Deployable Aerospike

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Advanced Materials The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. OBJECTIVE: Develop a deployable aerospike for the current Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor. DESCRIPTION: While the front of the THAAD interceptor is not a blunt nose, the THAAD Project Office (TPO) would like to retro-fit the existing interceptor with a deployable aerospike. The aerospike would have to fit within the existing space within the envelope of the current missile canister. The prescribed solution would have to be able to be applied to the interceptor with the round in the canister as well. PHASE I: Demonstrate feasibility/benefits of applying an aerospike to the THAAD interceptor. PHASE II: Create a prototype aerospike based upon the design analysis from Phase I. Flesh out the process of affixing the prototype aerospike onto the interceptor. If possible, perform wind tunnel level testing with the aerospike on a THAAD representative nose cone. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Manufacture and perform a full flight demonstration of the technology (technology readiness level of 6+). REFERENCES: 1. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/1276/1/012031/pdf 2. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10407790.2024.2387266 KEYWORDS: Aerospike