Miniaturized, Low Weight, Low Cost Interceptor Components for the Miniature Kill Vehicle (MKV)

Advanced defensive interceptor systems require a source of power to operate target acquisition, seeker, and divert propulsion systems. As kill vehicle sizes continue to contract, novel power systems are required to minimize weight and of equal importance, to minimize volume. A conformal Ultracapacitor Power Storage Device has been demonstrated in Phase I that provides an energy density approaching 30KW/Kg. In addition to this high energy, the PSD is conformal whereby it can be shaped or packaged into available volume within the missile avionics bay thus eliminating the volume required for the conventional reserve battery cylindrical shape. The proposed effort will expand on this success and demonstrate a conformal PSD that can satisfy the power requirements of the MKV or THAAD interceptors, namely 24 -35V, 1.4 A-hr, 28 amps peak current capability. Carbon nanomaterials will be used to fabricate high carbon fraction electrodes and organic electrolytes will be used to obtain an increase voltage of 3 times previously demonstrated. Ultracapacitor elements will be connected in series and parallel to obtain the power requirements. Characterization testing and shaping will be conducted to maximize power for volume required.