Dual-Mode Energetic Materials

As the threat landscape evolves, it is critical that the DoD develop expanded capabilities for anti-ballistic missile defense.To reliably defeat re-entry vehicles and other space-based targets, the engagement envelope for air munitions needs to be expanded by blending the tradespace between the warhead and the motor, allowing for air munitions to selectively utilize the high-performance propellant for enhanced kinetic effect, or detonate the unburnt propellant and utilize the case fragments for enhanced fragmentation.In this Phase I SBIR, we propose the development and characterization of a novel dual mode energetic material that is capable of functioning as both a high slope, high exponent propellant and a high output explosive, with mechanical strength optimized for a wide range of operating environments.One of the unique challenges in incorporating a dual mode energetic material into the DoD inventory is defining the unique material and performance properties for not just one dual mode material, but for an entirely new class of materials for ultimate qualification and procurement.RMSL will utilize its extensive experience in the synthesis, characterization and testing of explosives and pyrotechnics to help define the critical performance requirements for dual mode energetic materials.