Energetic Systems, LLC, Columbus, OH, has the expertise to conduct a feasibility study on The Art of the Possible for small arms spotting rounds (SASR) to replace larger-caliber fielded ones. Key Performance Attributes, Threshold (T) & Objective (O) include: a) visible day and night @600m (T) & @1500m (O); b) 7.62mm (T) & 7.62mm, 6.5mm and .338 (O); c) ballistic-trajectory matching of 7.6x51mm-147gr M80 Ball (T) & 6.5mm-130gr Open Tip Match (OTM) and .338-300gr Norma Magnum OTM; d) 90% function on hard surfaces (T) & 70% on soft ground (O); e) fire hazard no worse than fielded tracers; and f) environmental, health, and safety compliance. ES SMEs will determine, to the fullest extent possible, the thermo-physical-chemical light-generating potential of any/all powders critical to illumination in appropriately designed bullets that match ballistics and signature observability. Scope will include, but not be limited to, chemical composition; particle size, distribution, shape, and surface area; agglomeration tendency; bulk/pelletized density; thermal stability; SASR design; muzzle velocity; aeroballistics; thermal-friction ignition sensitivity; brightness, duration and observability of light at distance; environmental impact; cost; and availability. Objective is to qualify as many powders as best options for transitioning to Phase II prototype builds and test-fires.
