Reliable Electrically Activated Primer

To address the Army need to reliably initiate large-caliber ammunition propellant beds using electrical ignition, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop the new Reliable Electrically Activated PrimER (REAPER). This will be an outgrowth of a proprietary technology that POC is presently developing, a propellant additive to increase the electrical ignitability of caseless ammunition. REAPER can be tailored to the desired ignition voltages and current while providing improvements in safety, performance, reliability, producibility, and/or affordability. It is compatible with current technologies in tank ammunition firing electronics, energetics, and manufacturing. In Phase I, POC will fabricate small batches of REAPER prototypes for evaluation against the Army requirements through analysis, simulations, and testing. We will also conduct a producibility analysis of the REAPER manufacturing process and examine its reduction in critical characteristics and simplification of the design and manufacturing process. In Phase II, POC will develop the improved REAPER and deliver prototypes capable of integration and operation within existing 120-mm Direct Fire Training Ammunition. They will be tested in clear chamber and/or static fire and bench testing. The final design(s), detailed fabrication process, test results, and engineering analysis will be included in the Phase II Final Report.