Micro Attitude Thruster System (MATS)

Long range gun launched munitions developed for Naval Surface Fire Support can reach altitudes that are essentially outside the Earth's atmosphere (exoatmospheric). Once outside of the Earth's atmosphere, these projectiles are no longer subjected to atmospheric forces that can aid in the stabilization of the projectile. Current technologies employed to maintain low angles of attack on re-entry include complex and expensive valved gas actuators and large, heavy reaction wheel (flywheel) based systems. Archangel Systems proposes a smaller, lighter, less expensive alternative for controlling the re-entry angle of exoatmospheric projectiles employing electro-explosive devices (EEDs) detonated with Semiconductor-bridge (SCB) Ordnance initiators. The combination of EEDs detonated with SCBs (in accordance with attitude control laws) will constitute Archangel's Micro Attitude Thruster System (MATS) technology for attitude control of exoatmospheric projectiles. Through geometrical and dimensional optimization of the EED nozzle structure and propellant chamber, as well careful location of the igniter relative to the propellant, very short impulsive thrusts may be generated. The challenge for Archangel Systems is to determine an optimal nozzle design, an optimal propellant chamber size (including igniter location relative to the propellant) and an optimal firing pattern (control laws) for firing the EEDs for attitude control