Conventional solid propellants are ignited once and cannot be extinguished, burning until zero propellant remains. However, this technology allows solid propellants to be ignited and extinguished on-demand using a novel solid propellant formulation and a reusable electrical igniter. This enables long-range divert and attitude control systems (DACS) to intercept hypersonic missiles fielded by near-peer adversaries. The propellant was demonstrated in ground-based hot-fire testing. Physical Sciences Inc. develops advanced technologies for the defense sector in optics, lasers, sensors, propulsion, and energetics. Targeted platforms consist of propulsion systems for missiles and interceptors including thrust control motors and dual-pulse rocket motors. Our ultimate goal is to obtain non-SBIR matching funds for flight demonstration of a 5 inch diameter motor, followed by full-scale Navy thrust control motors.
The technology consists of a high-power primary battery for sonobuoy applications that can be stored in an inert state and rapidly activated on demand. Imperia Batteries, a division of Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), develops and produces specialty Li-ion batteries that meet and exceed the unique safety and performance needs of the Navy and DOD in general. Initial targeted platforms include navigational buoy systems, unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), and unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) missions. A sustained competitive advantage is provided as this technology allows persistent monitoring of an ocean area through fixed and mobile sensor networks that require robust, long endurance power sources. Phase II prototyping has verified the functionality and innovation of the technology. The ultimate goal is to integrate and transition this technology into government and prime contractor systems for a stand-alone sonobuoy power source.
The technology consists of a distinct non-flammable lithium metal cell design that will employ proprietary high active (HA) coated materials and nonflammable electrolyte to produce safer cells with enhanced energy and power density. Imperia Batteries, a division of Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), develops and produces specialty Li-ion batteries that meet and exceed the unique safety and performance needs of the Navy and DOD in general. Initial targeted programs and platforms include PMA-234 Airborne Electronic Attack Systems Program Office, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). A sustained competitive advantage is provided as this technology provides safe, high energy and power density energy storage for numerous Navy and DOD applications. Phase II prototyping has verified the functionality and innovation of the technology. The ultimate goal is to integrate and transition this technology into government and Raytheon IDS (RTN) systems.
PSI’s high-speed, visible-near infrared/shortwave infrared hyperspectral imager will enable minefield detection through novel, staring-mode system architecture and automated anomaly and target detection algorithms. The sensor is designed to detect minefields consisting of surface laid mines and obstacles as well as buried mines from an unmanned aerial system (UAS) platform with high spatial/spectral resolution and minimal motion-induced artifacts. The sensor also has applications to UAS-borne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Performance has been demonstrated under limited operational conditions. PSI is a leader in the development of novel, spectro radiometric and hyperspectroscopic sensors with accompanying detection algorithms for field-based and airborne platforms for military and aerospace markets. Our ultimate goal is to transition this technology to government or prime contractors for ISR and minefield detection.
Providing technology solutions and innovative products, this organization has developed and successfully demonstrated an engineered material that when heated emits in a wavelength range ideally matched to a thermo-photovoltaic (TPV) cell. Addressing future Navy / Marine Corps need for compact, efficient power sources, the enhanced efficiency of this fuel to energy conversion process is the core of the all solid-state generator. Achieving power densities greater than 100 W/kg and energy densities greater than 1200 W-hr/kg, the combustion TPV has no moving parts, is quieter, and has lower maintenance costs. With an energy density ten times that of rechargeable batteries, the TPV reduces logistics costs and maintenance burden on Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs).
