scope:

Purpose. This standard establishes uniform environmental test methods for determining the resistance of equipment to the effects of natural and induced environments peculiar to military operations. The test methods contained herein are intended:

(a) To specify environmental conditions obtainable in the laboratory, such that if an item is exposed to these conditions and continues to operate in a satisfactory manner, a high degree of confidence will have been established that the item could survive the field environment during its expected service life. The tests described herein are not to be interpreted as an exact and conclusive representation of actual service operation.

(b) To describe in one standard (1) all of the test methods of a similar character which appeared in the various joint or single service specifications, (2) those newly-developed test methods which are feasible for use by more than one service, and (3) the recognized extreme environments, particularly temperatures, barometric pressures, etc., at which equipment will be tested under some of the presently standardized testing procedures. By so consolidating, these methods may be kept uniform and thus result in conservation of equipment, man-hours, and testing facilities. In achieving these objectives, it is necessary to make each of the general test methods adaptable to a broad range of equipment.

(c) To standardize environmental tests in order to obtain, as much as possible, reproducible test results.