Experimental and Theoretical Development of Hypervelocity Accelerating Bullets and Penetrator Technology

HyperKinetics proposes to explore the use of hypersonic accelerating projectile technology for improved kinetic energy weapons. HyperKinetics has demonstrated simple completely solid bullets that accelerate during flight due to combustion with ambient air of a solid fuel (magnesium metal) on the outside of the bullet. Test bullet accelerated from Mach 2.7 to Mach 3.25 in distance of 100 yards (190 g acceleration). It is believed this technique can be used at velocities well into the hypersonic regime and over a wide range in projectile scale sizes. It appears that this technology can be a very cost effective method of achieving the hypervelocity needed for kinetic energy weapons or munitions designed to penetrate hardened targets. We propose to conduct further experiments with bullet sized (.30 inch dia.) projectiles to improve the ignition and combustion of the fuel and to achieve higher velocities. We also have developed a novel bullet configuration that allows bullets with a longer aspect ratio to be spin stabilized. Penetrator bullets of this type will be made in an accelerating configuration. We will investigate available Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) programs and penetration modeling software for use in Phase II to determine the applicable envelope of this technology.