Small, Low Cost, High Performance Engines for Miniature Munitions

"One of the weapons systems currently in development for the F-22 Air Superiority Fighter and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), is the Powered Low Cost Autonomous Attack System(P-LOCAAS). This small, smart munition, will be carried internally in weaponbays to maintain A/C low observability, and will incorporate standoff capabilities, allowing the aircraft to launch the weapon at a target from a distance to avoid risk. A critical component of this weapon system is the 30 - 50 pound thrust class turbojet engine used to power it to the target. This same thrust class turbojet engine is also utilized in the Miniature Air Launched Decoy (MALD). The objective of this SBIRproposal is to begin development of a totally oil-free turbojet incorporating Mohawk Innovative Technology, Inc. (MiTir) Oil-Free Compliant Foil Hydrodynamic journal and thrust bearings. Advances in the capabilities of these bearings have now made itpossible to totally eliminate the engine lubrication system, reducing engine weight, complexity, and bearing power loss, while increasing range, loiter time, efficiency, maintainability and reliability, as well as greatly simplifying and enhancingstorability. Rarely does an opportunity present itself that has this same potential to advance the state-of-the-art of propulsion systems. Incorporation of oil-free air bearings into a turbine engine will eliminate weight, cost and complexity of bothcommercial and military aircra