Development of Rf-insensitive Electric Primers

The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), is the lead technical activity in an effort to develop electric primers which are insensitive to radio frequency (RF) energy. The program is specifically directed at solving the Navy's worst Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO) problem, 20 mm ammunition used with the PHALANX Close-In Weapon System (CIWS). The technical approach highlights a novel semiconductor device, BY which is used as an ignition element for the primer. eliminating the need to ignite the mix directly with the firing voltage, it is possible to replace the electrically sensitive mix with a less sensitive, non-conductive mix. This significantly reduces the risk of initiation from stray RF energy. Results from direct current (DC) firing, RF sensitivity, and interior ballistics tests are very encouraging. RF-insensitive electric primers will greatly improve the safety of electrically primed ammunition without the need to limit the emissions of critical shipboard surveillance and communications equipments.