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Alternate, Environmentally-Friendly Propulsion Concepts for High Performance

SERDP, Weapons Systems and Platforms Program Area

Released October 28, 2021

Closed January 6, 2022


FY 2023
  1. Work With Us
  2. SERDP Core FY 2023 Solicitation

Objective of Proposed Work

The objective of this Statement of Need (SON) was to investigate novel energetics formulations or engineering approaches in propulsion systems to meet current and future mission requirements across the Department of Defense, while substantially reducing or eliminating ammonium perchlorate (AP), and completely eliminating RDX and isocyanates.

Requirements for this notional system include a high performance tactical rocket motor that is 10″ diameter by 90″ long, where length is measured from the forward dome of the motor pressure vessel to the exit plane of the nozzle, and is typically loaded with a solid aluminized composite propellant (AP & aluminum) to maximize total impulse. Assuming a very high volumetric loading efficiency, differences in motor case design, and nozzle configuration, the propellant load-out for this hypothetical motor is theoretically in excess of 300 lbs, and potentially up to 315 lbs. Maximum theoretical delivered impulse is approximately 80,000 lbf-s. Replacement of the current aluminized composite propellant solution with one that eliminates AP is the goal. Propulsion and/or formulation solutions should be proposed for a 10-inch diameter form factor, delivering comparable total impulse. In propulsion solutions that deviate from traditional solid propellants, such as hybrid or liquids, ancillary components like tankage, valving, gas generators, etc., should be considered and discussed in the proposed effort. Expected propellant data for this notional approach will require the normal characterization (below) in order to validate the assumptions.

                                             Propellant Characterization Requirements
WPSON-23-C6 Table

Proposals addressing this SON should utilize a systems approach whereby alternative ingredients are tested in appropriate formulations with coupled engineering solutions rather than as drop in replacements to meet explosive or propulsive performance.

Material substitutions must result in at least equivalent performance and less risk to the environment. Full proposals will be required to include at least a preliminary assessment of the human health and environmental impacts of proposed ingredients, formulations, and byproducts. These proposals should establish a baseline lifecycle framework and identify the elements of a life cycle inventory that are already known, those that will be investigated during the course of the project, and those that are beyond the scope of the proposed work. Proposers are also encouraged to consider effects of higher temperature operational conditions.

This SON is not addressing new molecules, rather new formulations that might utilize new materials in concert with legacy approaches. It is expected that unique propulsion concepts including (but not limited to) bipropellants, hybrids, air-breathing, ducted rockets and electrically-initiated concepts would be considered.

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

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Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP)

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Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Energy Resilience & Optimization) 
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  • Project Directory
  • Chemicals & Materials Energy & Water Test & Training Lands PFAS Infrastructure Other Chemicals of Concern UXO
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  • WEBINARS
  • RESOURCES
  • ABOUT US
Login to SEMS
Mailing List
 

Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Energy Resilience & Optimization) 
3500 Defense Pentagon, RM 5C646
Washington, DC 20301-3500

Phone (571) 372-6565

Contact | Accessibility | FOIA Requests | Privacy Policy | Copyright Information | Media/Press 

About DoD | DoD Information Quality | No Fear Act | Plain Language | Privacy Program | USA.gov