How important is calibration in the defence industry?

Defence engineering represents one of the most precise design processes. Vehicles, aircraft and ships all need to operate in harsh conditions whilst being pushed to the limit of their capabilities. Because of this, testing equipment used to manufacture, perform maintenance and manage systems need to be reliable and precise, or otherwise bring massive potential risk.

Calibration is a vital component of defence engineering. Contractors and engineers rely on the accuracy of their testing equipment to produce cutting edge designs, and it is calibration that enables this. In this article, we dive into the specifics surrounding calibration in the defence industry, the importance of traceability and why defence contractors and engineers rely on UKAS accredited laboratories to perform their calibration services.

Why is calibration critical in the defence industry?

Engineers in the defence industry require the highest level of precision and accuracy from their testing equipment. Their constant innovations regularly surpass the perceived limits of design, pushing components to the absolute limit. Because of this, the slightest inaccuracy in measuring equipment can result in catastrophic failure, risking the safety of military personnel and impacting strict deadlines for contractors.

Due to the high demands of accuracy and precision, the UK’s Ministry of Defence created their own series of standards named DEF STAN. These ensure the quality, reliability and interoperability of military engineering, both nationally and internationally. In terms of calibration, DEF STAN 05-55 outlines the requirements for the compliant calibration of test and measurement equipment (TME).

What is the importance of traceability?

One of the key aspects of DEF STAN 05-55 is the requirement of complete traceability with each individual TME. Traceability describes an unbroken chain of calibrations that lead back to the highest-level calibration performed in a national calibration centre (or equivalent, referred to as national standards). This chain must be thoroughly documented to ensure each TME is suitable for precision engineering.

Calibration traceability is important for the defence industry as it ensures all TME equipment has been tested according to the requirements of DEF STAN. If a reference device cannot be traced, then the accuracy of the equipment cannot be reliably ascertained. If it can be traced to DEF STAN, then the equipment can be reliably used for precision engineering without risk of inaccuracy.

UKAS calibration in the defence industry

As the defence industry requires 100% accuracy for their equipment, their calibration service must exhibit 100% precision and reliability. Because of this, the defence industry relies upon UKAS accredited laboratory calibration for the accuracy of their TME. 

UKAS accredited laboratories are compliant with ISO 17025, which outlines the requirements for the competence and quality of calibration laboratories. These facilities undergo a thorough testing process where they demonstrate competence with each variable involved in calibration; ambient conditions, attention to detail, staff expertise, documentation and more. Most importantly, UKAS accredited laboratories demonstrate thorough documentation and traceability for each calibration to original DEF STAN standards. All in all, UKAS accredited laboratories provide the defence industry with objective proof that they can be trusted to perform their calibration services to the highest level of precision.

DM – the go-to choice for calibration and other services in the defence industry

At DM, we have a long history of working with the defence industry to provide a high standard of calibration and support services. Our solutions are designed to minimise risk at each stage, testing and proving all equipment, functions, and operations before installation commences. Our processes minimise disruption to the platform, and our installation planning builds in flexibility to accommodate changes to ships’ availability quickly and simply.

Our experience and expertise have made us a trusted partner for defence forces worldwide. DM Defence has a proven track record of delivering exceptional communication solutions for some of the most advanced naval vessels, including the Dreadnought Class and the Vanguard Class. This expertise transcends just the defence industry, proving our capability to provide high quality calibration services to a wide range of industries. 

To find out more about our UKAS accredited calibration services and how they can bring precision and reliability to your testing equipment, contact a member of our team today.