scope:

Purpose.

This part of MIL-HDBK-240 provides recommended methods and techniques to develop guidance for the assessment of weapon systems, ordnance, and associated support equipment during exposure to the external radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic environment (EME) with regard to its operational electronics. It is concerned with external RF EME evaluation for all Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard ordnance systems and support equipment for all mission areas. Although intended primarily for use by Department of Defense (DoD) external RF EME test and evaluation activities, the handbook also provides a consolidation of "corporate knowledge" about the subject that should be of interest to procurement authorities and system developers.

Background.

There are four specific objectives of this handbook:

a. Document external RF EME joint-service ordnance test methodology.

b. Promote test standardization.

c. Identify supplemental techniques.

d. Facilitate the exchange of external RF EME test data.

Ultimately, external RF EME test data is used to verify ordnance compliance to the external RF EME requirement, assess risks, and develop effective control measures to minimize those risks.

External RF EME assessments are essentially a determination of how ordnance items respond to the EME that could be encountered by the ordnance during their operational use. The response can be influenced by three principal factors: (1) EME characteristics, (2) physical configuration(s) of the ordnance, and (3) operational electronics. Each factor should be considered from the time the ordnance item is fielded until it completes its life cycle.

When defining the operational EME, one should anticipate all sources of the EME (the individual Service EME, the EME in joint-operation scenarios, the threat environment, and so forth). The Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) Manual states that, "Because all weapons/weapon systems have the potential of being deployed together or employed in joint environments, weapons and weapon systems will be considered joint systems within the JCIDS process and may be designated as Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) or the Joint Capabilities Board (JCB) Interest." As joint operations become more commonplace, there is an increased likelihood that weapons from one Service will be exposed to other Services' EME levels. MIL-STD-464 specifies the EME levels for external RF EME verification based on environments documented in MIL-HDBK-235. For all systems, the appropriate environment defined in MIL-HDBK-235 may be extracted and used for tailoring.

intended Use:

This handbook can be used by any facility engaged in E3 ordnance testing for any of the military departments.