Novel Variable Explosive Yield Concept

This proposal describes two technical objectives and a detailed work plan to demonstrate the capability to provide both variable blast and selectable fragmentation from a single ordnance package. The first technical objective is to develop and test a warhead that will provide moderate blast with very low collateral damage through no fragment dispersion. The second technical objective is develop and test, using the same configuration but different initiation methods, a warhead that will provide enhanced blast and maximum fragment dispersion leading to unrestricted collateral damage. This proposal leverages recent advances in developing a novel class of high-energy-density, modified explosives called Aluminum Perfluoropolyether Explosives (APEX) developed by EMPI, that are candidates for selectable effects munitions. The APEX material is to be used together with a conventional explosive (HE) to provide this unique functionality. The optimum HE/APEX mass ratio and warhead configuration will be determined during Phase I analysis and testing. During the Option period, a test article more closely resembling an ordnance package will be designed and demonstrated based on the performance optimization efforts in Phase I.