Broadband Obscurants for Visible and IR Countermeasures

Obscurants and smokes are a combat multiplier that can assist in the defeat of trackers, sensors, optical enhancement devices, seekers, and the human eye. Obscuration is desirable at wavelengths that range from the short wavelength visible (0.4 micron) to the far-infrared (25 micron). Historically, this has been accomplished using separate munitions for the visible and IR regions of the spectrum. During the Phase I research period we will demonstrate a broadband obscurant device that will block the visible and IR regions of the spectrum with a volume extinction coefficient that is greater than the value of currently fielded munitions. To accomplish this goal, new materials with nanoscale dimensions will be integrated into a composite formulation that will be processed and packed into a fixed volume device. Methods designed to maximize the fill fraction and dispersive capabilities of the packed composition will be developed. The most promising candidates will be delivered to the Army for chamber test validation.