MIL-DTL-901 Testing | Element U.S. Space & Defense

MIL-DTL-901

MIL-DTL-901 is the U.S. Navy specification for high-impact shock testing of shipboard machinery, equipment, systems and structures.

It qualifies hardware to survive the shock of underwater explosions near a ship. The specification assigns equipment a grade based on whether it must keep working after shock or only stay in place, and sets the test type by the weight and mounting of the item.

Naval Systems & Heavyweight Shock

Center of Excellence

Element U.S. Space & Defense runs heavyweight shock and barge testing to MIL-DTL-901 at its Rustburg, VA Center of Excellence, which operates floating shock platforms and a Deck Simulating Shock Machine. Lightweight shipboard shock to MIL-DTL-901 is also listed at the Camden, AR facility.

View Location Related service: Shock Testing →

Common Questions

What is MIL-DTL-901 shock testing?

MIL-DTL-901 shock testing shows whether shipboard equipment can withstand the high-impact shock of a nearby underwater explosion. Element U.S. Space & Defense runs this testing at its Rustburg, VA Center of Excellence, supporting Navy programs that need equipment qualified before it is installed aboard a ship.

What is the difference between Grade A and Grade B?

Grade A items must keep performing their principal function after shock. Grade B items may lose function but must not break loose or create a hazard to personnel or nearby equipment. The procurement specification assigns the grade, and Element U.S. Space & Defense tests to the grade your program specifies.

What is a heavyweight shock test?

Heavyweight testing mounts large equipment on a floating shock platform, or barge, and detonates an underwater charge nearby. It is used for items too heavy for machine-based shock tests. Element U.S. Space & Defense operates floating shock platforms at its Rustburg, VA site on a dedicated quarry.

What is the difference between lightweight, medium weight and heavyweight tests?

The three categories generally follow the weight of the item. Lightweight and medium weight tests use shock machines, and heavyweight tests use a floating platform and an underwater charge. The specification sets the limits. Element U.S. Space & Defense can review your equipment's weight and mounting to confirm the correct category.

What is a Deck Simulating Shock Machine?

A Deck Simulating Shock Machine, or DSSM, is a land-based machine that serves as an alternative to heavyweight barge testing of Class II, shock-isolated equipment. Element U.S. Space & Defense helped design and Navy-qualify the medium weight DSSM and offers this method at its Rustburg, VA facility.

How is MIL-DTL-901 different from MIL-STD-167?

MIL-DTL-901 covers short, high-impact shock from underwater explosions. MIL-STD-167 covers sustained vibration during normal ship operation. Shipboard equipment is often qualified to both, and Element U.S. Space & Defense runs both standards at its Rustburg, VA Center of Excellence, which can simplify planning for a Navy program.

How do I test equipment that is mounted on shock isolators?

The test setup should represent how the equipment will be installed on the ship, including any shock isolation, because mounting changes the response. Share your installation drawings with Element U.S. Space & Defense early so the Rustburg team can plan the fixture, the mounting and the instrumentation.

What data does a MIL-DTL-901 test record?

Instrumentation monitors how the equipment responds to shock. Element U.S. Space & Defense records acceleration, displacement, strain, pressure, velocity and voltage at Rustburg, and processes the data to the customer's requirements. Your test plan should define which measurements, locations and functional checks the program needs before and after each shock.

What should I send when requesting a MIL-DTL-901 quote?

Send the procurement specification, grade, equipment class, weight, dimensions, mounting details, shipboard location and required operating condition during test. Giving Element U.S. Space & Defense this information early helps the Rustburg team identify the right test type and plan fixtures, power and other operational support for your equipment.

Is MIL-DTL-901 testing at Rustburg accredited?

The Element U.S. Space & Defense Accreditations page does not currently list an ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for Rustburg, VA. Contact the team for the current accreditation status and scope for this test before you finalize a test plan that requires a specific accreditation.