Nonlethal Warhead for Miniature Organic Precision Munitions

Our proposal describes a multi-functional, non-lethal (NL) warhead for miniature organic precision munitions, which combines: kinetic, blast, flash, dazzle and chemical effects in a single warhead designed to provide incapacitating effects out to 4.25m. The first innovation involves high-density, micro-spheres to deliver less-than-lethal but incapacitating effects to personnel at an extended range. Small, NL warheads with large (~10mm), rubber balls have a low probability of hit and low velocity due to drag at extended range, thus a low probability of incapacitation. Small NL warhead with small (~ 1mm), high-density, micro-spheres, e.g. steel balls have a high areal density and velocity, thus a hit probability of hit and incapacitation. The second innovation is EMPI"s novel reactive multi-phase blast compositions, which allows for extended blast and flash effects. In order to maximize the effectiveness, the case will be composed of reactive metal particles in an epoxy, which converts to ultra-fine reacting particles for additional flash without producing any lethal fragments. Finally, our concept is based on a HOB fuze to focus the NL effects in a conical, downward pattern while sending the platform fragments outward and rearward. EMPI"s NL warhead will be compatible with ATK"s SOPM warhead. ATK personnel provide technical oversight.