ETC technology development at Soreq NRC, Israel

About ten Sears ago Soreq NRC, Israel initiated the development of SPETC (S olid Propellant Electro Thermal Chemical) technology. The program started w ith the support of: the BMDO (previously SDIO), the US Army SDC, ARL (US Ar my Research Laboratory), the German government and the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD), The goals of the program were to obtain a high muzzle energ y for ATBM (Anti Tactical Ballistic Missiles) as well as anti armor applica tions. At present the program is mainly sponsored by the IMOD. Several acti vities 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 e xtensively 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 d eveloped, External and intra cartridge injectors are being used and constan tly improved, In a field experiment conducted during the summer of 1993 rep eatability 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) Plas ma Ignited Combustion concept. The idea of using high loading density prope llants ignited by plasma is being investigated. The experimental and theore tical activities are directed to deeper the understanding of plasma propell ant interaction. Emphasis is given to basic experiments and theoretical mod eling.