NSWC Crane Opens Special Weapons Assessment Facility

(Crane, Ind., September 2, 2010) -- Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane marked the opening of a new special weapons assessment facility Aug. 26.

"The new special weapons assessment facility is another asset to ensure we are the stewards of technology in the future," said NSWC Crane Commanding Officer, Capt. Charles S. LaSota. "This facility allows us to rapidly and efficiently test, analyze and field weapons and ammunition."

The facility features a firing range with the ability to track ballistics in 100-yard increments up to 1,400 yards away. Additionally, an electronic target acquisition system is integrated to improve the process of analyzing internal and external ballistics data when ammunition is fired. A large concrete wall separates the range into two sections.

"Adding the concrete wall was imperative," said Chuck Zeller, U.S. Navy small arms technical warrant holder.
"We can now operate concurrent testings, making the range safer and ammunition and weapon testing more efficient."

The facility includes an internal armory and multiple ammunition magazines, saving NSWC Crane professionals time and money by eliminating the need to transport items from off-site locations. The new ammunition conditioning bay enhances NSWC Crane's ability to test and analyze ammunition in different environmental conditions by allowing it to be heated or cooled to precise temperatures.

Observation bunkers, located at 600, 1,000 and 1,400 yards down range, allow workers to quickly and efficiently replace used targets and are equipped with high-definition video recorders to allow for accurate visual records.

NSWC Crane is a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command with focus areas in special missions, strategic missions and electronic warfare/information operations.

Source : US Navy