Advanced Solid Rocket Motor Technology for Tactical Missiles

ABSTRACT: Knobley Technical Associates Phase I Advanced Solid Rocket Motor Technology for Tactical Missiles program is planned to identify and evaluate technology advancing weight and risk reducing processes, component designs and increased energy reduced signature propellant systems for the rate augmented highly loaded dual pulse tactical propulsion system. The proposed program is planned to build on the successes of KTA"s Phase I, Phase II and on-going Phase III Rocket Motor-Dual Pulse Motor programs to advance the Technical Readiness Level of this type propulsion system for next generation tactical missiles. Higher energy reduced signature propellant formulations will be identified and analytically evaluated as candidates for the highly loaded grain rocket motor. Matrix and rate augmented propellant burn rate strand testing will be conducted to demonstrate the targeted burn rates required for a highly loaded grain tactical rocket motor. Design studies will be conducted to define performance enhancing and process friendly"starter grain"geometries for the highly loaded grain multi-pulse rocket motor. Motor case geometries and manufacturing processes associated with using weight reducing nano-titanium and fiber reinforced aluminum type materials will be explored and evaluated. These case design studies will also evaluate SMA nozzle and forward closure releasing features for enhanced IM compliance. KTA"s Phase I program will also identify, and analytically evaluate envelope compliant blast tube-type nozzle systems featuring non- or low-erosion potential throat insert configurations. The program will also include design trade studies to define performance enhancing ignition and stress relief liner/case insulation systems as required for an end-burning highly loaded grain rocket motor. BENEFIT: The Phase I program is tailored to identify and advance technologies for transitioning and use of the performance enhancement provided with highly loaded grain multi-pulse motor technoligies in next generation solid propellant propulsion systems.