SBIR-STTR Award

Anholt proposes to combine a composite lightweight body with metallic endcaps and stacking flanges to reduce the weight and provide venting for Insensitive Munitions (IM). This marries the enhanced Cook-Off performance and lightweight benefits of composites with the damage tolerance and sealability of metallic ends. In addition, it uses both materials in their most cost efficient forms. Pultruded composite tubing fabricated from low FST resins promises to provide high performance at the lowest possible cost. In addition to steel, lightweight metals and metal foams will also be investigated for the metallic components. The concept applies to various size, cylindrical and rectangular containers. Anholt will base its design on the 2.75-inch Rocket container. High-speed production volume composite-to-metal joining technologies will be investigated so that the Hybrid Container system can be produced in an economically viable manner. The Hybrid system will be designed to meet the 3 psi seal requirements of MIL-STD-1904 and improved Fast Cook-Off performance of MIL-STD-2105B. Anholt is confident that at least a 25% weight reduction will be achieved. The technology will be applicable to all FASTPACK containers as well as other cylindrical and rectangular containers. A Technology Demonstrators will be produced incorporating the preferred Hybrid solution. This effort will result in Hybrid metal/composite technology applicable to a variety of ammunition container shapes and sizes across the entire DoD inventory. This type of rugged, reusable shipping container can be suitable for commercial products whenever they are shipped under adverse conditions. Sensitive machine components, electronics (which will also benefit from the container's static dissipation and EMI resistance), medical equipment and supplies are all potential cargo.

Keywords:
Ammo Container, Lightweight, Composite, Hybrid, Seal, Insensitive Munitions, Im, Pultrusion

Anholt has developed concepts for a Hybrid Composite/Metal Munitions container that meets the requirements of MIL-STD-1904A and 2105B in Phase I. The container provides up to 50% weight savings when compared to the current all metal containers. The technology is applicable to the entire family of FASTPACK containers as well as containers of other styles and geometries. For Phase II, Anholt has assembled an experienced multidisciplinary team, including Delfasco, a production manufacturer of military containers, and the University of Delaware Center for Composite Materials. This team ensures the best opportunity for success in Phase II and a transition of this technology to production in Phase III. The Phase II effort consists of two main tasks. In year one, we will complete detailed design and material selection. Materials testing, including strength and environmental aging effects, will be conducted to ensure that the container meets the requirements of MIL-STD-1904A. Materials testing will also be conducted to confirm strategies for MIL-STD-2105B. Year two will be spent demonstrating the manufacturability of the container design. Lightweight composite and metal components will be manufactured. We will also build a prototype assembly station that will be used to assemble 50 demonstration containers for delivery to the government. This effort will result in Hybrid Metal/Composite design and manufacturing technology applicable to a variety of ammunition container shapes and sizes across the entire DoD inventory. This type of rugged shipping container can be suitable for commercial products whenever they are shipped under adverse conditions. Sensitive machine components, electronics (which will also benefit from the containers static dissipation and EMI resistance), medical equipment and supplies are all potential cargo.

Keywords:
COMPOSITE, PULTRUSION, FASTPACK, MACS, LIGHTWEIGHT, INSENSITIVE MUNNITIONS, HYBRID, CONTAINER