Lightweight Ballistic Exhaust Grille with Directional Capabilities and Reduced Thermal Signature

The Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) has two aft mounted exhaust grilles that interface the heat exchangers to the external environment. The current grille design suffers from competing requirements which render its performance less than optimal. In this Phase I project, Infoscitex proposes to conduct research into innovative composite materials and fabrication methods that will enable a grille to meet weight, airflow, ballistic and thermal emissivity requirements, as well as allowing directional capabilities. Following materials selection and evaluation, a first generation design will be created. Subsequently, a cost-benefit analysis will be performed on the design that analyzes the projected performance and costs of ownership. A design will be pursued that allows the new grille to be integrated with the existing housing and mounting flanges.