Shape Changing Maneuverable Munition Using Novel Alloys/Materials for Flight Performance Enhancements

AVID LLC will develop a retrofit kit for standard 81 mm mortar munitions using Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) to increase range more than 100% and add precision GPS targeting. SMA materials provide large actuation forces and require minimal packaging volume, thereby allowing more volume for internal components and payload. The shape-changing mortar solution will be a low-cost, add-on package retrofitting to an existing interface. We will leverage our controls expertise to ensure open-loop stability in every phase of flight and precision-guidance to a GPS location. Wind tunnel testing of the projectile will be performed, yielding high-fidelity simulations of its performance. Novel techniques for controlling the SMA actuators that are simple and robust will be developed and demonstrated. Finite element analysis (FEA) and high-G drop testing will ensure the newly designed components can survive the high-G launch loads. Temperature tests from -45F to +145F will prove the components are suitable for Army operations. AVID, in partnership with Virginia Techs Center for Intelligent Material Systems and Structures (CIMSS), will deliver two smart mortar prototypes ready for flight-testing at the end of the Phase II effort. The innovative technology developed will be scalable to gun-launched projectiles of various sizes, providing broad commercial possibilities.