Thermal Protection Material for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Interceptor
ID: MDA242-D008Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

Thermal Protection Material for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Interceptor

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTHYear: 2024

Topic Link

https://www.sbir.gov/node/2608971

Additional Information

https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/
Timeline
  1. 1
    Release Apr 17, 2024 12:00 AM
  2. 2
    Open May 15, 2024 12:00 AM
  3. 3
    Next Submission Due Jun 12, 2024 12:00 AM
  4. 4
    Close Jun 12, 2024 12:00 AM
Description

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the development of thermal protection materials for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Interceptor. The THAAD missile operates in extreme environments, and the government is looking for lightweight materials that can enhance the interceptor's ability to survive and succeed in dynamic engagements. The focus of this solicitation is on the demonstration of advanced ceramic nanofiber-based thermal protection system (TPS) materials. Specifically, the government is interested in the ability to produce castable, rigid structures from nanofibers.

The project will be conducted in two phases. In Phase I, proposers are expected to have a concept for a workable prototype or design that addresses the basic capabilities of the objective. Feasibility documentation, including technical reports, test data, and prototype designs, must be provided. Proposers interested in participating in Direct to Phase II must also demonstrate Phase I feasibility and describe potential commercialization applications.

Phase II will focus on demonstrating the performance of the advanced ceramic nanofiber-based TPS materials in a simulated operating environment. This includes verifying enhanced performance over current state-of-the-art, identifying integration risks, and resolving them. Additionally, alternative form-factor variants of nanofibers will be explored to enable further improvements to the interceptor TPS. A pilot line will be constructed and operated to ensure sufficient output capacity for government contractors' testing needs.

The ultimate goal of this project is to develop insulating materials that can be used in other interceptors operating in extreme environments, as well as in mechanical structures such as spacecraft. The project will also deliver a report on costs and engineering pathways to scale output of ceramic nanofiber material. The report will provide transparency on formulas and enable accurate extrapolation of actions to achieve Phase III demands.

The solicitation is currently open, with a closing date of June 12, 2024. More information can be found on the grants.gov website or the DOD SBIR/STTR Opportunities page.

Files
No associated files provided.
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