Affordable Divert and Attitude Control System BackPack (ADACS BP)

Exo-Atmospheric Technologies, LLC (EXO) is proposing to utilize a modified version of their existing, Low-Drag (LD) jet vane thrust vector control (JV-TVC) system technology for use in an innovative, scalable low-cost Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS) for missile defense applications specifically targeting affordability while delivering high performance capabilities utilizing Thrust-sine alpha steering control. The proposed Direct to Phase II program, known as the Affordable Divert and Attitude Control System BackPack(ADACS BP), will modify EXO’s patent-pending, variable lift and drag TVC system, previously developed and tested (TRL = 5) under an MDA program, for use on a hypothetical, future flight-grade interceptor application.  The ADACS BackPack will provide a “bolt-on” capability that turns a fixed-nozzle rocket into a highly maneuverable, high-performance guided system that can be used for missile defense interceptor applications. The existing JV-TVC system will be repackaged to fit onto the back end of a hypothetical interceptor providing 6-Degree of Freedom (6-DoF) control of the missile while retaining the innovative, variable lift and drag TVC trim system.  In this new iteration, the TVC system will control the insertion of all 4 jet vanes during burn allowing for operation with either: 1.) full command authority (high lift / high drag, lower delivered ISP), 2.) high efficiency (low lift / low drag, maximum delivered ISP), or 3.) blended operation (somewhere between high and low efficiency – user demand specific).  T In this DP2 program, systems engineering will first be used to aerothermally size and design the jet vanes .  The jet vanes themselves will be additively manufactured (AM) A non-eroding throat insert and thermal standoffs will also be incorporated into the design.  The actuators will incorporate low-cost features and will be integrated by EXO with TVC system.  The mounting structures for the actuators, the jet vane drivetrain, and the interface at the back of the SRM will be additively manufactured using Ti-6Al-4V.  After fabrication, EXO will focus on testing the ADACS BP in relevant environments.  Tasking focuses on the following: 1.) Detailed design, 2.) Modifications to existing test hardware assets, 3. ) Fabrication of test hardware, 4.) Additive Manufacturing of special components, 5.) Bench-top testing, assembly, and integrated test, 6.) Hot-Fire testing in relevant environments, 7.) Full cost accounting for mass production to verify affordability (<$100k per DACS).