Advanced Wireless Two-Way Optical Communication Fuze Setter and Receiver Technology

Technology for projectiles is rapidly advancing, including their fuzing and guidance technologies. Though wireless fuze setting technology based on radio frequencies (RF) has been around for some time, including new developments by Orbital ATK , optical programming methods, such as Rheinmetalls 40mm airburst ammunition, are being shown to be more advantageous for numerous reasons. Creative Microsystems Corporation (CMC), proposes to develop an advanced wireless fuze setter technology for next generation ammunition. Based on previous work that CMC performed for a 2-way optical link in projectiles, internal IRAD funded efforts, and intellectual property, in addition to our team's expertise in fuzing and small to large caliber ammunition, we will develop a robust, adaptable 2-way comm system that can fit in anything from 20mm or greater and have the ability to program 16+ rounds/min. CMC also possess capabilities to develop long shelf-life set-back power sources for the rounds, as we developed for our projectile program. We can upscale these and improve upon them if need be. The results of Phase 1 will be a down selected design for an optical fuze setter that meets all the programs requirements, demonstrations of the technology, and whether it will be used in flight or near the breech. If the system is designed to be used in flight, it will enable future guided rounds to be realized.