Gelled Propellant Mixing (GPM) -- Phase II

"Fully utilizing advances in rocket technology in the modern battlefield safely requires the use gelled rocket bipropellants (oxidizers and fuels). Redstone Arsenal has demonstrated the advantages of gelled propellants through extensive testing. Gelledbipropellants combine the advantages of liquid and solid propellants to provide variable rocket thrust reduced plume signature, high performance, munition insensitivity, safe long term storage and safe handling.A Phase I program has demonstrated the feasibility of a mixing system that can draw on commercial components and developed components. Dry components bulk handling and metering systems are commercially available. The liquid handling and metering systems,the mixers and the storage systems will be designed to fit the requirements of gelled bi-propellants. A Phase II program is defined that will provide the Army with two mixing systems; one for fuel mixing and one for oxidizer mixing.A unique mixer based on research done at Redstone Arsenal has been defined that will meet the requirements of mixing and controlled degassing of an IRFNA and fumed silica gelled oxidizer. The mixer also has application for mixing monomethyl-hydrazine andcarbon black gelled fuel. (P01572)"