Optical Fuel Leak Sensor for Missile Canisters

Fuel leaks inside missile canisters pose a significant risk to missile performance and nearby personnel. Electro-mechanical or electro-chemical sensors can potentially trigger ignition in the presence of high fuel concentrations. Therefore, there is a need for a new sensor technology that does not rely on electrical signals. We propose a feasibility study to determine the applicability of a sensor system that employs an entirely optical sensor head inside the missile canister, thereby eliminating the possibility of a sensor-induced explosion. The proposed sensor heads would be small lightweight, rugged and inexpensive. Several sensor heads could be interfaced to the light source and signal processor, thereby leading to a lower cost per measurement point. The results of the Phase I effort will be used to design a prototype commercial for Phase II development. The Phase II effort will involve field tests of the instrument at an Air Force site and the initiation of a commercialization program.