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Overview

Many of today's missiles, launch vehicles, and aircraft crew escape systems have ordnance events initiated and sequenced using a network of Explosive Signal Transfer devices. Downstream of the electric initiator, mechanical initiator or electronic Safe and Arm firing device, the Explosive Signal Transfer system provides for non-electric energy transmission to the ordnance functions. It's operational function is analogous to that of an electrical system where the signal can be multiplexed, modulated and delayed in time to sequence functions on a vehicle.

Application

The advantage of non-electric devices is that they are highly resistant to electrostatic discharge, electromagnetic discharge or stray vehicle currents. Further, multiple events can be initiated from a single electrical command, simplifying vehicle avionics and power requirements. In many cases the result is a more reliable, lower cost system solution. For aircraft crew escape, non-electric devices will function in emergency situations where electrical power may be interrupted or unreliable.

In launch vehicles, explosive signal transfer is used for most vehicle events including motor ignition, stage and fairing separation, and command and inadvertent separation flight termination. EBA&D products are qualified and used on virtually all ranges in the continental United States.

Features

The Explosive Signal Transfer system is comprised of a signal transfer line working together with manifolds that distribute the signal simultaneously to multiple transfer lines. Explosive time delay devices can be utilized in between the transfer lines to delay one channel with respect to the other. Other devices such as disconnects can be employed to provide a separable interface plane within the signal transfer line. A typical application of a delay function is to sequence launch vehicle stage separation and motor ignition events. Signal transfer can be interrupted by a specific device to 'safe' a launch vehicle inadvertent separation destruct system (ISDS) in order to de-activate destruct functions upon proper separation of strap-on boosters during normal flight. Disconnects are typically utilized at staging locations of a missile or launch vehicle, maintaining signal transfer reliability while also providing for a means to safely disconnect the system during flight.

EBA&D has a range of qualified products to provide the functionality needed for an Explosive Signal Transfer system for your vehicle. EBA&D's explosive transfer system components are also qualified to work in concert with downstream mechanisms such as Stage and Fairing Separation Joints, Actuators, Cable and Bolt Cutters, Valves, Motor Igniters and other devices.

The devices described in this section are:

  • Flexible Confined Detonating Cord Assemblies
  • Shock Tube Assemblies
  • Manifolds
  • Disconnects
  • Interrupters
  • Ordnance Delay Assembly Systems
  • Digital Delay Elements