Hyper-Velocity Projectile (HVP) Warhead Optimization for Lethality

Corvid Technologies proposes to develop a process to optimize an HVP warhead for the destruction of ballistic missile re-entry vehicles (BMRV) using high fidelity modeling and simulation techniques.The concept for the proposed design is to dispense a spatial array of dense metal long rod penetrators (LRP) of varying lengths and masses into the path of an incoming re-entry vehicle.A variety of LRP sizes will be used to create an effective spatial distribution and maximize the effect on RVs with different sizes, shapes, construction details, and payloads. The numerical approach to the design of the HVP warhead will involve two separate optimization efforts, one to determine the most lethal LRP configurations and a second to determine the dispersal pattern that results in the highest target lethality.The structure of the warhead section will then be designed to package the optimized fragments in a configuration that results in the optimized dispersal pattern on detonation.The prototype warhead section will be integrated with existing HVP nose and tail sections and used in proof of concept system-level lethality simulations.Approved for Public Release | 18-MDA-9710 (6 Jul 18)