No-Preset Autonomous Proximity (NPAP) Fuzing-Med Cal Munitions

Some non-lethal systems require that they be initiated at an optimum standoff distance from the intended target so that can be properly deployed. The target will generally be personnel in an urban environment and will be engaged by infantry using hand held weapons. A typical asset used for launching these non-lethal weapons will be Mk19 Grenade Machine Gun in an essentially direct fire role. As a result the projectile trajectory will be relatively flat. A promising solution is to develop a proximity sensor capable of detecting the proper standoff without any presetting. Although we have selected a Microwave Sensor as the primary approach we will conduct tradeoff studies to verify that choice. In particular, an Active Laser Fuze will be considered. In addition, tradeofs will conducted on various implementations of these approaches. A set of selection criteria will be used to evaluate designs including reliability, size, accuracy and cost.