“The standard deviation in Muzzle Velocity is reduced by 50% by identifying the specific lot number of the ammunition being fired and using the Muzzle Velocity for that specific lot to compute a more accurate ballistic solution.” — RDECOM-ARDEC 17 May 2005
Coupling mortar safety devices, muzzle velocity measurement and programming systems provides improved crew safety and operational performance.
Mortar Accidents occur regularly with NATO forces. Crews do not distinguish a misfire from a proper functioning cartridge, leading to a double-load.
| Casualties | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit / Location | Year | Mortar Type | Killed | Wounded | Probable Cause |
| Greek Army Glafyra’ firing range in Magnesia |
2015 | 81mm | 3 | 1 | No Announcements Yet |
| US Marines (Nevada) | 2013 | 60mm | 7 | 8 | Double loading and Hang Fire |
| Romanian Army | 2010 | Unspecified | 3 | 3 | Double loading |
| British Army | 1982 | 81mm | 3 | 2 | Double loading |
| US Army (Hawaii) | 2006 | 81mm | 1 | 4 | Double loading |
| Ukranian Army | 2008 | 120mm | 1 | 3 | Double loading |
| Finnish Army | 2005 | 120mm | 1 | 5 | Double loading |
| Total | 19 | 26 | 45 Casualties | ||
Coupling a safety device to muzzle velocity measurement and post shot programming provides for an automated programming for the next generation of MOFA fuze programming.
