Advanced Projectile Diverters for Strategic Defense and Theater Missile Defense Miniature Interceptor Applications

This proposal addresses the exploratory development and evaluation of novel thin film and/or monolithic detonators as diverters for guided spinning projectile use. A number of such detonators comprise a diverter technology termed RMDM, (for Ring Matrix Diverter Module) which, along with the SSPG (for Small Spinning Projectile Guidance) seeker, forms the basis for inexpensive miniature guided projectiles envisioned for intercepting advanced submunitions (the SWARM concept). Both RMDM and SSPG are technologies proprietary to TG&C Associates, Inc. and are currently supported by BMDO for technology demonstration. Conventional off-the-shelf automotive technology air bag initiators, which are only marginally sufficient, are being considered for this technology demonstration. The proposed effort will concentrate on the development and performance evaluation of novel thin film and/or monolithic detonators in specific laboratory experiments, leading to preliminary specifications for a design of smaller, lighter, and faster RMDM diverters, with higher energy efficiency. Emphasis will be placed on fast response, integration of multiple detonators on a single substrate, and on the avoidance of the associated problems of sympathetic activation. While the effort will be driven primarily by strategic defense and theater missile defense interceptor needs, other, shorter range tactical guided projectile applications will be considered as well. A large potential for commercialization exists in this latter area, because of the vast numbers of small projectiles to which inexpensive terminal guidance based on RMDM and SSPG can be applied. Such projectiles will play an increasing role in both military and law enforcement scenarios, where high probability of hit concurrent with low collateral damage are paramount. Conventional diverters are totally inadequate for these applications because of the much higher projectile spin rates. A very large commercial potential exists in the application of this technology to small, inexpensive guided projectiles for tactical military and law enforcement needs.