Packaging Cases

Airborne packaging cases are specialized shipping containers used by the Department of Defence. The packaging cases are uniquely configured to support and protect its prescribed contents while being handled, stored, shipped to, and unpacked by the user; or to protect personnel and equipment from hazardous contents. Containers of this type frequently incorporate energy-absorbing systems, temperature control systems, or special features to make handling or shipment possible, easier, or safer. 

Airborne packaging cases are designed for use with a specific item when general container specifications are not sufficiently detailed to assure required protection, safety, reliability, maintainability, or configuration control and are also reusable. The need for a specialized container may arise with any deliverable item and invariably does so with nuclear and conventional ammunition and explosives.

This standard processes for the development of military packaging cases as distinct from commercial packaging. The processes, and materials, used for the preparation of packaging cases to protect the airborne stores during their carriage. In addition, the case material used is such that it gives protection against environmentally induced corrosion and deterioration, physical and mechanical damage, and other forms of degradation during storage, multiple handling, and shipment of material in the defence transportation system. During the qualification testing the equipment are tested in a packing box for its ruggedness with drop and toppling test. However, the focus is on evaluating the ruggedness of the equipment and even if the packaging box may get damaged to some extent during the test, adequate attention is not given since it has served the purpose of protecting the equipment. The containers are reusable. The details of reusability are explained in the subsequent paragraphs that follow.

1. Standards

The following documents are referred to for the preparation of this document.

• MIL-STD – 810 F

• ASTM D 4169 - 04

• JSS-55555

• JSS-0253-01

2. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

There are two types of Packaging Cases used by Raw Materials. They are-

I. Fiber Composite Packaging Cases

II. Polyethylene Packaging Cases 

I. Fiber Composite Packaging Cases: It is a High-quality Composite

material.

Characteristics:

i. LightWeight

ii. Low Thermal Expansion in fiber oriented directions

iii. High Strength

iv. High Fatigue resistance

v. High Intensity

vi. Easy Handling

vii. No maintenance

viii. Longer life and Repairable.

• The typical life of the packaging case: Min 100 Trips

• The maximum weight-carrying capacity of the packaging case depends on the raw material used. :2000 Kg

II. Polyethylene Packaging Cases: A thermoplastic material produced by the polymerization of ethylene.

Characteristics:

i. Resistant to most chemicals and solvents,

ii. Resistant to Fungus

iii. Dent and fracture-resistant Polyethylene.

iv. Typical life of the packaging case: Min 80 Trips

v. The maximum weight carrying capacity of the packaging case

depends on a raw material used.-80Kg

a. Lock: The locks are manufactured with use of premium quality raw materials and contemporary techniques in accordance with superior and anti-corrosive finish.

Features

• Optimum level of security.

• Strong construction.

• Superior finish.

• Resistant to corrosion. 

b. Handle: Recessed, spring-loaded, rubber-gripped handles are intelligently placed for ease of handling. The handles will not be bent upward by more than a defined angle, even under the heaviest loads. This ensures reliable protection against injury caused by the hands getting pinched in the handle.

c. Cushioning: The cushioning will help to damping the induced energy that is expected to experience during mishandling, dropping of the Packaging Cases leading to an impact force on the cases. The Pre-cut cushioning foam inserts made from,

a) XLPE-Cross Linked Polyethylene.

b) EP-Expanded Polyethylene.

c) PU- Polyethylene.

d) Combination of any depends on the equipment.

Suitable Foam selection will be depend degree of protection which will be provided by the finished packaging. The Foam thickness will be minimum

30 mm.

d. Hinges: Hinges are stainless steel, non-corrosive in all leaf thicknesses, open widths, and lengths depending on the packaging case size.

e. Strips: Polypropylene (PP) two durable strips. Sealed at the ends to prevent fraying.

f. Gasket: MS Polymer Gasket. Good resistance to water, aliphatic solvents, mineral oils, grease, diluted inorganic acids and alkalis.