Guided Destructive Expendable for Aircraft Self-Protection Navy SBIR FY2006.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2006.1 Topic No.: N06-017 Topic Title: Guided Destructive Expendable for Aircraft Self-Protection Proposal No.: N061-017-0328 Firm: Orbital Research Inc 4415 Euclid Avenue Suite 500 Cleveland, Ohio 44103-3733 Contact: Mehul Patel Phone: (216) 649-0399 Web Site: www.orbitalresearch.com Abstract: There exists a need for effective countermeasures for protecting aircraft from anti-aircraft missiles. Orbital Research, in collaboration with the University of Toledo and Tanner Research Inc., proposes to develop an innovative "guided" destructive expendable (GuiDE) concept, compatible with the current AN/ALE-50/55 Towed Decoy Systems, with the capability to hold and deliver sufficient energy to maim an incoming threat. A "systems integration" approach will be used to identify and integrate promising state-of-the-art technologies in the areas of aerodynamic vehicle design, miniature seeker and guidance systems, and advanced threat detection and kill methods to enable an effective GuiDE system. The Phase I/I Option programs will focus on the basic aerodynamic shape and design configuration, and experimental and modeling studies on promising designs to provide spectral footprints of the GuiDE (when launched from an aircraft). Phase I will also involve a survey/study of AN/ALE-50/55-compatible subsystems (seeker, warhead, sensor systems, etc.) from a systems integration standpoint with technical risk and rough order of magnitude (ROM) weight, volume, and cost considerations. The Phase II program will focus on the hardware/software implementation and integration of all subsystems into a full-scale GuiDE prototype. Aerodynamic design will be further refined via wind tunnel tests and kill probability estimates will be provided from 6-DOF flight simulations. Benefits: Technologies developed in this program will have applications in all types of air vehicles. The GuiDE countermeasure system can be used on small and large aircraft and rotorcraft in both military and private sectors for protection against incoming threats. One of the largest applications will be on aircraft that are most vulnerable to Man-Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS). Return