Development of a Low-Cost Hot-Gas Turbo-Pump for Tactical Missile Application

The use of commercially available technology for military hardware either as it exists off-the-shelf or with slight modification presents a large opportunity for cost saving in both the non-recurring development cost and the recurring cost of production and maintenance of military hardware. This may allow for the development of new, extremely cost effective weapon systems on an expedited schedule. In the current solicitation the Navy has asked potential contractors to examine the possibility of using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware for the development of a missile turbo-pump system. The solicitation provides two design operating points for the pump system. Based on the two design points specified, Advanced Projects Research, Incorporated (APRI) has performed a preliminary design of the missile turbo-pump system. This preliminary design demonstrates technical feasibility. The design reference turbo-pump consists of a commercially available automotive turbocharger turbine, a commercially available centrifugal pump impeller and housing, and a commercially available high pressure hydraulic gear pump. These components were matched to perform well together at the two design points to provide the hydraulic power and fuel flow at the required pressure. In the design reference turbo-pump, a specially designed gear housing and gear train is contemplated.