WDA/Z may be found in STANAG 2401
from the projectile to be applied for establishing the and ARSP-1.
Weapon Danger Area/Zone (WDA/Z)
1.15 Ricochet characteristics To establish the ricochet characteristics of both Guidance on Weapon Danger Area/Zone may be
inert and explosive projectiles to be applied when found in STANAG 2401 and ARSP-1. Read-across
determining the Weapon Danger Area/Zone. from other ammunition types may be used.
1.16 Worn Barrel test To determine: Test in accordance with national procedures.
a. Whether the non-explosive parts of the
projectile can successfully withstand the maximum
firing stress in a worn barrel.
B-8
ANNEX B
STANAG 4608
(Edition 1)

Ser. No
1.16 Worn Barrel test b. Whether projectiles loaded with explosive, sub- Guidance on test b. can be found in relevant MOPI
projectiles and/or pyrotechnic components are bore (Barrel Erosion Test) if available.
(cont.)
and flight safe and do not produce erratic flight
when fired from a worn barrel.
1.17 Electromagnetic/electrostatic/ To verify the safety of the ammunition in relevant Tests according to STANAG 4234, 4235, 4236 and
lightning environment test electromagnetic environments. 4239.
UN HAZARD CLASSIFICATION TESTS
1.18 UN Hazard classification To assign a proper UN Hazard Classification Testing in accordance with STANAG 4123.
(hazard division and compatibility group) to the
ammunition.
B-9
ANNEX B
STANAG 4608
(Edition 1)
SECTION II, SUPPLEMENTAL TESTS:

Ser. No
NON-SEQUENTIAL SAFETY TESTS
2.1 Sealing To verify that the cartridge is adequately sealed Test in accordance with relevant MOPI, if available.
against the ingress of moisture. If not, national procedures are to be used.
2.2 Fragment impact To determine the reaction of the ammunition to Test according to national procedures.
impact by a fragment.
2.3 Recoil To verify that weapon recoil is within tolerable limits. a. The manufacturer is to provide recoil data for all
relevant natures of ammunition and muzzle launched
projectiles. Read across between similar natures
may be acceptable.
b. This test is only conducted where satisfactory data
is not otherwise available.
c. The effect of recoil on consistency is to be
assessed during endurance firing and user trials.
B-10
ANNEX B
STANAG 4608
(Edition 1)

Ser. No
PACKAGED TEST
2.4 Vibration (transportation) To demonstrate that the packaged store can sustain Vibration testing to be selected to represent the
transportation by sea, road, rail, and air. principal transportation modes.
2.5 Bounce To demonstrate that the packaged store can sustain

shock loadings likely to be experienced during
transportation.
2.6 Drop To demonstrate that the packaged store can sustain Drop height and orientations to be representative of
handling impacts likely to arise when on or off- those likely to be experienced in service.
loading ammunition during transportation.
2.7a Hot diurnal cycling To demonstrate that the packaged store can sustain Conditioning cycles to be appropriate to the
storage in temperate, hot humid, or dry conditions. specified worst case Climatic Categories in
2.7b Cold diurnal cycling To demonstrate that the packaged store can sustain Conditioning cycles to be appropriate to the
storage in cold humid, or dry conditions. specified worst case Climatic Categories in
B-11
ANNEX B
STANAG 4608
(Edition 1)

Ser. No
2.8a Vibration (logistic) To demonstrate that the packaged store can sustain Includes tracked vehicle and aircraft/helicopter
vibration likely to be experienced during operational transport. Exact testing sequence to be determined
carriage of ammunition. from the ammunition life cycle.
2.8b Vibration (tactical) To demonstrate that ammunition loaded into Ammunition to be stowed in representative racking/
operational stowage facilities can sustain the loading boxes/bays.
vibration likely to be experienced.
Gunfire shock may be included, particularly for
weapons installed in aircraft or carried on cannon- or
gun-armed vehicles.
2.9 Driving rain To demonstrate that the packaged store can sustain
exposure to driving rain.
2.10 Salt mist/fog To demonstrate that the packaged store can sustain Test may need to be repeated for unpackaged
exposure to salt mist/fog atmosphere likely to be stores.
experienced in service use.
2.11 Dust and sand To demonstrate that the packaged store can sustain
exposure to dust and sand.
B-12
ANNEX B
STANAG 4608
(Edition 1)

Ser. No
2.12 Parachute delivery To demonstrate that the packaged store can sustain
the shock loading likely to be experienced during
parachute delivery.
2.13 Underwater shock To demonstrate that the ammunition, when

embarked on a naval vessel, will remain safe and
suitable for service after subjection to shock from an
underwater explosion.
UNPACKAGED TESTS
2.14 Drop To demonstrate that the unpackaged store can Stores that exhibit visible damage must remain safe
safely sustain a free fall drop from a height likely to for disposal.
be experienced in service.
2.15 Simulated flight To demonstrate that the unpackaged store loaded

into an aircraft can satisfactorily sustain exposure to
temperature, humidity and pressure variations likely
to be experienced in flight.
2.16 Contamination by fluids To demonstrate that the ammunition will remain

serviceable following exposure to fluids typical of
those likely to be encountered in service.
B-13

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DECLASSIFIED - PUBLICLY DISCLOSED - PDN(2015)0003 - DÉCLASSIFIÉ - MIS EN LECTURE PUBLIQUE

DECLASSIFIED - PUBLICLY DISCLOSED - PDN(2015)0003 - DÉCLASSIFIÉ - MIS EN LECTURE PUBLIQUE

No. Reference/date of Date Signature

1. This NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) is promulgated by the

RATIFICATION, IMPLEMENTATION AND RESERVATIONS

4. Ratification, implementation and reservation details are available on request or

5. Any comments concerning this publication should be directed to NATO/NSA –

NATO STANDARDISATION AGREEMENT

AMMUNITION BELOW 12,7 MM CALIBRE - DESIGN SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND SAFETY

SUITABILITY FOR SERVICE (S3) EVALUATION

STANAG 2310 Small Arms Ammunition (7,62mm).

STANAG 2953 The Identification of Ammunition – AOP-2(B).

STANAG 4090 Small Arms Ammunition (9mm Parabellum).

STANAG 4147 Chemical Compatibility of Ammunition Components with Explosives and

STANAG 4172 5,56mm Ammunition (Linked or Otherwise).

STANAG 4187 with Fuzing Systems – Safety Design Requirements.

STANAG 4234 Electromagnetic Radiation (Radio Frequency) - 200 kHz to 40 GHz

STANAG 4239 Electrostatic Discharge Munitions Test Procedures.

STANAG 4240 Liquid Fuel Fire Test for Munitions.

STANAG 4241 Bullet Attack Test for Munitions.

STANAG 4340 NATO Standard Packaging Test Procedure.

STANAG 4370 Environmental Testing (incl. AECTP 100 – 500).

STANAG 4375 Safety Drop Munition Test Procedure.

STANAG 4382 Slow Heating, Tests for Munitions.

STANAG 4396 Sympathetic Reaction Munition Test Procedures.

STANAG 4509 5.7 X 28mm Small Arms Ammunition.

UN Document UN recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.

AECP 1 Mechanical Environmental Conditions to Which Materiel Intended for Use

AOP 48 Explosives, Nitrocellulose based Propellants, Stability Test Procedures

Implemented through STANAG 4620 (in ratification)

a. for Design Safety Requirements:

(1) to incorporate the design safety requirements outlined in this STANAG in

(2) to incorporate, as far as practicable, the design safety requirements of this

(2) that procuring nations may conduct additional evaluation procedures or

(3) to maintain a record of all trials conducted and their outcome.

DESIGN SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

ASSESSMENT OF SAFETY AND SUITABILITY FOR SERVICE

weapon danger area/zone.

e. UN Hazard Classification. Where possible the statutory tests to establish UN hazard

GUIDANCE ON THE ASSESSMENT OF S3

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGREEMENT:

Serial Design Safety Requirements Assessment Criteria / Remarks

Serial Design Safety Requirements Assessment Criteria / Remarks

6 Toxicity a. Each type of ammunition is to be considered; read across

Toxic hazards produced when firing may influence the Weapon

Serial Design Safety Requirements Assessment Criteria / Remarks

Serial Design Safety Requirements Assessment Criteria / Remarks

15 Projectile Strength of Design. To be demonstrated during preliminary functioning and safety

16 Projectile Safety. To be demonstrated during preliminary functioning and safety

Serial Design Safety Requirements Assessment Criteria / Remarks

17 Worn Barrel. To be tested in accordance with national procedures.

18 Obturator Band. Note that most conventional natures of ammunition below

19 Muzzle Blast. To be tested in accordance with national procedures.

Serial Design Safety Requirements Assessment Criteria / Remarks

SECTION I, MANDATORY TESTS:

Test Test Purpose Remarks

Test Test Purpose Remarks

Test Test Purpose Remarks

Test Test Purpose Remarks