*SB 742-1370-94-704
SECTION I. INTRODUCTION
1. Purpose and scope. This bulletin, when used in
(APE) has an operational manual that would be
conjunction with SB 742-1, provides a method for
consulted prior to and during use of that item. Each
determining the serviceability of subject items.
manual is titled with APE number and nomenclature of
a The visual inspection and function testing criteria in
APE item.
this procedure will be accomplished under a centralized
control program managed by the U.S. Army Armament,
Munitions and Chemical Command (AMCCOM),
4. Safety.
AMSMC-QAS, Rock Island, IL 61299-6000.
This
procedure is to be used in the serviceability assessment
a. The inspection and surveillance function testing must
of specified lots based on inspection and testing of
be conducted according to the provisions set forth in
individual items.
appropriate safety regulations and implementing
b. The provisions of this bulletin are mandatory for all
instructions. Special attention must be given to the
Department of the Army organizations within the
technical manuals describing the item. A standing
continental United States (CONUS) and outside the
operating procedure (SOP) for this operation is required
continental United States (OCONUS) with an
and will delineate specific safety requirements. Absence
ammunition receipt, storage, and distribution mission.
of a safety requirement in this or any other publication is
This bulletin is not intended for use by organizations with
not to be construed as meaning that precaution is
stocks in basic loads.
unnecessary.
c. SB 742-1 contains additional information pertaining
b. Function testing will be conducted during daylight
to frequency of test, sample selection, defect standards
hours only and only in an area that is clear of flammable
and records and reports.
material such as grass, weeds, etc. Testing will not be
conducted during electrical, rain, or snow storms or
2. Item description.
during any other conditions that might create a
hazardous condition or adversely affect test results.
a These signals are used to signal from air-to-air, air-
Testing must be conducted according to any other
to-surface, surface-to-surface, and surface-to-air.
applicable regulations; i.e., U.S.
Environmental
b. The signals have a one-piece aluminum case with
Protection Agency (EPA), local regulations, etc.
an extracting rim. The signals resemble large shotgun
c. Signals will not be fired when the wind velocity
shells and are approximately 3.85 inches long and 1.57
exceeds 15 mi/h.
inches in diameter.
d In event of a misfire, personnel must remain inside
c Signals are fired from the pyrotechnic pistol AN-M8
the protective shelter for 5 minutes.
or hard pyrotechnic projector M9. In both cases the firing
e. The recovery or destruction of duds will be ac-
pin strikes the primer, igniting the propelling charge. The
complished according to all applicable safety regula-tions
propelling charge expels the self-contained star charge
and an approved SOP, including protective equipment
and, at the same time, ignites the quickmatch that
such as heat-resistant gloves, full-face shield, flame-
extends through the center of the star charge. Within 2
resistant clothing, etc.
seconds after expulsion of the star charge, the
quickmatch ignites the first-fire com-position at either
end of the star charge which ignites the entire star
5. Personnel. Visual examination and function testing
charge. Burning time is 7 to 13 seconds depending upon
will be conducted under the direct control of a Quality
Assurance
Specialist
(Ammunition
Surveillance)
(QASAS).
3. References.
a The following publications will provide more in-
6. Sample size. Unless otherwise directed, a
formation on the surveillance of subject items. This list is
representative sample size of 40 is required for a
not to be considered all inclusive.
surveillance function test. To satisfy requirements of a
(1) AR 75-1, Malfunctions Involving Ammunition and
periodic inspection prescribed in conjunction with a
surveillance function test, additional sampling of item,
(2) SB 742-1, Ammunition Surveillance Procedures.
inner and outer packing may be required according to SB
(3) TM 43-0001-37, Army Data Sheets for Military
742-1.
2