In service proof / complete round proof

[AMMOTECHXT]

The photo shows H83 ammo containers marked for In Service Proof (ISP) of L8A1 smoke discharger grenades. ISP was previously known as Complete Round Proof (CRP). The purpose is to test fire a sample of selected lots of ammo to confirm that it works within accepted limits, to maintain adequate stocks of serviceable ammo for operational use. The ISP number marked on these packages is 118 of 1985. CRP/ISP was (and maybe still is) signified by pink painted lines on the outer container. The ammo was selected at random from each lot (Batch Key Identity or BKI consists of the filler, month & year of filling and filled lot number underlined). On the back of the ammo boxes is the ammo tech's (AT) detail, in white paint eg `INSP (inspected by) GER (Germany) AAW (AT's unique identifying code) 5/85' (May 1985). In this case each box when full would contain 5 grenades. If they contain any fewer then the marking `FRAC' (short for `Fraction') is applied to the front, lid and right hand end of the box.

 

[Taber10]

Interesting post, AMMOTECHXT! Thanks.

Is that white stripe down the forward right edge also a marking for "Frac" as comparable to our Orange corner in the same location for the indication of LITE (Less Items than expected) Boxes? We have similar identifiers for boxes pre-identified for inspection purposes, normally to keep from opening more original "Unit Pacs" than necessary for functional and surveillance inspections.

 

[AMMOTECHXT]

The centre column of boxes all show the front. The box on the top of the left hand column is the back of a box. The pink (ISP) stripes are the vertical lines that go down the complete length of each box and are therefore marked on diagonally opposite corners ie when looking at the front of the box the pink ISP stripes are on the front left and rear right corners of each box. The white `blob' towards the upper right corner of the box on the top of the pile is a `cloth' type monogrammed seal, normally applied by the manufacturer in addition to the metal `sealfast' seal applied to the closure arrangement on the left end of the box . You can see on the box below where the cloth seal has been removed. The word `FRAC' or `FRACTION' was the only marking, apart from the amended quantity of the contents on the front of the box, to show that it was a part filled box. I hope this helps.

 

[AMMOTECHXT]

ISP of Chieftain 120 mm Tank APDS

Germany, 1984. An APDS `round' consisted of the APDS, propelling charge and Tube Vent Electric. The propelling charges were stored beforehand in a temperature controlled trailer, to ensure consistency until firing.

 

[AMMOTECHXT]

Other 120 mm Tank ammo

Other bits in the Tank vein. I'm uncertain whether the TVE L3A1 was for Chieftain or Challenger. The L23 APFSDS was for Chieftain, shown here in 1984.