Fast Rising B-Plug (FRBP) Service Life Extension Program (SLEP)
AFWERX · AFWERX TACFI · AFWERX
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Description
The Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Minuteman III (MMIII) weapon system represents a critical component of the U.S. Strategic Nuclear Triad. This system must remain operational at all times to support the speed and reach of ICBMs (including new/future ICBM technologies). The Fast Rising B-Plug (FRBP) system installed at MMIII Launch Facilities (LF)s is experiencing significant reliability issues and component failures, with diminishing availability of replacement parts. This TACFI effort will expand the currently contracted Phase III SBIR Energy Storage System Replacement (ESSR) for the FRBP Service Life Extension Program (SLEP), ultimately ensuring that all reliability, maintainability, and safety issues are addressed within the MMIII weapon system. The Energy Storage System (ESS) is used to supply power to the Motor Drive Cabinet (MDC) during FRBP operation, which provides access control to the MMIII LF Personnel Access Shaft (PAS). Select Engineering Services (SES) has designed and demonstrated a prototype ESS utilizing ultracapacitors and high-energy discharge to power the FRBP during both normal and emergency operations. This unique application of ultracapacitors will replace the existing mechanical flywheel ESS, substantially increasing reliability and system readiness. Further refinements to the ESS and control system will also be evaluated as a part of this effort.