Lethality Technology

The Lethality Technology program is dedicated to advancing the Army's capabilities in next-generation lethality technologies. It focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of projectiles and warheads, improving propulsion systems, and developing scalable effects for various target types. Research is supported into materials that improve weight efficiency, lethal effects, and sustainability for military applications. The program also explores novel micro warheads using advanced materials to achieve synergistic effects, aligning with the priorities of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Army Modernization Strategy.

Within this program, the Disruptive Energetics and Propulsion Technologies project investigates energetic materials and propulsion technologies to maximize energy delivery on target. It aims to optimize propellant grains for increased range and energy efficiency while reducing vulnerability in future gun/missile systems. This project complements efforts in discovering new energetic materials with higher energy content than existing explosives. The Army Research Laboratory conducts this work, utilizing advanced additive manufacturing techniques to enhance propulsion systems.

Lethal and Scalable Effects Technologies focus on designing scalable warhead technologies that provide efficient target defeat with minimal collateral damage. This project investigates blast-fragment warheads with tailored fragment geometries to optimize lethality against multiple targets simultaneously. It leverages guidance technologies and metal additive manufacturing to enhance warhead performance. The research supports the development of compact warheads incorporating novel energetics and materials, aiming to maximize lethality across diverse target sets.

Advanced Warheads Technology explores innovative designs and materials for future warheads, focusing on enhancing lethality against emerging threats. This project investigates advanced algorithms for optimizing shaped charges and fragmentation mechanisms, as well as developing novel warhead designs for improved armor penetration. It also examines new energetic materials and manufacturing methods to increase munition range and utility. The Armaments Center leads this effort, ensuring alignment with Army modernization priorities through research in advanced armament systems technology.