U.S. Navy tests new warhead material

DAHLGREN, Va., Dec. 8 (UPI) -- A new material that increases the explosive force of shells has been demonstrated at the U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren, Va.

Called high-density reactive material, the technology is designed to replace steel in warhead casings.

"Today's test demonstrates this new material's potential and the ability of NAVSEA Warfare Center engineers and scientists to move it from the laboratory to full-scale working prototype in under a year to meet technology development goals," said NSWC Dahlgren Division Commander Capt. Michael Smith said after the Dec. 2 demonstration.

"It's a remarkable achievement that could not have been accomplished without close technical collaboration and effort between the Office of Naval Research, NSWC Dahlgren, NSWC Indian Head Division and industry."

HDRM was developed by Navy scientists and engineers by combining several metals and using standard manufacturing processes. Unlike conventional munitions, the innovative materials approach integrates the casing with warhead explosives.

"HDRM has demonstrated enhanced blast, multi-phase blast, and reactive fragments effects," said Jason Jouet, NSWC Indian Head Reactive Materials Team Lead. "With the strength of aluminum, density of steel, and more than 1 1/2 times the energy of TNT, HDRM is truly a revolutionary enabling technology."

The Navy said HDRM can easily replace steel in existing systems. It is also compatible with current warhead designs.

NSWC IHD's Reactive Materials Team has gradually scaled up its HDRM tests to gather measurable data on the materials destructive characteristics.

Critical data were collected during the test and are being analyzed, the Navy said.

"With this data, the Office of Naval Research can evaluate the best potential for further development related to a specific weapon system," it said.