Strategic Technology Research - Linear Accelerator Methodology Proposal (STR-LAMP)

To address the Air Force’s need for a high-cadence and affordable testing platform to develop subsystems for nuclear arsenal modernization, Auriga Space is proposing to provide a report on using its linear electromagnetic accelerator to test inertial measurement units (IMUs) at high-G acceleration levels. Within the scope of this effort, Auriga will leverage its existing Phase 1-equivalent work to provide data to the End-User on the internally-funded prototype of a full-scale system which is capable of meeting the needs of the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) Nuclear Delivery Systems (RVBN) End-User. Auriga’s accelerator technology is based around four core technology areas: magnetic levitation, linear motors, power switching, and vacuum chambers. The use of electromagnetic propulsion and magnetic levitation provide a low cost means of collecting data at high acceleration without the vibrational noises associated with other systems. At the end of the Phase II effort, Auriga Space expects its technology to reach readiness level (TRL)-6, which will be used to further plans for development under a Phase III SBIR.