Versatile Warhead for Low-velocity 40mm Wall-penetrating Munition

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: Develop a lethal payload for the low-velocity 40mm wall-penetrating round that will be effective both against targets in defilade behind free-standing walls and against targets within enclosed concrete structures. A secondary objective of this effort will be to evaluate and optimize the versatility of the munition's jet against 8 concrete walls. DESCRIPTION: This effort seeks to maximize lethal effects with a warhead that is effective both against targets concealed in concrete structures and those in defilade behind a free-standing wall. The warhead design must not impede the wall-penetrating efficacy of the round. Likewise, the form factor of the round must remain compatible with the M203 and M320. PHASE I: Given the direct to Phase II nature of this effort, a determination of Phase I equivalency will be made which will require proof that the warhead is sufficiently mature to be funded at a Phase II level. Documentation showing 40mm warhead systems and/or components or a related field is required. A report detailing the Phase I equivalent efforts should be included. The Offeror is encouraged to provide any other relevant information to substantiate that the proposed technology is at an acceptable stage to be funded at the DP2 level. PHASE II: The primary deliverables for Phase II shall be: Produce and demonstrate a preliminary prototype of the selected warhead design, measuring lethal effects beyond a free-standing wall and within a structure. Optimize the jet design for versatility against 8 concrete walls. Optimize the warhead design, and integrate the warhead in a prototype wall-penetrating munition Demonstrate both wall penetration and lethal effects of the prototype cartridge on a free-standing wall and on an enclosed structure. Measure accuracy of the round from an M320 launcher. Optimize the warhead design and prepare a prototype for delivery to Armaments Center. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: From the DoD/military side, again the technology would apply to 40mm low velocity small arms systems. For newly acquired systems, Program Management offices could include this technology as part of the TDP. For legacy systems, the technology could be added to TDPs as Engineering Change Proposals (ECP), and could be included in weapon system overhauls and rebuilds. REFERENCES: 1. Trzcinski, Waldemar A., and Lotfi Maiz. "Thermobaric and enhanced blast explosives properties and testing methods." Propellants, explosives, pyrotechnics 40, no. 5 (2015): 632-644. 2. Olasin, Keith. "Innovative Wall Penetration Munition." PowerPoint presentation, NDIA Joint Services Small Arms Systems Annual Symposium, Exhibition, & Firing Demonstration, Virginia, VA, May 7-10, 2007. Accessed June 10, 2020. https://ndiastorage.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/ndia/2007/smallarms/5_10_07/Olasin_940am.pdf KEYWORDS: counter-defilade, warheads, energetics, projectiles, thermobarics, fragmentation, submunitions.