Demonstration Overview
The STED Program is currently in planning to demonstrate biobased RBC for weapons and weapons systems at Department of Defense (DoD) Installations.
Firearm cleaners, lubricants, and protectants have been designated for Federal procurement preference by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) BioPreferred Program. The BioPreferred Program defines firearms cleaner, lubricants, and protectants as
โProducts that are designed to care for firearms by cleaning, lubricating, protecting, or any combination thereof. Examples include products that are designed for use in firearms to reduce the friction and wear between the moving parts of a firearm, to keep the weapon clean, and/or to prevent the formation of deposits that could cause the weapon to jam.โ
The BioPreferred Program established a minimum biobased content of 32 percent for firearm cleaners, lubricants, and protectants.
Before these biobased products are utilized by the Military Departments and DoD Components, their performance must be proven to meet DoD requirements. The biobased RBC products participating in this demonstration meet the requirements of MIL-PRF-372F, Cleaning Compound, Solvent (For Bore of Weapons). MIL-PRF-372F specifies two Types of RBC Products: Type A, Traditional, (i.e., non-biobased) and Type B, Biobased. Demonstrated products must be on the applicable Qualified Products List for MIL-PRF-372F under Type B.
Demonstration Products*
The following biobased products are currently being demonstrated:
- Spartamax 372F BioRBC by Spartamax Defense, Inc
*Mention of or referral to commercial products, services, and manufacturers herein is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement by, nor the official policy or position of, the Department of Defense (DoD), any of its Components, or the U.S. Government.
Demonstration Sites
Demonstration sites and site-specific requirements are currently being identified.
Demonstration Details
Compared to Type A RBC products, Type B products offer a higher flashpoint and reduced odor. It is anticipated that the demonstration will yield similar findings to the biobased weapons cleaner, lubricant, and preservative (CLP) demo in terms of efficient residue removal and reduced waste generation.