SBIR-STTR Award

The primary function of the ignition pellet in the Safe and Arm (S&A) for Airborne Expendable Infrared Countermeasures (AEIRCMs) is to quickly and reliably ignite the flare grain subsequent to ignition and ejection by the impulse cartridge. Therefore, it is critical that the pellet maintains consistent flame ignition sensitivity, burn rate and output energy throughout its service life. In this proposal, we propose to blend and press a variety of nanostructured fuel/Teflon/Viton compositions and precisely characterize the ignition sensitivity and burn rate of each in a system-relevant test environment using a novel ballistic ignition sensitivity tester. We will explore a variety of fuels and morphologies, focusing on materials and methods that have already shown promise in lab-based tests

Benefit:
Increased aircraft survivability, increased shelf life for countermeasures, improved characterization of ignition sensitivity

Keywords:
MTV, MTV, Aircraft Survivability, Ignition sensitivity, flare, Reliability

Work during this Phase II SBIR effort will focus on the optimization of the flare grain ignition compositions developed during Phase I. The compositions showed reduced moisture susceptibility and significantly improved impulse cartridge ignitability in comparison to the currently fielded MTV composition, with good ignition transfer to the flare. Downselection will be made to a final composition based on extended aging tests at high temperature and humidity followed by quantitative impulse cartridge ignition sensitivity tests and flare grain ignition transfer tests. Work will culminate in sensitivity, stability, compatibility and validation tests as required for incorporation into US Navy countermeasures.

Benefit:
Improved reliability and warfighter survivability

Keywords:
ignition composition, Pyrotechnic, Reliability, flare, IRCM