SBIR-STTR Award

The current 120mm tank ammo primer design is outdated, difficult to manufacture, and in need of a technical refresh taking advantage of modern state-of-the-art design and manufacturing techniques. This proposal consists of redesigning the igniter to be less complex (reduce number of components and increase manufacturability) and HERO safe and evaluating a replacement for the main primer charge benite material. Even and consistent powder bed ignition will be achieved by leveraging many years of developing, modifying, and manufacturing millions of electrically actuated impulse cartridges for DOD customers.

In this effort, Capco will continue working towards a modernized tank primer intended for use in large caliber ammunition. Capco will continue to refine the energetic compositions developed in Phase I by investigating the effect of binder mass fractions and fuel-oxidizer ratios on ignition transfer performance. The resultant compositions will be more reliable than the Benite and lead thiocyanate currently used in the M125 tank primer and provide a robust and resilient supply base. Testing will be conducted in static fixtures to characterize the proposed design. Mechanical aspects of the tank primer will also be finalized in this phase, with a focus on reduced complexity and increased manufacturability. By the end of this Phase II effort, Capco intends to manufacture a number of updated tank primer prototypes and prepare for future testing by completing Interim Hazard Classification (IHC) testing and a draft safety assessment. In-gun testing at Northrop Grumman’s Socorro, New Mexico facility may also be conducted to validate the prototype design.