Intrinsically Safe Hypergolic Optical Leak Detection System

Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) proposes to develop an intrinsically safe hypergolic leak detection system using its well established, optical based sensing techniques. Highly stable, sensitive, reversible colorimetric indicators will be used to detect monomethylhydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide. Considerable work was conducted to develop new sensors for hydrazines and nitrogen dioxide, specifically to address shortcomings such as slow response and/or recovery time, long-term chemical instability, sensor irreversibility, and unacceptably high power requirements. However, despite tremendous promise, none of the approaches studied to date have met all the objectives for a remote and widely deployable, low-cost sensor. The proposed detection platform incorporates reliable shock, vibration, humidity, and temperature sensors to build additional capabilities specifically required for the safe storage, transportation, and deployment of liquid hypergolic propellants, and operational capability of the DACS and the missile system overall. The proposed optical leak detection system will offer a miniature, lightweight, low cost, low power, reliable sensing solution for ballistic missile defense interceptors. IOS, in collaboration with Northrop Grumman will achieve the optimum design and performance criteria to accomplish safety standard requirements. Phase I will demonstrate the chemistry selected for the fiber sensors, as well as determine safety issues and requirements for system design.