SBIR-STTR Award

This SBIR proposal is for the development of innovative packaging of radiation hardened electronics in support of Strategic Missile Guidance System upgrades for sea launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). The Navy Strategic Systems Programs has authorized Life extensions for the Trident Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarines Hull and Missile systems and hence there is significant interest in utilizing all advancements in technology that are available. The Navy has authorized a 20 year extension to the life of the Trident System providing a total life of 42 years; all of the vehicles will be armed with the Trident II D5 missiles. During the life of the Trident missile system the electronics are active and utilized. It is desirable to continue to upgrade the electronics with the latest technology especially technologies that improve radiation hardness. The inertial guidance electronics will be the focus for this project. The opportunity for this SBIR project will be to develop packaging technologies that can be integrated and transferred to the Trident II submarine system throughout the current and extended life of the system. AMT and it's partner Raytheon will develop and apply new technologies that include ball grid array and column grid array interconnection and plastic encapsulated microcircuits. Military systems are rapidly faced with obsolescence and parts availability issues, especially for microelectronic devices. This project will provide an opportunity to utilize commercial technologies that are widely available from large suppliers of semiconductors and significantly enhance the options for the Navy. AMT is presently developing procedures and systems for certifying commercial products for military use and this project will have direct relevance to on-going activities that will lead to high reliability electronics for military applications.