Joint DOD/DOE Munitions / Initiators, Fuzes, and Sensors
Abstract
Initiators, fuzes, and sensors are critical components in every munition system. These components must work together to ensure personnel safety by preventing unintended weapon detonation, allow arming of a firing mechanism, detect the target through the use of sensors, and initiate detonation when required. With the increasing need for robust, hard-target-defeat capability, advanced fuze systems must be able to survive and function in increasingly higher-velocity and higher-G penetration environments. Methods for these sub-systems to survive high-G environments include the miniaturization, integration, and/or robust packaging of conventional fuze components such as detonators, switches, transformers, capacitors, sensors, and advanced batteries. In support of this technology area, the Joint Department of Defense (DoD)/Department of Energy (DOE) Munitions Program (JMP) continues to demonstrate advances in miniaturizing high-voltage Electronic Safe and Arm Devices (ESAD), through research and development of low-energy detonator/booster combinations, and with miniature Capacitive Discharge Units (CDUs). This focus builds on recent advances in micro-detonic/energetic materials research and MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) device development. Efforts in this portion of the JMP generally advance fuze technology and ultimately provide the DoD and DOE with next generation fuzing components for all weapons, particularly hard-target-defeat munitions (penetrators), and small, intelligent low-cost applications (artillery). Advanced initiation technology is an enabler for the next generation of warheads that can be aimed, are target adaptable, and extremely robust. The primary focus of sensors in this focus area relate to guidance applications for precision weapons.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2011
- Source ID
- 480654219febb66ad4b81c10ee80c6ec