Unconventional Payloads for Munitions - Defeat of Dispersed Agent in Storage

On-going developmental programs have produced munitions systems which are capable of penetrating and functioning within hardened fixed ground targets, but are equipped with high explosive and fragmenting warheads and they produce unacceptable target venting, agent dispersal and collateral damage. The need exists for a warhead payload which can be tailored to defeat chemical and biological gents in-situ as well as being weaponized within current and near-term delivery platforms (and operational use requirements and scenarios). General Sciences, Incorporated, is proposing an innovative method which will enhance the destruction of chemical and biological agents. The proposed Phase I program will focus of the defeat of dispersed biological agent materiel within a target enclosure through the generation of a controlled gas generating high temperature fireball tailored for enhanced ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation enhancement shows promise as an effective defeat mechanism for biological microorganisms through the destruction or cleavage of DNA, RNA and protein bonds. The UV rich fireball is characterized by high temperatures (>4000 K), and contains specific seedants which act as UV-enhancers, to achieve agent destruction. The proposed program involves an experimental effort to provide proof-of-concept.