Infrared Crucible

Quoin, International received a contract from NAWCWD China Lake to design and build IR Crucibles for the US Navy. 

The IR crucible,  actually an infrared target, is basically a metal container filled with material that burns at high temperatures which causes the shell to glow red generating a mid-wave (3-5 microns). It heats to about 1700 degree F and glows for a few minutes, emitting an infrared (IR) signature. The crucibles are attached to Navy drones (a small target aircraft with radar emitter) to test IR weapons (such as the Stinger) and operate to make these target drones brighter and more visible to the missiles by augmenting the amount of heat emitted. The intent of the missile is to hone in on the target, located on the wing tip, without hitting the drone.

The Navy had been having a difficult time purchasing a quality crucible product worthy of the cost. The previous crucible designs had a 50 per-cent failure rate. Though one crucible is a fairly simple unit, when the product malfunctions, a small ticket item can create mass (and expensive) test failure.

The Navy aware of Quoin’s reputation for developing the FireQuick flare products- sought Quoin’s help last year in creating a new Infrared Crucible. Engaging the Navy in the design process, Quoin reversed the engineering tests by beginning with the faults of the previous crucibles. Quoin developed a device that was not as explosive, using a "flammable solid", which has fewer restrictions than that of an "explosive." This increased the reliability factor 100 percent and reduced the cost by half. Using a mix of compressed powder, this innovative electric igniter (rather than a squib) costs only three cents using common electrical components rather than an explosive.

Quoin will manufacture the crucibles at their Ridgecrest CA facility.

Rapid Targeting Systems Deployment Support

Quoin Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, NAWCWPNS Rapid Targeting Systems Deployment Support (RTS DS) activities provide dsystems engineering and collateral program support for the deployment of Rapid Targeting Systems to demonstrations and field operations. The purpose of the RTS DS effort is to continue to develop and demonstrate technologies that will speed up the preparation of targeting materials such that the required operational tempo can be supported. The Rapid Targeting System provides targeting materials directly to the cockpits of aircraft that are primarily going after mobile targets that aircrews operating on alert haven’t had the opportunity to preplan. This capability can take video or images from diverse platforms and transpose it over nationally acquired satellite photos and then match the two in real time to get precise target coordinates. It essentially provides television to the cockpit to put bombs on target. In program management, Quoin provides support for program planning cost estimates and budget allocations, action item tracking, deployment schedule coordination, resource allocations and utilization, database management, analytical support of program control requirements and the preparation of briefing and presentation materials.

Tactical Aircraft Infrared Avionics Support

Quoin supported NAWCWPNS Tactical Strike Aircraft Infrared (IR) Electro-Optical (EO) Avionics Systems program by providing senior level technical support staff. Quoin’s collateral support includes the performance of IR systems analysis and evaluation of Advanced Forward-looking IR (FLIR) and IR Search and Track (IRST) systems that are in engineering development model and advanced development phases. Additionally, Quoin reviewed and evaluated laboratory and factory testing as well as risk management processes and status. Quoin also supports the acquisition of new advanced IR systems for manned and unmanned aircraft systems under this effort. Extensive use of sensitive intelligence collection capabilities, methods and resources are important elements that Quoin provided to the program.