Novel Variable Explosive Yield Concept

This research addresses the specific challenges of developing munitions with scalable, multifunctional target kill mechanisms; and a controllable lethality radius. When matured, the technology is expected to provide flexibility and precision effects for: medium and large caliber gun systems; and missiles. The work plan represents a logical and comprehensive extension of the Phase I feasibility study to develop a variable explosive yield warhead concept. The research contains multiple tasks with aggressive goals made possible by leveraging ongoing work in technically aligned programs. The work plan scope involves three main tasks. The first task involves testing a series of systematic improvements designed to increase the performance and functionality of the successful, proof-of-concept device. A key feature is a so-called common-body test article capable of functioning in either the LCD mode or UCD mode by selecting the initiation scheme in real-time. The second task involves significant changes to the architecture, specifically: testing a pre-scored steel case; using of a castable explosive for the annular initiation ring; and developing an alternative fuzing concept and initiation scheme. The third part is to scale-up the prototype warhead to approximately 1 kg net explosive weight and conduct both vented chamber and free-field, arena tests.