High Speed Survivable Small Penetration Fuze

This program seeks to develop advanced, high-voltage components for the next generation of military fuzes.    Specifically, we propose to develop and test three different high-voltage switch modules that can be implemented into future in-line, high-voltage fuzing and firing set systems.  During the Phase I effort, DSR will research three different high-voltage switches for fuzing applications.  MOS Controlled Thyristor (MCT), Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT), and Gas Discharge Tube (GDT) technologies will be used to develop reliable, inexpensive, high-voltage switches.  A limited amount of penetration shock testing is planned at the end of Phase I followed by further development and testing in Phase II.  Ultimately, this program will deliver high-voltage fuzing module(s) capable of surviving and functioning in severe, high-shock environments.  Inherent within the final module design(s) will be the capability for the end-user to perform necessary live, non-destructive acceptance and recertification testing of fuzes.  This capability will enhance significantly the ability for the war fighter to validate the functionality of a fuzing system and also improve reliability of overall warheads. BENEFITS: Currently, the high-voltage parts used in high-shock fuzing applications are, in general, the most problematic components of the system.  As military and fuze manufacturers push the development of smaller fuzes, high-voltage fuzing systems will begin replacing the traditional out-of-line, low-voltage systems.  Improvements to the high-voltage portion of in-line fuzing systems are needed.  The successful implementation of the products developed in this program will lead to much more reliable fuzing systems and ultimately improve the efficiency of our weapons on the battlefield. From a commercialization standpoint, the technologies developed under this program could be transitioned to the aircraft, space, and energy explorations industries.  Miniature commercial aircraft Black Box flight data recorders, temperature-insensitive space electronic instruments, and improved oil exploration high-voltage, linear-shape-charge systems are examples of possible uses for the technologies developed in this program.