Cold-Formed Tungsten-Copper Hybrid Sub-Projectiles for Maximum EMRG Effectiveness(1001-353) Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Topic No.: N091-080 Topic Title: Cold-Formed Tungsten-Copper Hybrid Sub-Projectiles for Maximum EMRG Effectiveness(1001-353) Proposal No.: N091-080-0124 Firm: TRITON SYSTEMS, INC. 200 TURNPIKE ROAD Chelmsford, Massachusetts 01824 Contact: James Gorman Phone: (978) 250-4200 Web Site: www.tritonsys.com Abstract: Triton Systems Inc. proposes to fabricate low drag, high stability aerodynamic sub-projectiles by a cold forming approach in which a dense and hard Tungsten rod is surrounded by a shaped sleeve of another metal. Detailed design tradeoffs will be completed to evaluate the appropriate proportions of the two materials and the optimal shapes for minimizing sub-projectile energy loss in its terminal trajectory. Several candidate sub-projectiles will be fabricated during the Phase I, using prototype tooling. These will be fired on an instrumented test range to obtain estimates of Ballistic Coefficient and aerodynamic stability, validating computerized trajectory simulations. Triton will be assisted in the Phase I effort by Kline Engineering of Newton NJ and Draper Laboratory of Cambridge MA. Kline Engineering personnel will provide aerodynamic design support and trajectory simulations. Draper will provide carrier projectile integration support and overall system effectiveness background. During the Option Phase , a second iteration of sub-projectile design, prototype manufacturing and testing will occur. The Phase II effort will include adapting and optimizing the most promising sub-projectile designs and tooling up for production in the 1000s of parts per month. Benefits: The principal benefit of the multi-material cold-formed sub-projectiles will be that reasonably complicated aerodynamic shapes can be manufactured with relatively low cost and high volume production techniques. The tooling for the proposed forging or swaging operations is low temperature, and hence relatively inexpensive. No Hot Isostatic Press (HIP) or high temperature sintering furnaces are required for the Triton sub-projectile concept, as compared to conventional powder processing of Tungsten alloys. The Tungsten wire/rod elements used in the Triton sub-projectile cores are available at a price only slightly above the commodity Chinese bar and coarse powder prices. This is very much cheaper than the $80/lb. to $100/lb typically charged for finished Tungsten components. Whatever the outcome of the EMRG development effort, Triton believes that there may be other markets for the cold-formed hybrid projectile, or its basic manufacturing process. If the US Navy Barrage round emerges as a viable candidate for powder gun fire support missions, the Triton sub-projectile technology will be directly applicable. The US Army also has an extensive program in "Green Munitions", which seeks to remove lead from small arms kinetic energy projectiles. Triton's proposed manufacturing process may have direct applicability to the "Green Munitions" efforts. Return