Advancements in Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) detection and discrimination technologies are necessary to support the operation, restoration, and transfer of the DoD's ranges. UXO characterization technologies can be affected by variations in site terrain, geology, natural or man-made materials, vegetative cover, and weather conditions encountered. The establishment of standardized UXO technology demonstration sites will allow users and developers to define the range of applicability of specific UXO technologies, gather data on sensor and system performance, compare results, and document realistic cost and performance information.

The Standardized UXO Technology Demonstration Site Program is a multi agency program spearheaded by the U.S. Army Environmental Command (USAEC). The U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center (ATC) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) provide programmatic support. The program is being funded and supported by the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP), and the Army Environmental Quality Technology (EQT) program.

The Standardized UXO Sites Program will provide the UXO sensor technology users and developers with two standardized sites to, define the range of applicability of specific UXO technologies, gather data on sensor and system performance, compare results, and document real life cost and performance information. This program will utilize standardized test methodologies, procedures, and facilities to help ensure that critical UXO technology performance parameters such as detection capability, false alarms, discrimination, reacquisition, and system efficiency are accurate and repeatable. Other products resulting from this effort will include a screening matrix of system performance, a series of standardized site protocols, a standardized target repository, and a variety of technology transfer and marketing materials.

In order to satisfy both the research and development community and the technology demonstration community, the standardized sites are made up of three areas, a Calibration Lane, a Blind Test Grid, and an Open Field Site. The Calibration Lane will allow demonstrators to test their equipment, build a site library, document signal strength, and deal with site-specific variables. The Blind Test Grid allows the demonstrator to operate the sensor system without platform, coordinate system, or operational concerns. The Open Field Site will document the performance of the entire system in actual range operations.

• Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG)
• Yuma Proving Ground (YPG)

The Standardized UXO Technology Demonstration Site Program has gathered a set of targets (munition or calibration targets) in a repository that have the same model type, configuration, and relative magnetism to each other. These items can be used to build demonstrators' library and to determine the demonstrators' detection capabilities under various conditions (i.e., soil, climate, geographic, vegetative). Not only are these targets emplaced at the Standardized Sites, but they are available on loan to demonstrators, academia, and active clearance activities. The data gathered by those borrowing the standardized targets will be made available for the UXO detection and discrimination community to advance their understanding.

• Standardized Target Pictures (1.57mb PDF)
• Standardized Target Specifications
• Standardized Target Repository Request Form (30kb DOC)