1.1 Purpose

The immersion test is performed to determine if materiel can withstand immersion or partial immersion in water (e.g., fording), and operate as required during or following immersion.

1.2 Application

Use this Method for materiel that may be exposed to partial or complete immersion, with or without operation. This test may, in some cases, be used to verify watertightness in lieu of a rain test, provided the materiel configuration would be the same for both situations, and the method of water ingress is well understood. There are documented situations in which the impact of rain causes pumping of water across seals during the rain test that does not occur when seals are held tight against a backing plate by the static pressure of the immersion test. In most cases, both tests should be performed.

1.3 Limitations

Immersion tests are not intended to be used for buoyant items unless the life cycle profile identifies specific applications such as restraints (including palletized loads) that could hold the materiel under water.