Flight Termination System

The Flight Termination System (FTS) from PacSci EMC is a safety-critical product configured, tested, and qualified to meet range and program requirements for missiles, rockets launching satellites, and unmanned Aircraft Vehicles (UAVs). It is designed to effectively protect a system by preventing inadvertent initiation of a Flight Destruct/Termination System (FTS) or rocket motor ignition, working only on command. The system ensures compliance with Range Safety requirements, particularly RCC-319, which governs the safety of people and missions during launch and flight operations by rendering errant power stages or propulsion systems non-propulsive. The FTS offers a low-risk, best-value solution with flight heritage, functioning safely and reliably on command. It can be provided as off-the-shelf or custom-designed solutions.

Key features include 5 redundant Ordnance events, an interface with Mission Computers via a High-Speed serial Bus, and Built-in Test capabilities that monitor electronics status and the quality of fiber optic connections to laser initiators. It utilizes rugged Fiberoptic cables and an Optical Block for MIL-STD-1901A Compliance. The Sequencer Assembly is qualified to MIL-STD-1901A, and the Flight Termination Assembly is qualified to RCC319. The system can include Automated Flight Termination System capabilities, Skin Severance, and Motor venting. Complete systems are available, including ESAD (Electronic Safe and Arm Device), LEEFI (Laser-Enabled Explosive Firing Initiator), Transfer lines, and destruct charges. Autonomous capability is also available, along with qualified linear and bulk charges.

PacSci EMC collaborates with Space Information Laboratories (SIL) to offer a complete Autonomous Flight Safety System (AFSS). This collaboration combines PacSci EMC’s 50+ years of heritage in flight termination safe and arm and ordnance destruct charges with SIL’s Vehicle Based Independent Tracking System (VBITS) and 2i-ion Batteries. The combined AFSS offers custom design solutions, range safety tailoring, qualification, and vehicle integration support. It is a mission-critical solution for Launch Vehicles, Hypersonic Vehicles, Re-entry Vehicles, Tactical & Strategic Missiles, and Target Missiles. The AFSS features an Open, modular, stackable, and reconfigurable (OSMR) design, plug-and-play functionality, simplified instrumentation operation and maintenance, a fault-tolerant processor and electronics, and easy scalability. Advantages of the AFSS include cost reduction due to decreased need for ground-based assets, global coverage (not restricted to launch from a range), increased launch responsiveness, increased boundary limits due to improved response time, and the ability to support multiple vehicles simultaneously. Autonomous decision-making is critical for future launch cadence and is mandated by the United States Air Force for all space launch missions from eastern and western ranges by 2023.