Safe and Arm and Arm and Fire Devices

INTUITIVE proposes the development of a standalone, Laser Ordnance Safe-Arm Distributor (LOSAD) to be used as a combination safe-arm device and laser energy distributor with laser initiated ordnance to address the current need for such a device in existing and future MDA programs. The LOSAD will utilize INTUITIVE¡¦s basic ¡¥optical block¡¦ Ignition Safety Device (ISD) developed for THAAD¡¦s laser ordnance system. INTUITIVE will further develop the basic optical switch element to apply its use as a standalone safe-arm device and a ¡¥distributor¡¦ for selection and firing of multiple ordnance devices from the same laser firing unit. No such device currently exits in inventory. Furthermore, the need for duplicate laser firing units for initiating multiple devices would be eliminated. In addition, a higher-level of safety is inherent by use of the optical interrupt in the initiation train as required by MIL-STD-1901A. Verification of proper channel selection (via electromechanical switches directly coupled to the optical elements and optical BIT) are to be accomplished before arming and firing. The same level of electrical safety as now provided will result with an additional level of safety provided by the optical interrupts. The LOSAD will result in a significant improvement in overall safety for multiple device initiation with a desirable reduction in laser diodes and related firing hardware complexity and costs. Bottom line: improved safety, reduced complexity, and reduced costs.