Low Cost, Hot Gas Throttling Valve, for Solid Fuel Based, Expendable, Tactical Missile Propulsion Systems

Recent studies by CFD Research Corporation (CFDRC) have shown that pintel, rotating sleeve/iris and butterfly variable flow control concepts offer the most promise. During Phase I CFDRC will collaborate with Atlantic Research Corporation to synergize this program with an ongoing SBIR Phase II addressing advanced solid propellant chemistry for next generation air-breathing tactical missile thrust control. Phase I effort will include: 1. Down selection to the most promising concept based on joint MICOM, CFDRC, Atlantic Research Corporation (ARC) evaluation criteria. 2. Identification and selection of commercial grade components whenever possible. 3. Development of prototype computer software and hardware control interfaces. 4. Design, fabrication, assembly and cold gas testing of the most promising throttle valve concept. 5. Hot gas and possible solid fuel propellant evaluation at ARC, Gainesville, VA. 6. Delivery of throttle valve assembly to MICOM for evaluation in subscale ducted rocket testing (five tests minimum), including on site test support. Phase II will focus on delivering a flight worthy high pressure (7000 psig), high performance (10:1 turn down up to 2500 Deg F) on-demand throttling device suitable for next generation ducted, hybrid and Air-Turbo rockets. Phase II valve will be synchronized with MICOM ducted rocket development and integrated into a CFDRC lead ATR prototype engine demonstrator program.