Laboratory 6, also referred to as Building 176 or E1, was the last environmental test building to be constructed on Orford Ness, completed in 1966. It was needed due to the Polaris programme: the ET.317 warhead for the Polaris S.L.B.M. would be subjected to severe deceleration upon re-entry, and this would be accompanied by significant vibration. Ground testing for a combined G and vibration regime had not been considered up to that point by A.W.R.E. Ground testing for a combined G and vibration regime had not been considered up to that point by A.W.R.E.
Lab 6 was designed to fill this gap, and a combined vibration and centrifuge unit was designed by EMI of Feltham. IRGON research is ongoing on Lab 6.