Nanocomposites with Superior EMI Shielding and Structural Properties for Kill Vehicle Housings

Evolving threats in the world require that next generation missile defense systems meet the goals of better performance (improved accuracy and durability), lighter weight, and lower cost. In the late 1980s government agencies and numerous aerospace companies have realized that metals must be replaced by advanced composites to achieve the goals. Missile systems have used a great deal of beryllium because of its weight, stiffness, temperature stability, and electro-thermal properties. However, they have many problems that created a great need to replace this material. These include high cost, toxicity of manufacturing and machining, long lead time, and difficulty of machining. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has placed restrictions on beryllium. This triggers the impetus of developing nanocomposites or hybrid composites to replace missile components manufactured from beryllium for Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV), Multiple kill Vehicle (MKV), and Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI). In this SBIR Phase I project we propose to develop a combined conducting nano-micro composite system to meet the rigorous requirements (electronic and mechanical) of housings for missile applications. We will team up with Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and Harris Corp. for the development and testing of the proposed nanocomposite missile housings. Preliminary research results are very encouraging.