New High Performance Solid Propellant Ingredients

New higher performing solid propellant formulations are sought to increase the specific impulse of solid rocket boosters and kill vehicles to improve the NationÆs missile defense capabilities. TDA Research, Inc. proposes new ingredients for making highly efficient solid propellant formulations that have greater energy densities than current formulations. In Phase I, TDA demonstrated improved propellant specific impulse using a novel propellant formulation developed from new materials. In Phase II, TDA will further optimize the new propellant formulation to meet all the desired performance specifications, scale-up the manufacture of the new propellant, and demonstrate improved specific impulse with larger rocket motors. Our new materials will be scalable, reproducible, and safe for storage on naval and air-based vessels. The new ingredients will be prepared, characterized chemically and thermally, and screened for safety. Solid propellants with the new ingredients will be formulated and produced in semi-pilot batches for testing and demonstration of enhanced specific impulse in rocket motors. This will validate their performance and higher energy densities and provide a valid comparison of their performance compared to that of standard formulations. The results obtained will guide a successful program for manufacture of the new propellant formulations and insertion into a missile defense application. Approved for Public Release | 23-MDA-11635 (9 Nov 23)