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

This project develops a simple, reliable proximity fuze for 40mm grenades. The fuze will use ultra wideband (UWB) radar, providing reliable, accurate performance in spite of obscurants. The inherent characteristics of UWB (excellent resolution, interference rejection, multipath immunity) will make the fuze accurate. Recent and on-going development of UWB integrated circuits at Time Domain Corporation (TDC) will enable a simple, small, and affordable radar. Starting with recent work by TDC on a UWB radar fuze, TDC will analyze designs, concentrating especially on cost, size, and reliability. Only designs compatible with existing launchers and providing no-preset operation will be considered. Phase I yields the top level design, mathematical analysis of performance, system and board level requirements, and plans to proceed. Phase II provides a working prototype(s) and demonstrates performance. Within Phase II funding and depending on related development, the prototypes may not be small enough to fit within the grenade. Typical development of miniaturized RF equipment begins with larger prototypes for initial testing and proceeds to smaller unit for volume production. Successful completion of Phases I and II of this project results in the design of a simple, reliable 40mm proximity fuze based on UWB radar.