High Power X-ray Munition to Attack and Defeat Weapons of Mass Destruction

The overall objective of this Phase I effort is to determine the feasibility of defeating CBW production facilities via an X-ray source that would fit within the volume constraints of a munition platform. First, Battelle will conduct a system trade study focused on determining the key performance requirements of an X-ray source suitable for use against CBW and C4 complexes, identify the input requirements necessary (energy, power, time-on-target, distance-from-target, and beam area) to defeat CBW agents to a certain level of confidence (e.g.,>99.99%). If the Phase I tasks outlined above are successful, DTRA will have a system trade study examining the feasibility of an X-ray munition for CBW defeat, a high fidelity model of the components necessary to produce an X-ray munition, and a series of proof of principle experiments to validate key components of the model. The Phase I program will provide the basis for experimental design that will guide the Phase II program, and allow demonstration of an X-ray munition at a benchtop/subscale level against representative CBW samples in a relevant scenario.