Non-Energetic Payload Technologies

Conventional weapons rely on blast and fragmentation as the primary defeat mechanism, whereas non-energetic payloads rely on other means to defeat the target. Non-energetic weapons may defeat targets by the dispersion of aerosols (solid or liquid) or gases to interact with critical target elements. The objective is to cause some combination of denial, disruption, degradation, or destruction without the transfer of excessive energy to the target and thereby minimizing collateral effects. The target set includes hardened targets that vary in size, complexity, and may be above or below ground. Here we propose an innovative modification of reactive materials to improve performance and safety. We propose to develop sample compositions and characterize their key properties just enough to enable their comparison with the virgin composition. Thus, we can assess concept feasibility in Phase I. A detailed examination can then be conducted in Phase II.