Fast Response ACS (FRACS) for Interceptor Booster Stage Separation Control

During missile staging, large unexpected torque loads have historically been problematic in causing periodic flight anomalies and in some cases catastrophic flight failures. As compared to typical requirements for booster Attitude Control Systems (ACS), the staging loads are short in duration,<1 sec, and up to 10x in magnitude. This large difference in ACS requirements has developed a need for a dedicated lightweight, low cost, and highly reliable booster staging ACS. To address this need VTS is proposing a new Fast Response ACS (FRACS) that uses Electric Solid Propellant (ESP) propulsion system. The ESP propulsion system is ignited, extinguished and throttled with electricity without the need for pyrogen or explosive squibs. ESP"s are also inherently insensitive, non-toxic and environmentally green throughout the manufacturing and operation.