N07-16240mm Low/Medium Velocity Air Bursting Munitions System TPOC: (703)432-3676
U.S. Marine Corps Small Business Research Program 2200 Lester St. Quantico VA 22134 [email protected] This page last updated on 5/6/2011 OBJECTIVE: Provide the individual Marine Infantryman with air bursting munitions to enhance his battlefield effectiveness. DESCRIPTION: The Marine Corps is interested in a new generation of 40mm low/medium velocity munitions and the corresponding fire control system if necessary that could provide higher lethality and increased effectiveness against concealed or defilade targets. Currently, the 40mm low velocity munitions are of the point detonation design. With the addition of airburst munitions, Marines will be provided the capability of engaging enemy combatants in varying types of terrain and battlefield conditions. Current technologies involve either computing the time of flight and setting the fuse for a time or counting revolutions with an input to the system to tell it to detonate after a specific number of turns. Both of these technologies allow for significant variability in the actual height of the airburst thereby limiting the expected effectiveness. This system could be envisioned as a smart fuse that always knows how far the round is from the impact point. Designing a fuse that can be depended upon to burst at 2 meters (or another to be determined specific value) from the target would greatly increase the effectiveness of the round. A fire control system or possibly a weapon upgrade kit that attaches to the current legacy systems (M32 Multi-shot and M203 under barrel launcher) and the anticipated XM320 single shot launcher via a muzzle attachment device for programming the round’s impact height if variability is part of the design. The technology could also be used for non-lethal systems so that a high velocity round could be slowed at a specific distance from a target. PHASE I: The contractor shall research and investigate the development of a fuse initiator that would fit within the 40MM round that can provide airburst at a specified distance from a target. Additionally, if the proposed solution requires, a methodology to attach a muzzle device and/or fire control system to the current family of low velocity grenade launchers. The contractor shall provide as much detail as possible and submit a report of the results. The expected technologies include a laser or other directed energy rangefinder that can be included within the round. The Marine Corps will review the submitted reports and select a contractor or contractors for the next phase PHASE II: The contractor will manufacture prototype hardware, conduct system testing and submit a detailed report of findings and overall system performance. The contractor shall deliver 1 approved proof-of-concept hardware set to the Marine Corps for inclusion in an existing 40 mm grenade. Develop a relationship with an ammunition manufacturer to allow commercialization. PHASE III: The contractor partner with an existing grenade manufacturer to integrate the developed system onto a host weapon for conducting live fire training on the range. The contractor and partner shall provide sufficient ammunition for training and live fire testing PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Commercial application could include other federal, or state agencies, police departments, and homeland defense. REFERENCES:
1. http://www.marines.cc/content/view/82/56/ 2. http://usmilitary.about.com/od/marines/l/blinfantry.htm 3. http://usmilitary.about.com/od/armyweapons/l/aainfantry1.htm 4. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/mk285.htm Back to Top
MST Price at posting:
0.1¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held