Long Rod Delivery System

Create a system capable of launching long rod threats with controlled angle of attack

The lack of a non-destructive, high-precision launching method for high length-to-diameter (L/D) projectiles fundamentally degrades the fidelity of Live Fire Test and Evaluation (LFT&E) data. For the Air Force, this deficiency directly compromises the development of penetrating munitions, degrades the survivability assessments of aerospace platforms, and introduces significant acquisition risks due to flawed test data and increased testing costs. Currently, there is not means of reliably controlling or manipulating the flight of a long rod projectile such that it consistently reaches a target location at a specific orientation. Providing means of accomplishing this feat advances DoW test capabilities for critical data underpinning analytical vulnerability assessments and engineering designs improving the survivability posture of current and next generation combat aircraft.

Conduct a comprehensive feasibility study evaluating alternative launching technologies (e.g., advanced light-gas, hybrid electromagnetic, pneumatic) against the requirement to launch high L/D ratio projectiles (1,400 m/s to >2,300 m/s) without structural degradation. Develop a conceptual design and utilize analytical modeling and simulation to predict internal ballistics, projectile acceleration curves, and exit velocities. Identify technical risks and propose mitigation strategies.

Execute the Phase I maturation plan by engineering, fabricating, and testing a sub-scale or full-scale prototype launching system. Conduct live-fire demonstrations using inert long-rod projectiles to validate the system's velocity range, repeatability, and precision. Integrate high-speed diagnostics (e.g., flash X-ray, high-speed imaging) to conclusively verify the structural integrity, pitch, and yaw of the projectile upon muzzle exit. Validate the system's operational viability for generating actionable LFT&E data (e.g., ballistic limit testing).

Transition the mature technology to government and contractor testing facilities. Integrate the launching system into major Department of War (DoW) LFT&E ranges (Army, Navy, Air Force) to support acquisition programs evaluating next-generation vehicle, aviation, and body armor. Concurrently, pursue commercialization pathways by adapting the technology for dual-use applications, such as civilian materials science research, spacecraft micrometeoroid shielding evaluation, and industrial hypervelocity impact studies.