Abstract: Disclosed are propellants such as may be used in solid rocket motors. In one preferred embodiment, the propellant comprises one high energy propellant composition comprising a homogeneous mixture of fuel and oxidizer having a predetermined fuel/oxidizer ratio, wherein individual fuel particles are generally uniformly distributed throughout a matrix of oxidizer, and a low energy propellant composition comprising a fuel and oxidizer. The amounts of the two propellants are present in amounts which achieve a preselected burn rate.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising mixtures of metallic particles and solid oxidizer, and a method for preparing such compositions. The compositions comprise a homogeneous mixture of metallic particles and solid oxidizer wherein individual metallic particles are generally uniformly distributed throughout a matrix of solid oxidizer which is suitable for use in a solid rocket motor.

Abstract: A solid rocket motor for accelerating a payload comprises a motor casing and a solid propellant matrix, utilizing a high burn-rate fuel. The use of a high burn rate fuel allows the rocket motor to operate in an end-burning fashion without the use of a constricting aperture to increase the back-pressure upon the burn-front of the fuel matrix. The exhaust gas produced from combustion of the propellant matrix exits directly to the ambient environment through a simple aperture without the use of an expansion nozzle. By eliminating the mass of the nozzle and allowing the use of lighter, less structurally robust motor casings, the needed acceleration of the vehicle can be achieved while using less propellant and a lighter launch vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed are propellants such as may be used in solid rocket motors. In one preferred embodiment, the propellant comprises one high energy propellant composition comprising a homogeneous mixture of fuel and oxidizer having a predetermined fuel/oxidizer ratio, wherein individual fuel particles are generally uniformly distributed throughout a matrix of oxidizer, and a low energy propellant comprising a fuel and oxidizer. The amounts of the two propellants are present in amounts which achieve a preselected burn rate.