SUMMARY
The CapTech Missiles and Munitions develops technology watch and multinational research projects on the most promising technologies for energetic materials, missiles and munitions, in the EDA framework and support of European defence capabilities.
The need to better understand, evaluate and analyse energetic materials (propellants, explosives and pyrotechnics) for munitions and missiles is a key driver of multinational cooperation. Also covered by the CapTech are topics such as: predictive modelling and simulation for missiles and munitions; developing knowledge of detonation and blast effects; research on ballistic design (internal, external and terminal ballistics), and integration of the same into weapons design. The shortfalls concerning upgrade firepower capabilities, development of next generation precision strike capabilities, extended weapons range, defence against threats and protection for own forces and non-combatants (e.g. camouflage via pyrotechnics or reduction of health and safety hazards) are supported by the CapTech activities.
The following technology categories are considered as the area of responsibility of the CapTech:
- Energetic Materials (propellants, explosives and pyrotechnics)
- Lethality & Platform Protection (penetrators, warheads and battle damage assessment)
- Propulsion of munitions and missiles
- Design Technologies for Platforms & Weapons (ballistic design)
- Sensor Systems (explosive detection)
- Weapons
- Sensor Systems (explosive detection)
- Design Technologies for Platforms & Weapons (ballistic design)
The work of the CapTech Missiles and Munitions generally ranges from TRL 2 to 6, with some projects achieving the level of demonstrator. For R&T efforts to be fruitful and contribute to defence needs and priorities, the CapTech activities are linked to EDA Capability Development Plan (CDP) addressing security and defence challenges in the short-, mid- and longer-term. In this way, for the CDP 20218 priorities, it mainly contributes to:
- Ground Combat Capabilities (precision strike, extend weapons range)
- Naval Manoeuvrability (surface superiority, long-range anti-ship/access denial capabilities)
- Underwater Control (anti-submarine warfare, anti-submarine weapons)
- Air Superiority (long-range strike, suppression of enemy air defence (A2/AD), hypersonic missiles, electronic attack capability, loitering munitions, rapid-fire)
CapTech Missiles and Munitions has a continuous interaction with other EDA CapTechs and working groups to understand and provide contributions for developing defence capabilities, definition of requirements and coordination of relevant activities. It may interact with other relevant organizations in order to exchange information, perform technology watch, investigate synergies and opportunities for joint activities in its area of responsibility. Examples of these organizations are the European Space Agency (ESA) and European Commission, among others.
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION
The CapTech Missiles and Munitions meets at least twice a year, normally at EDA premises, in Brussels. EDA participating Member States can offer to host meetings, upon national representative’s agreement. During such meetings, MODs representatives, designated as CapTech National Coordinators (CNC) meet and discuss areas with potential to develop multinational research projects, in consultation to the CapTech Governmental and non-Governmental members. Prior and right after a CapTech meeting or on another agreed date, dedicated workshops or seminars take place. The aim is to discuss specific technologies of interest and prepare project candidates to be submitted to CapTech Missiles and Munitions plenary meetings. The workshops are “hands-on” and participative, gathering subject matter experts.
To become a CapTech member as Governmental Expert (CGE) or non- Governmental Expert (CnGE), please follow the instructions included in the R&T General site, being aware that your request will be forwarded to your national authorities, in the person of the relevant CNC. The approval of the CNC will be needed to become a CGE or CnGE, and also for your participation in a CapTech event.
To structure the work programme, a dedicated Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) was developed by the group and a number of Technology Building Blocks (TBBs) identified. In 2020, for each TBB, an implementation roadmap was developed and approved by Member States. These roadmaps are currently in implementation and cover the following TBBs:
- Munition Life Management
- Insensitive Munitions (IM)
- Ignition Systems
- Precision guided munition & missiles
- High performance gun launch & missile propulsion
- Improved tools and methods for qualification and safety
- IED detection and defeat technologies
- High performance REACH compliant energetic materials
- Improved warhead and penetrator design
- Pyrotechnics for decoying and obscuring
- New production technologies for munition components
- Education and training for skills and competences
Besides the research activities foreseen in the above mentioned roadmaps, any CapTech member can propose ideas for new activities (projects, workshops, etc.) at any meeting. The ideas are debated among members in order to understand a clear expression of interest and potential to launch a cooperative project.
ACTIVITY
Current projects
- Additive Manufacturing Techniques for Energetic Materials (AMTEM)
- Stand-off detection of Hybrid threats containing Explosives (STYX)
- Prediction Models for Implementation of Munition Health Management (PREMIUM)
- European Detonation Code (EUDETCODE)
- Energetic Materials Production, Obsolescence and Formulation (EMPOF)
- Education and Training Programme on Energetic Materials (ETPEM)
- Reverse Calculation Method in Interior Ballistics and Improvement of Multiphysics Models (RECBALL)
- High Power Electromagnetic Munitions (HPEM) – Webnews
Projects finalized
- Munition-Life Management (MLM)
- Guided Munitions: Mission Abort System (MAS)
- Reduced Sensitivity Energetic Materials (RSEM - HPIC)
- Formulation and Production of New Energetic Materials (FPNEM)
- Energetic Materials Towards an Enhanced European Capability (EMTEEC)
- Environmental Responsible Munitions (ERM)
- Insensitive Munitions Ageing (IMA)
- Future Flares Composition (FFC)
- Scalable Effects for Missiles and Munitions (SEMM)
- Open Architecture for N-DOF simulation (OPAN-DOF)
Other activities:
- Small Arms Ammunition Workshop, 4 Feb 2021
- Technology Foresight Workshop on Hypervelocity Systems, 12-13 Oct 2020 – webnews link
- Projectiles for Increased Long-range effects Using electroMagnetic railgun (PILUM) – webnews link