GLOWSENS, LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N231-005

Description

Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) has expressed, via SBIR N231-005, a need to observe the flight path of 40mm projectiles, in order to reduce the time required to adjust fire without exposing the firing position using luminescent tracer technology. Our objective is to develop the capability for the observation of projectile trajectories, with a desired degree of visibility (DOV). Therefore, correction to trajectories may be made immediately upon firing via direct observation of trace, thereby significantly increasing the warfighters effectiveness on the battlefield. The MCSC Technical Points of Contact (TPOCs) have identified the 40mm ammunition types with the greatest need for luminescent capability as the MK281 training-practice (T-P, all variants/MODs) and M430A1 high explosive dual purpose (HEDP) high velocity (HV) variants. Incendiary tracer ammunition is the standard solution to observe trajectories. This capability has inherent downsides. From a warfighting perspective, DOV is such that it risks revealing the gunner’s position and from a safety & training perspective, it is the leading cause of range fires. The United States Army (USA) has explored a range of various tracer technologies that have been designated as “One Way Luminescent” (OWL). Strictly defined, luminescence is cold light where heat is not involved. Contrary to this designation, some USA OWL technologies are non-luminescent and are in fact incendiary. Additionally, some the previously tested OWL technologies have been found to degrade during storage, resulting in diminished visibility. Novel luminescent tracer solutions are needed to improve the warfighter’s capability. The founders of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) startup company, GlowSens, LLC have been involved in the research and development of luminescent tracer ammunition since 2005. GlowSens was formed in 2022 to support the commercialization of luminescent technologies. This combined GlowSens-UL Lafayette team is able to leverage the University’s experience, expertise and capabilities in the development of novel luminescent technologies. To date, the GS Team has tested more than 250 different luminescent materials and produced, fired, and observed many thousands of rounds of luminescent tracer ammunition. GlowSens founders are the original inventors of luminescent tracer ammunition (USPTO #8,402,896, Hybrid-Luminescent Munition Projectiles). This technology transfer represents the only commercially available luminescent tracer ammunition; offered by small arms ammunition manufacturer Ammo, Incorporated (ammoinc.com/product-category/product-family/streak-ammunition/) as Streak ™. We have secured letters of support from manufacturers which ensures timely commercial availability of luminescent tracer technology optimized for 40mm ammunition. MCSC will be able to rapidly integrate this technology into the supply chain once SBIR requirements have been met.