Constant Mixture Expulsion Tank System (COMET)

ORBITEC proposes to continue to develop a Constant Mixture Expulsion Tank System (COMET) to meet the Army’s need for advanced gel bi-propellant tank systems that inherently expel a constant volumetric Oxidizer-to-Fuel ratio. The benefits of the COMET system result from innovative mechanical linkage mechanisms developed by ORBITEC for maintaining constant volumetric propellant flow. The COMET program will produce a reliable, compact, light-weight, simple, low-cost constant mixture ratio gel bipropellant supply system that can be readily integrated into Army tactical missile systems. Gel propellants offer special benefits in terms of performance, mission controllability and safety, thereby the opportunity for near-term improvements in weapon capabilities. ORBITEC’s Phase I work demonstrated the feasibility of innovative COMET concepts using gel propellant simulants. The Phase II work will focus on development and demonstrations of a practical propellant tank concept design, and hot firing demonstrations of prototype COMET systems using active gel propellants. The tank expulsion systems will be characterized by their volumetric efficiency, weight, and cost. A preliminary Phase III design project will be prepared. A Phase III program plan and cost estimate will also be developed.