New-Approach Electro-Mechanical S&A Device (EMSAD) Leapfrogs MEMS S&A Manufacturability & Cost
September 25, 2024
Suite 1A
Fuze - Distribution A
A new EMSAD manufacturing approach that eliminates the high cost historically associated with MEMS-based planar metal S&A mechanisms has been confirmed in successful ballistic testing ' demonstrating that fully-performing ultra-miniature S&As can be realized but at a small fraction of the former technology's cost. The paper explains the component- and integration-cost breakthroughs with an automation-based approach that virtually eliminates touch labor, and which reduces supply chain issues. The technical leapfrogging approach replicates and improves upon the reliability of the prior-generation devices by incorporating a more robust microscale firetrain, while integrating the whole assembly in the same 6.2 x 7.3 x 10.3 mm sealed metal S&A package. The paper outlines the path toward this goal and provides a basis for estimating the EMSAD's eventual cost as compared to the prior-generation typical hand-built electro-mechanical S&A systems. A successful EMSAD would likely be an affordable candidate for Medium-Caliber applications.