Fluidic Generator to Power Rocket Proximity Fuze

A fluidic generator has been designed to satisfy the power requirement of a rocket proximity fuze. The design was based on the generator used with the XM445 time fuze for the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). Power output was increased to approximately 5 W at pressure above 10 psig by increasing the diameter of the coil wire (No. 30 versus 36 AWG), reducing the number of turns (559 versus 1500), and increasing the value of the coupling capacitor (0.4 versus 0.022 micrometer F) to achieve optimum matching into a 120 load. The product was evaluated in a configuration where open space within the fuze nose cone was reduced to accommodate a fuze antenna. The ability of the generator to survive pressure extremes normally encountered by MLRS flight and to provide sustaining power to a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor timer at flight apogee was successfully demonstrated. The fluidic generator retains its ability to provide a second independent environmental signature to the safety and arming device.