Lightweight Layered Protection Systems for Missile Launchers and Canisters Navy STTR FY2010.A Sol No.: Navy STTR FY2010.A Topic No.: N10A-T018 Topic Title: Lightweight Layered Protection Systems for Missile Launchers and Canisters Proposal No.: N10A-018-0246 Firm: Strategic Insight, Ltd. 241 18th Street, South Suite 511 Arlington, Virginia 22202 Contact: Tom McCants Phone: (540) 663-2380 Web Site: www.stratsight.com Abstract: The research objective is to develop Modeling and Simulation (M&S) tools to accurately predict the performance of new state-of-the-art material systems as protection for high value missiles deployed in their launchers or canisters. The focus is on adapting multi-layered novel and non-traditional material technologies to improve protection against penetration and fragment impacts, focused detonation hazards and fires (slow and fast heating coupled with penetration). Predictive M&S and underlying damage and ignition response assessment capabilities will be used to: characterize trade-offs in layered material penetration and thermal resistance; predict the degree and extent of damage from penetration threat and predict altered heat transfer paths and thermal response of a layered protection system; and quantify the uncertainty related to the protection system with respect to avoiding violent reaction. The outcome is a M&S-based methodology for design of lightweight layered protection systems that will benefit sea- and land-based missile high value missile systems against ballistic and fragment impacts and focused detonation hazards (specifically, RPGs) during operational use or transportation in hostile environments. Benefits: The beneficiaries of this research include designers of weapon systems, missile transporters, Navy ships, land facilities and personnel carriers. Novel non-traditional state-of-the-art material systems offer opportunity to design lightweight multi-layer protection systems that are effective in countering asymmetric threats characterized by the readily available rocket propelled grenades and easily assembled enhanced focused blast devices. The predictive capability will permit protection system designs that are effective, save weight, and can be installed as modules to protect high value missiles, high value facilities, e.g., command centers, and personnel in-situ or in-transit. Return