Electromagnetic Vulnerability Assessment Facility (EMVAF),
US Army White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico

 
 

EMVAF, White Sands Missile Range, NM

Courtesy DMJM H&N
 
Testing underway at EMVAF Visitors at the EMVAF's opening ceremony

Both images courtesy ARL Public Affairs

A New Facility for High-Power Microwave Susceptibility Tests

Completed in October 2007, the EMVAF will be used to conduct experiments that address the electromagnetic vulnerability requirements of the US Army Weapon and Communication-Electronics Systems. (Click here and here for news stories and photos about EMVAF's opening.)

Radio frequency directed energy is considered a serious threat to Army equipment. The mission of the EMVAF is to evaluate Army weapons systems’ survivability against radio frequency directed energy.

The Howland Company designed the shielded anechoic chambers and control rooms as well as the 100-ton capacity turntable, and developed the procurement specifications for the shielding and anechoic construction. During the construction phase, we advised the general contractor and the Army on issues of construction sequencing; we were also tasked with oversight of the QA program for all shielding and anechoic construction and testing.

The EMVAF facility includes a 100 ft x 70 ft x 40 ft (30m x 21m x 12m) shielded anechoic chamber with a turntable capable of supporting 100-ton test vehicles, along with a smaller 20 ft x 30 ft x 20 ft (6m x 9m x 6m) shielded anechoic chamber.