Reactive Lethality Enhanced Munitions for Emerging Threats

In order to destroy ballistic and cruise missile threats with chemical, biological, HE or nuclear warheads in hit-to-kill or shoot-to-kill scenarios by PAC-3 or THAAD like systems lethality enhancement is needed especially in emerging threat scenarios involving maneuvering targets. Highly energetic-reactive composites of several densities have been shown to increase damage by orders of magnitude (compared to steel). The proposed program will address small reactive smart maneuvering projectiles with maximum lethal capabilities. This program will define the smart reactive projectile in terms of size, shape, density, reactive structural components, guidance and propulsion. Well defined key experiments will be conducted in partial vacuum using subscale projectiles and targets in order to demonstrate the lethality advantages inherent in the reactive structure. System analysis will address assembly of other critical elements such as guidance/sensors and propulsion in the absence of experimental efforts.