Small scale motor tests of ADN/GAP based propellants

Different ADN/GAP based propellants were evaluated as a potential replacement of the smoky AP based composite propellant and low signature double base propellants. The paper focuses on burning tests of propellants in a combustion chamber. The experimental results of an ADN/GAP, ADN/FOX12/GAP and Al/ADN/GAP propellant were compared with a standard Al/AP/HTPB propellant. In all cases the obtained experimental gravimetric specific impulse of the ADN/GAP based propellants were higher compared to the Al/AP/HTPB propellant. When it comes to the volumetric specific impulse the aluminized propellants exceed the non-metalized. But even in this case the aluminized ADN/GAP propellant outperforms the aluminized AP/HTPB. To achieve class 1.3 ADN was replaced by FOX 12 in parts.