Synergistic Structures for Interceptor Kill Vehicle Solid Rocket Propulsion

Even though kinetic kill vehicles have decreased in size, there is potential to reduce the size further by the integration the subsystem structures and enclosures into the overall KV structure. The integration of propellant vessel cases into the structural backbone of the KV is one method to eliminate redundant structure. For the Phase I proposal, San Diego Composites, Inc has teamed with another small business to provide a synergetic propulsion section for next generation miniature kill vehicles. The objective of the Phase I program is to integrate miniaturized solid rocket motor propulsion technology and the KV structure by direct application of tailored lightweight composite materials onto the propulsion section, thus forming the KV structure. Additionally, an increase in packaging density will be investigated by tailoring the cross sectional shape of the propulsion motors to increase the cross sectional area and therefore, reduce the propulsion subsystem length.