W911SR23C0012

Small Technology Transfer Research Program (STTR) Phase II

High Volume Extinction Metal Fibers as Next-Generation Artillery Obscurants

Bispectral Obscurant for Artillery Application

Military obscurants effectively absorb, scatter, or emit radiation in the visible, infrared and millimeter wavelength ranges to disrupt the line of sight between the target and observer. These aerosolized materials play a crucial role in preventing the detection of the US Warfighter by enemy sensors including seekers, trackers, optical devices, and the human eye. Recently, the Army has expressed interest in expanding smoke and target defeat capabilities through the development of an artillery-based bispectral obscurant round. To address this need, Luna Labs and it's team will synthesize metal fibers that display high extinction efficiencies. Using scalable production methods, Luna Labs' fibers will display excellent mechanical, electrical, and thermal stability to survive the harsh environments found in artillery shells. Luna Labs will fully evaluate the fiber-based obscurant to ensure that the material meets the Army's needs. This technology is expected provide a new versatile strategy to metal fiber production that will impact both military and civilian markets.

The goal of phase II is to continue the R&D efforts initiated in Phase I. Funding is based on the results achieved in Phase I and the scientific and technical merit and commercial potential of the project proposed in Phase II. STTRs are completed in conjunction with a research institution.

University of Massachusetts Amherst

A21C-T019

A2-9511

21.C

Sean Barker