Composite Binder Enabling Higher Propellant Loading and Performance for Extended Range and Reduced Mass Missile Propulsion

The objectives of this Tactical Funding Increase project are to scale up production of Helicon Chemical Company’s (Helicon) metallized hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene propellant binder (metallized HTPB), prepare and test enhanced-performance propellants containing metallized HTPB, and produce and deliver solid rocket motor cartridges containing the enhanced propellants to the Air Force for use in their 70-pound Ballistic Test Evaluation System. This effort follows a successful Phase 2 SBIR where the use of metallized HTPB demonstrated enhanced specific impulse through a 5-inch solid rocket motor (SRM) static firing. During the TACFI project, the propulsive performance (delivered impulse/density specific impulse), mechanical properties (particularly low-temperature strain), and other factors enabled by use of metallized HTPB will be further researched and developed. These efforts will increase the technology readiness level (TRL) and manufacturing readiness level (MRL) of Helicon’s solution.