SBIR-STTR Award

The objective of this project is to develop and build a hardware prototype of an electronic safe and arm (esa) for high velocity/ acceleration projectiles. The hardware prototype system will demonstrate the design for the high voltage converter, trigger circuit and interface to a slapper detonator and sensors. In addition, the prototype will demonstrate system safety, environmental and packaging concepts feasibility. The system electronics will include a converter, energy storage capacitor, high voltage switch, accelerometers, and energy path switches. The variable q, class e, dc/dc high voltage converter operates at a frequency of approximately 1 mhz capable of delivering 25 watts at 80% efficiency. The esa will be designed to ultimately fit into a 1.25 inch diameter by 2 inch high tensile, steel tube with fore and aft closures. A 6 conductor, 3 layer copper kapton ribbon cable will provide an interface. Key technical advantages of the specific design are the esa will withstanding up to 75,000 gs and withstand full environmental conditions. The innovative design of the esa will create a unit that is emi/rfi/esd resistant and will work over a wide temperature range.

The Navy currently has several programs including lDAM, AIWs, AAAM, sidewinder and submunitions that are considering the use of electronic safe and arm (ESA) fuzing technology. Electronic fuzing would provide the Navy with a very small fuze that could be used to detonate insensitive munitions. The ESA would be highly reliable, safe, small low weight and vibration tolerant. The Phase I Objective demonstrated the feasibility of a micro-miniature fuze (Mini-fuze) that would meet the military needs for the next generation weapon systems. The overall requirements for the ESA was less than 1.25" diameter by 2" long, arms quickly, would meet the safety criteria and could be economically manufactured. The Phase I design of the Mini-fuze, include schematics, art work and mechanical details, is sufficient for a preliminary build plan for preproduction prototypes. Phase II would use the preliminary build plan to manufacture a Mini-fuze for testing. The Mini-fuze design has ten major subsystems, interconnection and housing. Each subsystem would be sequentially manufactured and tested. After each subsystem has passed testing, the entire Mini-fuze would be assembled and tested. Phase II would culminated in a completely manufactured Mini-fuze that would be applicable for Navy programs such as AIWS, JDAM, Sidewinder and AAAM programs. In addition, the fundamental components could be used for other Navy, Army and Air Force fuzing applications.