Light Weight Controllable Thrust Actuation for Innovative Propulsion System for Missile Defense Interceptors

Lightweight Divert and Attitude Control Systems (DACS) can improve the mass fraction and specific impulse capabilities of propulsion systems for future MDA platforms. Proposed is the development of a novel DACS valve and actuator to provide improved capabilities for a wide range of future systems. DSM has teamed with a leading missile defense engine provider to produce a much lighter DACS system with high mass fraction. Compared to standard DACS, the new system will require less than 25% f the typical actuation force to control the same amount of thrust. Typically, reductions to control system mass, power and size follow the same reduction in force. Therefore, DSM anticipates requiring significantly less of the traditional controller mass, size and power in this new DACS system. The lightweight system benefits overall system response through faster reaction times and greater delta velocity. The savings in mass and power can be used to benefit overall system mass leading to either longer mission duration or lower amounts of propellant. DSM will demonstrate the capability of this novel technology with a cold flow test at the missile defense engine contractor’s facility.