Navy Develops New Smart Mags for DoD Lock Program

PORT HUENEME, Calif. -- The Department of Defense's (DOD) Lock Program is conducting tests this week to improve the physical security of explosives magazines in use throughout the Navy and other armed forces.

Engineers at the Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center (NAVFAC ESC) are performing a series of intrusion tests using high threat level tool sets against representative door test panels. The results are expected to improve overall magazine performance and prevent easy access by unauthorized individuals or foreign entities. The DOD Lock Program is managed by NAVFAC ESC.

"Physical security is a high priority for all military commands" said Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center Commanding Officer, Capt. Brant D. Pickrell. "That is especially true of explosives magazine safety and security. Smart magazines offer great promise and their technology is constantly evolving. Munitions must be securely stored at all times, and the tests we are conducting at Port Hueneme will enhance their security, assisting our warfighters around the globe."

Smart Magazine consists of a lightweight door system, multipoint locking system, and standardized headwall system. The door system utilizes airfield concrete technology developed at NAVFAC ESC, is over five times more cost effective than other proposed doors and offers significant improvement in delay time with respect to current magazine doors.

The tests will employ a systematic approach to improving the security of door panels currently in use. This phase, referred to as Initial Operational Test and Evaluation, will continue throughout fiscal year 12.