Visit Knowledge Centre for Weapon Systems & Ammunition
On 7 June, sixteen members of KIVI DV visited the Knowledge Centre for Weapon Systems & Ammunition in 't Harde. The hosts hfd KC W&M lkol Erik Jansen and Jan vd Berg had not let grass grow over the programme. This took place at a furious pace from the reception at 8.30 am with coffee and cake to the time at the stroke of 16.00 pm when everyone took the time to have a chat with a cold drink.

The programme was introduced with a presentation on the defence component we were visiting. An important part of the Defence Munitions Company (DMunB) whose aim is to research and test weapon systems, munitions and ballistic protection. This involves both theoretical and applied research. 'Tough stuff these sheets' said Jansen. The audience mainly considered it a very useful basis and the first opportunity to fire off quite a few questions.

The introduction was followed by a visit to one of the many rooms where the barrel of a 35MM Infantry Combat Vehicle (IGV), the CV90, was currently being inspected. An explanation of the trajectory the ammunition goes through, V0, the deviations due to a damaged barrel, the speed at which information is transferred to ammunition to do the right things at the right location and much more. When the CV90 itself drove in, many questions were asked about that too and we were able to experience for ourselves what it is like to sit in the back and what information is available to passengers via a display.

Some depth
Then it was time for two engineer-worthy lectures on determining ballistic data by Frits Broekhuis and the type classification of ammunition by Koen Bakker. Here, too, chairman of the day Jan vd Berg had to keep a tight rein to get to the next part of the programme 'on time': Lunch.

After a tasty and pleasant meal, the afternoon programme started with a visit to the 'test building'. Here, the group was divided into two after which a visit was made to the shooting and ammunition engineering offices. From waterproofing tests and blast doors to draw benches, fume cupboards, DMG machining machine, 3D printer, climate room, indoor shooting ranges of 300 and 50 metres, full cycle for cartridge testing, drop tower, very thick doors, Mitutoyo measuring benches... A staggering amount of equipment used for research and testing.

In addition, pictures on the wall everywhere with weapons and ammunition opened, tests and atmospheric images. History and present as the silent witnesses of a department where people carry out their work with a lot of love and passion. "Too bad we couldn't show shooting tests on the outdoor range at that time," Jansen points out. "Those were ready earlier this week. In doing so, we like to show our department 'as is'. It makes little sense to build expensive set-ups for demonstration purposes only."

Résume
A top day. For both parties. With the emphatic request to spread 'outside' what opportunities the Knowledge Centre offers young technicians. An inspiring working environment, opportunities for both theoretical and practical development, work with social value and, not unimportantly, great colleagues.

Description

On 7 June, up to 20 members of the Defence & Security Department will have the opportunity to visit the Knowledge Centre Weapon Systems & Ammunition (KCW&M) in 't Harde.

This Knowledge Centre is part of the Defence Munitions Company (DMunB) and aims to research and test weapon systems, ammunition and ballistic protection. This involves both theoretical and applied research. For the practical experiments, the Knowledge Centre (or KCW&M) has several locations at its disposal, such as the ASK site Oldebroek (location 't Harde), the ISK site Harskamp, locations at Breezanddijk and Petten and abroad. In many cases, the experiments are carried out in-house but the Knowledge Centre (see above) is also responsible for any outsourcing to external bodies such as TNO. It also cooperates with NATO partners and other government departments.

The KCW&M is divided into four sections:
- Advice - Project leaders and the two offices: Weapon Systems and Ammunition (1) and Weapon Systems and Ballistics (2)
- Testing - Two bureaus: Shooting Technology (1) and Ammunition Technology (2)
- Business Office - Two bureaus: Logistics Support (1) and Project Administration and Evaluation
- Knowledge Management (Knowledge & Innovation Management) - Supports the entire Defence Munitions Company with knowledge management and coordination of innovation processes.

Practical:
- Weather permitting, we will be outside a lot. Sturdy shoes are therefore mandatory.
- From the Expertise Centre, staff are not only willing to tell you about their work and show you a lot, but also interested in any ideas from Kivi members about possible improvements at this location. The well-known 'fresh view'.

Programme
8.30: reception
9.00: start programme
DEFINITIVE INVOLVEMENT FOLLOWS
16.00: end of programme / after-dinner
16.30: end

Location

Army grounds near Oldebroek

Eperweg 149, 8087 HE 't Harde

Organiser

Defence and Security

Name and contact details for information

ing. Marjolein de Wit - Blok

mw@kividv.nl

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