SBIR-STTR Award

This program is organized to demonstrate the feasibility of using a gaseous tritium light source (GTLS) as a self powered device to provide continuous illumination inside a rocket motor arm-fire device for a period of 15 years. The source will illuminate safe/armed (s/a) symbols with color coded light. An image quality fiber optic bundle will allow the image of the indicator to be observed by ordinance personnel in very low light conditions. The important objectives of phase I are to investigate design alternatives, to fabricate a demonstration prototype system and to design the final product. If the phase I program is successful, it will allow advanced development and manufacturing of a limited quantity of indicator systems in phase II for field testing.

This development project is a continuation of research conducted as a successful Phase I feasibility study. The GTLS program is structured to develop a method of transmitting a light-enhanced, missile fuze, safe/arm symbol to a more accessible location on missile and to aid ordnance handling personnel. A complete GTLS system will be able to transmit a quality image, utilizing fiber optics and a self-powered light source for up to 20 years. The Phase II program is expected to provide production quality prototypes and sufficient documentation for full-scale manufacturing.