ENVIRONMENTALLY DEGRADABLE CHAFF PACKET

Chaff dispensed from under the aircraft wing in plastic packets is effective against radar threats and provides added space for protection against IR threats. However, falling packets can strike the wing causing damage, and the release of non-degradable packets that might be toxic to fish and wildlife causes environmental problems. Foster-Miller proposes to develop technology for 100 percent biodegradable chaff packets that are compatible with the D-46/ALE-39 dispenser and will not cause impact damage to the aircraft. We will select a biodegradable polymer and control its impact strength. Chaff packets will be fabricated that withstand normal handling and g-forces, but disintegrate upon impact with a wing. The packets will sink in seawater, be edible to fish and wildlife and biodegrade into harmless products within weeks of environmental exposure. In Phase I, we will deliver 16 biodegradable chaff packets and a final report that includes a scale-up plan. In Phase II, we will refine the process and scale up to produce 20 sets of packets. Commercialization will begin in Phase I, since our team includes a chaff packet manufacturer. The principal investigator and this Foster-Miller facility have Secret clearance status and extensive experience in polymer processing.