Lightweight Nosecone Manufacturing Technology for Next Generation Interceptors

In 2009, the White House provided Ballistic Missile Defense Review (BMDR) policy priorities to the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). From the policy, MDA enacted a Phased Adaptive Approach (PAA) for BMD interceptors over the next 10 years. Phase 4 of the PAA will include the deployment in 2020 of a land based Aegis missile to provide early intercept capability. MDA has identified several technology needs for meeting the next generation requirements. One of the technology needs is a higher performing Nosecone. To address that need, San Diego Composites, Inc. (SDC) is proposing a program to use industry-available composite materials to develop a reduced weight and lower cost clamshell composite Nosecone. The goal is to achieve a Technology and Manufacturing Readiness Level (TRL/MRL) 6 by the end of a Phase II program. Technology insertion will be achieved at the end of the Phase I program in which SDC will provide the data package to each and all Prime Contractors for evaluation during the Concept Definition and Program Planning phase of the SM3 Blk 2B program. The low cost Nosecone technology will also be made available to the Arrow-3 program for consideration.