Small Aircraft Self Protection

There are currently no active protection systems on any UAV. These unmanned aerial vehicles are relatively slow with minimal maneuverability compared to an incoming ground-launched threat. The approach that has been evaluated for vehicle self-protection is the concept of a destructive expendable (DEX). The proposed program will study the use of a rocket motor with explosive or fragmenting warhead to protect a UAV from threats. Talley Defense Systems will evaluate, through detailed analysis and test, the inexpensive DEX concept that was outlined in Phase I. The first objective is to take the concept definition and requirements and solidify a design. The second objective of this Phase II effort is to evaluate the function and performance of each sub-system component of the concept design with respect to intention and basic requirements. The major effort of this Phase II SBIR is the demonstration of the DEX countermeasure. The test series will start at the component level and conclude with a series to verify the DEX flight profile and intercept of a live threat at a 50-meter standoff.