Objective:
Regulations governing lead compounds continually become more severe, particularly outside the continental United States (OCONUS). In support of sustaining the Department of Defense's (DoD) ability to test, train, and operationally use 2.75-inch rockets, this project will demonstrate and validate a lead-free ballistic modifier for rocket motor propellants. In addition to being lead-free, the ballistic modifier will have a Hazard Class of 1.3, be processed by extrusion, and will meet all performance and shelf-life requirements. Technology Description: The Naval Ordnance Station at Indian Head, Maryland developed the current propellant formulation that is used in 2.75-inch rocket applications (HYDRA-70, APKWS, etc.). This rocket propellant uses a ballistic modifier salt combination that contains both lead beta recorcylate and copper oxide. The 2.75-inch rocket motor propellant chemistry has undergone few changes since its inception. During a previous study under Strategic Environmental Research Development Program (SERDP) project WP-1058, research was initiated to evaluate bismuth compounds to replace lead as ballistic modifiers. More recently, under the efforts of the Army Environmental Quality Technology (EQT) program, work has been performed to refine this technology to meet the requirements of future weapon system technologies. Additionally, the Army EQT program funded a separate program to evaluate this technology specifically for the 2.75-inch rocket. The non-lead catalyst to be demonstrated in this project contains a combination of aluminum, bismuth, and carbon black compounds. Some ingredients are nanometer-particle sized. Expected Benefits: The integration of a lead-free modifier will have a positive economical impact for DoD because of the reduction in reporting cost, waste stream, and occupational exposure liabilities. Replacement of lead compounds with bismuth compounds will minimize exposure issues during manufacturing and use. Lead-free alternative propellants will reduce risks to the environment when training and testing near environmentally sensitive areas. Additionally, DoD's burden from disposal of excess propellant and out-of-shelf-life motors will be reduced. The U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine previously has concluded that bismuth compounds are much less toxic than lead compounds. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2009) Principal Investigator: Mr. Darren Thompson Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center AMSRD-AMR-PS-PT Building 7120 Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898 Telephone: (256) 955-8556 Fax: (256) 955-7748 E-mail: darren.thompson@us.army.mil
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