Enhanced Weapon Systems Technologies

What Is It?

Enhanced Weapons Systems is an enabling capability designed to provide extended range, decrease time to target, and improve end-game maneuverability for counter air defense and high-speed strike missions.

How Does It Work?

Solid propulsion technologies will utilize increased energy density propellants and propellant loading, low erosion nozzles, high-pressure composite motor cases and pulse motors. Radome technologies will enable higher speeds and retain seeker performance and accuracy.  Airframe control technologies will provide the capability to accurately control missiles for longer periods at higher speeds.

What Will It Accomplish?

This propulsion system and related missile technologies will provide the warfighter with enhanced capabilities for existing weapons systems.

The Enhanced Weapons Systems Program is cultivating missile propulsion, airframe and control technologies to providing game-changing capability in the battlespace.

Many of the technologies being matured as part of this Future Naval Capability stem from the Office of Naval Research’s investment in a joint program known as Integrated High Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology.

New rocket motors will utilize solid propulsion technologies, low-erosion nozzles, high-pressure composite motor cases and pulse motors. Radome technologies will enable the missile to withstand aerothermal heating encountered at high speeds and retain seeker performance and accuracy. New actuator control technologies will provide the capability to accurately control missiles for longer periods at higher speeds.

Research Opportunities:

  • Advanced composite case design incorporating increased stiffness with minimum thickness
  • Revolutionized propellant grain design with improved energetics and pulse motor capabilities
  • Improved radome design and improved drive actuators for sustained high-speed environments

Kenneth Heeke
kenneth.heeke@navy.mil
(703) 696-0431

 

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