Ablative Material to Efficiently Repair and Restore the Operational Capabilities of MK 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) Ablative Materials

The U.S. Navy faces a critical need for an ablative material that can be used to efficiently repair and restore the operational capabilities of the legacy ablative materials used in MK 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS). The objective of the proposed effort is to develop and validate a quickly applied high temperature ablative material, along with the associated installation procedures, that will restore the ablative materials within the launcher to operational capability. One of the goals of the ablation restoration is to ensure launcher resilience in a restrained fire event. An ablative repair material would offer a life cycle extending solution, enabling swift repairs to damaged ablative components, extending the lifespan of the individual VLS cells, and rapidly restore and enhance the launcher’s readiness for missions. With this new capability, the Navy can ensure the sustained operational effectiveness of the Fleet, bolstering national defense capabilities and safeguarding maritime security. Texas Research Institute Austin Inc. (TRI Austin) proposes the development of an ablative material that can be sprayed or troweled onto the eroded ablative materials in a VLS cell to maintain the performance and extend the longevity of the ablative system in the launcher cell. Employing TRI Austin’s unique and innovative cutting-edge High Velocity Oxygen Fuel (HVOF) Ablation Testing Facility, TRI Austin will meticulously screen and assess these modified materials, ensuring only the most effective variants advance to rigorous full rocket motor ablation testing. TRI Austin will develop the procedures necessary to restore the performance and longevity of the original ablative materials in the launcher cell with the application of the repair materials. The adaptation of rapidly applied ablation material will result in achieving a goal of ablative material field repair that can be accomplished during rearming the MK 41 VLS. The proposed approach will revolutionize maintenance practices for these vital protective components of the VLS and will enable a greater number of missiles to be reliably fired from each cell of the MK 41 VLS.