Controlled Payload Release Mechanism for Pyrophoric Air Expendable Decoy

The MJU-49/B decoy is an infrared countermeasure dispensed by the ALE-47 countermeasure defense system to protect Navy aircraft form incoming threats that utilize infrared sensors. This decoy uses pyrophoric foils that react with atmospheric air upon release to give an infrared signature whose emissions are tailored to the threat sensors. The Navy has identified that greater protection would be afforded to aviators if the pyrophoric foils from a single countermeasure cartridge could be released in multiple increments rather than all at once. CMA Technologies, Inc. (CMA) is proposing an approach based on a proven, but inaccurate technology developed by our partner company Alloy Surfaces Company, the manufacturer of the MJU-49/B. In this project CMA will design and demonstrate an accurate, reliable and robust system that will give highly tailorable release of pyrophoric increments. The timing and number of increments can be easily set at time of manufacture. Our approach will be rugged enough to operate across the full operational environment to include temperature, vibration and shock and will have no HERO or electromagnetic concerns. Our Phase II program will also adapt our Phase I design from a 37 mm round configuration to a 1" x 1" square form factor.