SBIR-STTR Award

We propose an intra-weapon wireless communications technique for use within hard-target, penetrating weapon systems. Our hardened and robust technique will eliminate the hardwired physical links that are often severed by the tremendous shock loads experienced by these weapons upon impact. We describe a communications system that is based on resonant electromagnetic fields for communications between the weapon sensor suite, attached to the nose of the munition, and the explosive fuzing section, located in tail of the munition. The overall objective of the effort described in this Phase I proposal is to analyze feasibility using finite-element analysis, measurement of explosive electrical properties, development of field couplers for the cavity, development of a communications protocol, and preliminary shock engineering analyses of our design. We foresee markets in safety related applications where high reliability data links are required including automotive crash detection and airbag activation. Additionally, robust links to "black-box" on-board data recorders in a variety of transportation modes will be a valuable use of this technology. Government markets include smart munitions and artillery projectiles. A robust link between aircraft and air-launched weapons will also have market potential.

This Phase II SBIR proposal describes the continuation of our Phase I effort to develop a hardened and robust method for communicating between two locations within a hard-target penetrating weapon. Our approach uses resonant electromagnetic (EM) fields to eliminate hardwired physical links that are often severed by the tremendous shock loads experienced by these weapons upon impact. The resonant EM field method will be applicable in advanced weapon concepts that may require multiple sub-munition initiations and the collection of sensor data from an array of weapon-mounted sensors. The primary objective of the effort described in this proposal is to develop working prototypes to further demonstrate the feasibility of this approach. This will include the development of static prototypes for laboratory studies, and finally a dynamic prototype that includes shock-hardened components for use in live firing tests. We will also continue to refine the finite-element analysis (FEA), the measurement of explosive electrical properties, and the component engineering analyses that were initiated in Phase I.

Keywords:
Electromagnetic, Wireless, Weapon, Cavity, Modes, Communications, Explosives, Fuze