Novel Graded Composite Nozzles for THAAD Kill Vehicle (KV

Divert and Attitude control systems for the Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Kill Vehicle (KV) needs improvement with respect to performance and cost. The KV currently uses niobium nozzles and niobium silicides as the oxidation resistant coating. Materials Modification Inc (MMI) proposes significant improvement in cost and performance of the current nozzle systems by developing a graded composite nozzle combined with a nano-structurally enhanced oxidation resistance coating. MMI has developed this approach based on technological support from Donald Stevenson, Boeing Rocketdyne. In this effort, MMI will demonstrate the proof-of-concept by fabricating a prototype graded composite nozzle using a hybrid spray process and evaluate its performance. Additionally, MMI will evaluate the proposed technology for technological insertion into the THAAD program with Boeing Rocketdyne.