Alternative Countermeasure Igniter Composition with Low Moisture Susceptibility Navy SBIR FY2015.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2015.1 Topic No.: N151-025 Topic Title: Alternative Countermeasure Igniter Composition with Low Moisture Susceptibility Proposal No.: N151-025-0752 Firm: TDA Research, Inc. 12345 W. 52nd Ave. Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80033 Contact: Girish Srinivas Phone: (303) 940-2321 Abstract: Airborne Expendable Infrared Countermeasures (AEIRCMs) are deployed to alter the trajectory of infrared guided missiles that pose a threat to aircraft. Many AEIRCMs utilized by the Navy are ignited using a Safe-and-Arm (S&A) igniter assembly that ignites a Magnesium/Teflonr/Vitonr (MTV) pellet, which in turn transfers energy to the countermeasure's first fire/main grain. MTV, however, degrades quickly in the presence of moisture. Furthermore, magnesium reacts with moisture to form hydrogen gas (H2), which is highly flammable and potentially dangerous upon ignition. Most importantly, the degradation of the MTV igniter pellet can result in non-ignitions, putting personnel who rely on countermeasures in danger when their protection is needed most. What is needed is an igniter formulation that retains the combustion and burning properties of the current MTV ignition formulation, but is less susceptible to degradation by moisture. TDA has identified igniter formulations that are more moisture stable than MTV and can be formulated to retain the energetic performance of the current MTV formulation. Thus, TDA will develop a drop-in replacement for the current MTV ignition composition that is more stable in the presence of moisture. Benefits: The main objective of this proposed research is to produce a moisture stable igniter formulation to replace the current MTV formulation in Navy AEIRCMs. The resulting formulations will have a long storage life and will reduce the incidences of AEIRCM non-fires, thus better protecting the personnel who utilize them. Additionally, there is potentially a high demand for moisture stable energetic formulations in civilian markets as well, for example in underwater welding applications, pyrotechnics, and fireworks. Return