Ignition Composition with Low Moisture Susceptibility

Airborne Expendable Infrared Countermeasures (AEIRCMs) are deployed to alter the trajectory of infrared guided missiles that pose a threat to aircraft. Many AEIRCMs utilized by the Navy are ignited using a Safe-and-Arm (S&A) igniter assembly that ignites a Magnesium/ Teflon®/Viton® (MTV) pellet, which in turn transfers energy to the countermeasure’s main grain. MTV, however, degrades quickly in the presence of moisture. Furthermore, it reaction with moisture forms hydrogen gas (H2), which is highly flammable and potentially dangerous upon ignition. Most importantly, the degradation of the MTV igniter pellet can result in non-ignitions, putting personnel who rely on countermeasures in danger when their protection is needed most. What is needed is an igniter formulation that retains the combustion and burning properties of the current MTV ignition formulation, but is less susceptible to degradation by moisture. TDA has identified igniter formulations that are more moisture stable than MTV and can be formulated to retain the energetic performance of the current MTV formulation. TDA will develop a drop-in replacement for the current MTV ignition composition that is more stable in the presence of moisture.