Tests of Hesco gabions June 2011

English summary In June 2011 a number of tests of the protective properties of Hesco gabions relative to various weapon threats were accomplished. The experiments are part of a series of tests involving physical force protection. This report is primarily a documentation of the test results. 3.5 kg and 7.5 kg TNT charges corresponding to 120 mm and 155 mm grenades and also real 155 mm artillery ammunition were fired against Hesco MIL 3 units with different fill materials. The TNT charges destroyed the front side of the MIL 3 cells and threw out a large part of the fill materials, but the back side remained intact. Crushed rock and especially local soil were thrown considerably farther than sand and gravel. These types of fill material are therefore more dangerous to people. Tents behind the MIL 3 units were damaged by the 7.5 kg charges detonated against gabions directly in front of the tents. Detonation of 155 mm shells destroyed several MIL 3 cells and spread the fill material widely. The effect was much stronger than from the 7.5 kg TNT charges. Thus MIL 3 units are incapable as protection against 155 mm grenades. 400 kg TNT charges were detonated 20 m and 60 m in front of Hesco MIL 10 walls. The charges simulated car bombs (VBIEDs). The pressure behind the walls was measured to find the mitigating effect of the wall. Analysis of the pressure data will be presented in an upcoming report. With the charge 20 m from the wall the effect of the pressure wave to the tents behind the wall was devastating. An unprotected tent 70-80 m from the detonation got some damage. The test series also included firings of 340 g shaped charges against gabions with different fill materials. The charges correspond to shaped charges used in RPG-7 weapons. The penetration depth was between 70 cm and 90 cm with a general trend of less penetration with larger stones in the fill material.