On-Demand Gas Generator with Real-Time, Open-Loop Control System for Gel Propulsion

The proposed Phase I objective is to develop a compact, light on-demand gas generator design featuring a passive control system to maintain the pressure driving gel propellant pistons within 3%. The proposing firm is Valcor Engineering Corporation, a qualified small business with operations in Springfield, New Jersey. Subcontracted to Valcor is Gencorp Aerojet, with headquarters in Sacramento, California. In the Phase I and Option Programs, Valcor will perform the system design (with analytical support from Aerojet) and the liquid regulator preliminary design. Aerojet will perform the catalyst bed design. The Valcor Liquid Regulator heritage stems from our V4000-157 design, with its ± 2% regulation band proven on the Aerojet (Primex) Warm Gas Pressurization System (US Army Missile Defense Program). Aerojet has extensive experience in the design and development of gas generator subsystems, monopropellant thrusters, and gel propulsion systems. Aerojet performed trade studies under US Army funding on gel propulsion systems for missions of Non-line-of-sight Launch System (NLOS LS) and Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS). The Phase I effort culminates with a Preliminary Design Review including a Program Plan for Phase II. The Phase I Option Program will focus on the detailed design of heavyweight components for Phase II.