New Energetic Solid Propellant Ingredients

MACH I Inc. propose to extend the technology developed under a previous Phase II STTR. This new technology will transition the demonstrated performance advantages to a commercial system, the Joint Multiple Effects Warhead System (JMEWS) warhead for integration into a Block IV Tomahawk warhead system. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is prepared to develop and commercialize the proposed technology in a Tomahawk weapon system. MACH I will be the prime small business contractor under the proposed STTR. Sandia National Lab will be the STTR partner. NAMMO Talley will evaluate thermobaric formulations. Boron has great potential as an energetic component in munitions and propellants with the highest energy density (59 kilojoules/gram) of al practical metal fuels. It is difficult to realize this potential due to ignition and combustion issues. The ignition temperature is 2000 K and a molten oxide surface layer forms inhibiting combustion rate and combustion completion. In the prior work, ignition temperature was reduced to 1000 K, combustion rate increased by 46%, while maintaining 97% of boron"s delivered energy. Compared to aluminum in a standard thermobaric formulation, Mg.1 B.9 gave a 21% increase in thermal output and an 18% increase in pressure impulse, with no increase in munition sensitivity.