Defence Trials

Explosive Trials

Australian and UK Defence organisations have been conducting a series of explosive trials at the Large Scale Explosives Test Area (LSETA) since the mid-1980s (with individual blasts of up to 75 tonnes Net Explosive Quantity). The aim of the trials is to enhance international ammunition storage safety regulations. The trials are managed by the DSTO Directorate of Trials (DTRIALS) and involve Australia, the UK, the USA, the Netherlands, Norway and Singapore. Technical control is provided by the UK Ministry of Defence and the Dutch Ministry of Defence.

Trials at LSETA in 2002 involved detonations of 40, 27 and 5 tonnes of high explosives (picture depicts the 27 tonne trial on 20 September 2002). The explosives for the 40 and 27 tonne trials were contained in explosive storehouses constructed to UK standards. Industrial and residential structures, built to meet the needs of the participating countries, were placed strategically around the detonation site to simulate surrounding population. The damage to the structures and the debris distribution were analysed to identify appropriate safety distances for the storage of explosives. Instrumentation around the site measured the blast pressure and a series of 40 cameras collected video images of the blasts.

Recent explosive trials have also involved the detonation of ~5 tonnes of high explosive in shipping containers to simulate an incident during the rail/road transport of explosive ordnance. AOSG has provided photographic and timing control support for all trials.