ETC technology development at Soreq NRC, Israel

About ten years ago Soreq NRC, Israel initiated the development of SPETC (solid propellant electro thermal chemical) technology. The program started with the The BMDO (previously SDIO), the US Army SDC, ARL (US Army Research Laboratory), the German government and the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD). The goals of the program were to obtain a high muzzle energy for ATBM (anti tactical ballistic missiles) as well as anti armor applications. At present the program is mainly sponsored by the IMOD. Several activities are performed for other organizations such as the ARL. An infrastructure that includes an indoor firing range and a modular pulsed power system was built. Plasma ignition of solid propellant was explored extensively and its advantages were demonstrated. Smooth ballistic processes that are controlled by plasma energy were achieved. Boost experiments were conducted and the boost's effect was studied. Plasma injectors are being developed. External and intra cartridge injectors are being used and constantly improved. In a field experiment conducted during the summer of 1993 repeatability and controllability were demonstrated. At present, the advantages of plasma ignition together with the drawback of the low density of electric energy led the activity towards the (PIC) plasma ignited combustion concept. The idea of using high loading density propellants ignited by plasma is being investigated. The experimental and theoretical activities are directed to deeper the understanding of plasma propellant interaction. Emphasis is given to basic experiments and theoretical modeling.