Low cost alternatives to expensive complex manifold pipe shapes used in high temperature (3000F-4500F) missile control systems.

Current state-of-the-art technology for Strategic Missile Post Boost Control Systems is welded Tantalum (Ta), noibium (Nb), and molybdenum (Mo) alloys. These materials are heavy and limitied in temperature capability. In contrast, current technologies for higher performance kill vehicle divert and attitude control systems are based on costly, difficult to fabricate solid rhenium (Re). This Phase II SBIR program will develop low cost, lightweight, carbon-fiber reinforced hot gas manifolds and components to support IHPRPT goals for higher performance, lower cost post-boost control systems. Sealing, joining, and net shape fabrication techniques for complex refractory-metal lined composite structures will be demonstrated in the program.