Highly Loaded Grain in 2.75" Form Factor - SBIR Topic DON26BZ01-DV004
Disclaimer:
This topic was temporarily posted by the Department of War SBIR Program on March 2nd 2026 and removed the following day.
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Funding Amount:
Est. $2 Million.
Deadline to Apply:
Est. April 29th, 2026.
Objective:
Design, develop, and demonstrate a Highly Loaded Grain (HLG) technology in a 2.75 inch rocket motor to extend range in a tactically relevant form factor.
The objective of this SBIR Direct to Phase II topic is to utilize HLG to increase the range available in a 2.75” rocket motor and advance the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) of HLG technology. HLG is a propellant technology that improves total impulse in a given volume, as well as provides capability for mission flexibility. The Mk66 is a low cost 2.75” rocket motor utilizing minimum smoke propellent and is in use with unguided rockets and the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS II) All Up Round (AUR). Increasing the range available at an affordable cost in a Mk66 motor case is needed to pace emerging threats.
Description:
Key Technology Guidelines:
Rocket motor case: 2.75" Mk 66 case
Grain design: HLG propulsion technology
Ballistics software: CLWire provided by the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD)
Risk posture: Low/moderate risk for non-HLG specific components
Total Impulse: Increase by 30%
Thrust Profile: Implement all-boost and boost/sustain thrust profile with performance guidelines provided by NAWCWD (Maximum Expected Operating Pressure (MEOP) and initial thrust dictated by legacy Mk 66 system)
Propellant: Objective: Min-Smoke, Threshold: Reduced Smoke
Materials: Maximize compatibility/usage of existing rocket motor materials (propellant oxidizers and binders, insulation, liners, etc.)
Environments: thermal (-65 °F to 160 °F) (-53.9 °C to 71.1 °C) and mechanical environments (shock/vibe) required to enter military usage.
Nozzle and igniter: medium risk with path towards tactical design.
Who will win?
If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.
Who is eligible to apply?
Any company that meets the following criteria:
For-profit company
U.S.-owned and controlled.
500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)
How Can BW&CO Help?
1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.
2) Proposal strategy and review.
3) Administrative & compliance support.
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