Low-Erosion and Affordable Nozzles for Advanced Air-to-Air Missiles

In this Navy Phase I SBIR program, MATECH proposes to demonstrate its oxidative and erosion-resistant high temperature zirconium oxy-carbide (matrix) with carbon fiber (Cf-ZrOCm) ceramic matrix composite (CMC) for nozzles in multi pulse solid rocket motor, low-smoke propellant, tactical air-to-air missiles. Current graphite and carbon phenolic throat and nozzle components will not meet erosion and thermal insulation (heat soak) requirements. MATECH has developed a Cf-ZrOCm structural insulator/propulsion component material system in which the matrix has demonstrated virtually no erosion by H2 Arc Heater testing and by LHMEL laser testing with Mach 0.9 air impingement. This material also exhibits very low thermal conductivity (