Novel Armor Counter-RPG Systems Navy SBIR FY2004.2 - Quick Response Topics Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2004.2 Topic No.: N04-902 Topic Title: Novel Armor Counter-RPG Systems Proposal No.: N042-902-0689 Firm: Nomadics, Inc. 1024 S. Innovation Way Stillwater, Oklahoma 74074-1508 Contact: J. la Phone: (405) 372-9535 Web Site: www.nomadics.com Abstract: By mechanically attacking the nose/warhead of a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), one can render the RPG into a purely kinetic projectile rather than an explosive one. This can be achieved by shearing the nose fuze, collapsing the ogive, or disrupting the explosive itself. While a 2.5 kg projectile at up to 300 m/s is a sizeable kinetic projectile, it can be defeated by the armor of Stryker and Bradley vehicles as well as other vehicles with add on armor packs. Such packs are typically capable of defeating the shaped charge itself, so augmentation is required. Nomadics has been funded by DARPA to explore a concept called Iron Curtain that uses automatically fired projectiles to defeat RPGs. However, in the course of this work, we have devised other strategies that have the potential to defeat RPGs. In the proposed effort, we will investigate these concepts, which involve passive and semi-passive methods. Based on discussions with the sponsor and experiments conducted under this project, we will assess the effectiveness of these concepts and make recommendations for continued development of the more promising. This furtherance of the effort beyond proof-of-concept would be the subject of Phase II. Benefits: By disrupting the warhead or effectively defusing the RPG, the RPG is no longer a shaped charge and become simply a kinetic threat. This has immediate application for military units, but would also be useful in protecting other governmental assets at home and abroad, including vehicles and fixed facilities. The growing probability of RPGs being used by terrorists-even within US borders-means that a number of the proposed concepts would be useful to local governments and even private industry to support enhanced security. Return