Space Launchers Ignition

Pyrotechnic Through Bulkhead Initiator (TBI)

Pyroalliance designs and manufactures a series of Through-Bulkhead Initiators (TBI) for European Ariane and Vega launcher families.

TBIs are designed to ignite the propellant in a Solid Rocket Motor and also garantee tightness after functionning between upstream and downstream side of bulkhead, preventing any loss of pressure.

TBIs are a key component of the propulsion function reliability and safety.

TBIs belong to a pyrotechnic chain which ensures transition from a detonating signal stemming from a detonating transfer line into the combustion of an ignition load, across a tight barrier.

Combined with other products from Pyroalliance, TBIs are part of pyro-chains for Solid Rocket Motors and / or Retro-rockets.

More generaly, Pyroalliance delivers complete pyrotechnic chains adapted to its customers’ needs. They are designed and manufactured under Pyroalliance design authority.

Through Bulkhead Initiator at a glance

Benefits of pyrotechnics

  • An ignition function with detonating input
  • Structural barrier preventing loss of pressure of downstream elements
  • Mass savings through the reduced quantity of embedded electrical power
  • Absence of primary explosives (making one single Safe & Arm Device at the beginning of the pyrotechnic chain sufficient)
  • Reduced dispersion of ignition times
  • High level of safety (EMC and lightning immunity)
  • Architecture without any moving parts

Defence applications

  • Ignition of single pulse solid propellant motors

Key figures of pyrotechnic performance

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OUR RANGE OF PERFORMANCE
OPERATING TIME: < 5ms
OUTPUT ENERGY: Range of 2300-2700J
IGNITION MODE: Detonating line / SAD
SIZE: Height: 46mm, Length: 17.5mm, Width: 15.5mm
WEIGHT: < 50g
RELIABILITY: 0.9999 @90% CL
LEAK RATE: Less than 10-5 ccs/sec under 1 bar after functionning
OPERATING TEMPERATURE: Adapted to typical airborne military climatic environment
LIFE TIME: Adapted to th mission and life profile

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