Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWPNS), China Lake, and Thiokol Corp. of Ogden, Utah, entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), with the ultimate goal of testing a warhead containing an explosive substance that will demonstrate performance significantly above that of existing explosives. That substance has the tongue twisting name Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane, fortunately also known as CL-20, a substance which, by any other name, may prove to be the world's most powerful, non-nuclear, explosive.

First synthesized in 1987, by Dr. Arnold Nielson, this unique cyclic nitramine was recognized as having a greater energy output than existing energetic (explosive) ingredients, while having an acceptable level of insensitivity to shock and other external stimuli. This fit in nicely with the Navy's 1989 decree for development of "insensitive munitions," capable of withstanding unplanned exposure to external forces. CL-20-based formulations were also clean burning, with less signature, and also met environmental requirements emphasized by the government.

Unfortunately, CL-20 was very costly to produce. When Dr. Nielson first synthesized a few grams of CL-20, the extrapolated cost to produce a pound, by that method, would have been several thousand dollars. Both China Lake and Thiokol have worked to bring down the cost of production, and customers can now pay around $400 per pound -- with a further reduction to around $100 per pound expected. Understand-ably, cost reduction is a major benefit expected to be gained from the CRADA. Successful completion of the CRADA and demonstration of further potential of CL-20 should increase demand with resulting cost reductions.

Under the terms of the three-year agreement NAWCWPNS will "provide the personnel, facilities, equipment and materials necessary to characterize CL-20; formulate, test, and evaluate CL-20-based explosives; and test and evaluate subscale warheads." Thiokol Corp. will "provide the personnel, facilities, equipment, and materials necessary; and will provide 250 lbs. of epsilon (polymorph) CL-20 for this effort to support preparation of subscale samples and other tasks."

CL-20-based products are in a "dual use" technology category with applications for the military, as well as commercial use that should help in the government's efforts to stimulate the economy. Thiokol has been commercially marketing the basic ingredient as well as end-product formulations for explosives, gun propellants and, to a lesser degree, rocket propellants. Bob Wardle, supervisor of the Propellant Research Section at Thiokol reports that the oil well industry has already begun to use CL-20 based explosive charges. "Special demolition" and high-rate detonating cord are seen as other commercial applications.

NAWCWPNS has had an ongoing insensitive munitions advanced development (IMAD) project to develop a CL-20-based propellant for air-launched propulsion with high performance, low plume signature, and clean exhaust products.

This CRADA was in the works for five years.

For more information please contact:

Bill Webster
(619) 939-1074; Fax: (619) 939-1210