Low Cost>5000F ZrOC Based Miniature Divert and Attitude Control Systems (DACS)

Newly developed advanced solid and liquid/gel propulsion propellants provide greater performance and efficiency, however, they also produce higher combustion temperatures. Current state-of-the-art materials, including silica and carbon phenolic structural TPS"s are not able to withstand these higher temperatures. The demand for higher temperature, lower cost, and weight savings in kill vehicles is driving the need for new, higher performance materials for these DACS components. This Phase II MDA SBIR Program will seek to demonstrate that our new low cost, very high temperature, non-charring, Zirconium Oxy-Carbide (ZrOC) structural insulator material can solve the material problems currently experienced on the OEM"s DACS divert valves. Using this material, we will scale up the process from lab scale to pilot scale and produce component parts. With Aerojet"s support, these components will be analyzed and tested for mechanical and thermal properties to meet component qualification requirements and will be subjected to ground testing. At the end of this Phase II we expect to be at a TRL 6 and ready to field a DACS full nozzle assembly qualifications test.