Direct Plasma Production from Electric Solid Propellant for High Velocity Launch Systems

As an alternative to near-obsolete double-base or triple-base propellants, Digital Solid State Propulsion (DSSP) is developing Electric Solid Propellants (ESP) as a safe, green, higher performance highly manufacturable alternative for high velocity electro-thermal-chemical (ETC) gun rounds. These electric energetic materials are inherently safe, with ignition only possible via the sustained supply of electrical power and not by spark, flame or even bullet impact. We mature our materials technology by the incorporation of novel forms of nanomaterials in ESP formulations in both the propellant and igniters for enhanced medium- and large-caliber gun performance, benefiting defense platforms across the DoD. The demonstration-phase activity is scheduled whereby medium caliber rounds will be instrumented and test fired to show increased range, improved accuracy, in a highly energy-dense transportable form factor. Scalability will follow in subsequent design work, for large caliber battlefield artillery using these advanced ETC concepts.