The objective of this Statement of Need (SON) was to develop novel pyrotechnics systems and manufacturing processes that would significantly reduce the environmental impact of pyrotechnics. Alternatives for perchlorates, lead and hexavalent chromium in pyrotechnics have been demonstrated to meet performance requirements and implemented for several high use systems. However, for next generation pyrotechnics and remaining applications, the Department of Defense needs novel pyrotechnic formulations and engineering solutions that produce multi-color signals, minimal smoke, highly efficient combustion, or non-combustion signals. Novel energetics were needed to provide high color purity, efficient combustion and low smoke to reduce the need for metal colorants. Alternative non-combustion methods of enhancing the color/smoke generations could also have been investigated. Methods of enhancing the color while reducing the size and weight of the item should have been considered. Additional consideration was given to “tunable” pyrotechnic in which a single flare could be used for multi-color purpose. Higher costs for novel pyrotechnic approaches could require that they be evaluated in specialty applications or multi- color or smaller hand held signals.

If the use of non-organic technology such as electronics was considered, the environmental impact of use on ranges would need to have been evaluated against the current risk.

Novel manufacturing or engineering processes also should have been investigated. Manufacturing improvements that reduced cost, environmental impact and could be implemented with current technology should have been considered.

This SON addressed the following:

• Perchlorate oxidizer in pyrotechnics
• Fuels and dyes used in pyrotechnic color smokes
• Solvents used in energetics manufacturing.

Proposals should have included a plan to conduct a Sustainability Analysis of appropriate proportion for the proposed research and development. Proposals should have established a lifecycle framework that could mature as the technology or process advances through the acquisition process. This tiered approach aimed to develop and document a minimum data set at each stage of research and development that could be used to make informed decisions and streamline transition to an acquisition program. The Sustainability Analysis could have included varying depths of data and information that can inform: the goal and scope of an analysis; the identity and quantity of relevant inputs and outputs to the system; and the estimation of life cycle impacts and costs.

Funded projects will appear below as project overviews are posted to the website.