TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes, Sensors, Weapons ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Trident II D5 Missile System ACAT I

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

OBJECTIVE: Develop RF technology or equivalent acoustic sensors to establish line-of-sight measurements through materials. Primarily, develop and demonstrate a solid propulsion monitoring system that may be used to provide assessments in the field and / or during missile production operations for use in Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) systems, specifically for detection of propellant slumping, and gaps in bonds between the case-to-insulation and insulation-to-propellant interfaces.

DESCRIPTION: The purpose of a new monitoring system is to reduce handling of solid rocket motors. Technologies will be investigated that can provide measurements of the propellant material in the processing and operational storage areas. The system will work in an explosive atmosphere and near assembly and maintenance staff. The operational storage area is a tightly confined metallic enclosed space and may require a subsystem to place and relocate the sensors used to probe the materials. Small mobile Radio Frequency (RF) or acoustic energy devices, with emitter and multiple receivers, can be used on the exterior of the structure to map the internal structure of the motor. Motor case materials can significantly attenuate some radio frequencies. Current inspection approaches use High Energy Computed Tomography (HECT). The task is to develop technology to use RF or acoustic sensors to establish line-of-sight measurements through materials. In situ assessment of motor propellant characteristics can be advantageous to a variety of missile systems and commercial launch vehicles.

The following capabilities should be addressed by the proposed solution:

�   Assessment of technologies for detection of propellant slumping, any gaps in bonds between the case-to-insulation, and gaps in bond between the insulation-to-propellant

�   Assessment of the usage of sensor fusion and advanced processing

�   Ability of acoustic sensor to provide measurement with emitter and receiver at same location

�   Ability of acoustic sensors to establish line-of-sight measurements through carbon fiber and rubber insulation materials

�   Ability of RF sensors to establish line-of-sight measurements through materials

�  Identification of other potential detection methods