Dual-use Secondary High Explosive and Rocket Propellant

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 section 3.5 of 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: Dual-use energetic formulations that can serve as both secondary high explosives and rocket propellants to enable dual-purpose rounds capable of trading range and penetration for detonation. DESCRIPTION: To date no formulation has been able perform as a propellant while offering PBXN-9 detonation velocity for terminal effects. Dual-use energetics offer the promise of an increased target set and extended range within the same round. This topic directly addresses the performance objectives of two Army Cross Functional Teams (CFTs). To this end, the topic requests novel materials for use as both a rocket propellant and a high explosive. The materials should enable development of a dual-use munition offering both an enhanced detonation mode and an extended-range/penetration mode. Such a munition would offer selectable effects through the use of an ignition element for the extended-range mode and a detonator for the high explosive mode. This development is expected to drive advancements in ignition and munition train technology, necessitating smart sensors to determine when the propellant should be detonated during flight. PHASE I: Offeror should produce samples of at least four different formulations under consideration and perform small-scale testing to indicate the materials are safe to handle in suitable quantities. Thermal characterization must be conducted to determine if the material will have the stability requisite for the intended application. This process will also provide data such as enthalpy of combustion, detonation speed, and decomposition temperature. Thermochemical code calculations should be performed to produce initial estimates of the performance of these materials. Small-scale combustion and detonation tests are to be conducted to assess the relative performance of the developmental materials under consideration. PHASE II: Offeror should produce two or three formulations (downselected based on input from Armaments Center) to perform larger scale testing. This process should incorporate tests such as cylinder expansion, detonation velocity and pressure, characterization of mechanical properties, critical diameter, gap sensitivity, strand burner tests (at various pressures), 2x4 inch thrust tests, and aging studies. This data should be evaluated to identify the best candidates for the intended application. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III will focus on a live-fire demonstration of the developmental formulation in a complete munition. This process will showcase a munition that demonstrates efficient use of the energetic payload in both modes. Other relevant testing such as IM testing, arena testing, set back testing, penetration depth, etc. will also be conducted as necessary depending on the needs of the item manager. REFERENCES: 1. The chemistry of explosives, Jacqueline Akhavan; 2. Introduction to the technology of explosives, Paul Cooper; 3. Explosive Effects and Applications, Jonas Zukas, William Walters KEYWORDS: Explosive, rocket, propellant, munition, secondary, lethality, range, dual use