The cost implications of applying MIL-STD-810D to environmental test programs is examined. Environmental test criteria are found likely to be similar to those in MIL-STD-810C in many cases, with the main difference being the derivation and application of the values. Method by method comparison shows little systematic impact to existing facilities for the majority of the methods. Misapplication of the document can greatly increase the facility impact. Test durations are also compared and shown to have minor impact on test schedules in most cases. The up-front cost for environmental engineering to prepare the new Data Item Descriptions is more than offset by the savings in redesign and retest costs.
