Pyrotechnic Initiators

Successful. Every Time.
PacSci EMC – with over 55 years of energetic solutions expertise – boasts the ability to meet even the most complex performance and integration requirements. Our pyrotechnic initiator and electro-explosive devices are for mission critical needs. Working the first time is the ONLY option.

Intelligent engineering provides you with 1 device and over 700 different solutions, all of which are adaptable to virtually any purpose or function where pyrotechnic energy is desired.

All Pyrotechnic Initiators

Thru Bulkhead Initiator

Product Description

A Thru Bulkhead Initiator (TBI) is an initiation device that utilizes a shock input stimulus where the TBI donor charge initiates and transfers a shock wave through an adjacent structural bulkhead with sufficient intensity to cause the initiation of a receptor charge on the opposite side of the bulkhead. The TBI provides a detonation or deflagration at the output end of the device without breaching the bulkhead which is designed to provide a pressure containment barrier post functioning.

We offer an entire array of Thru Bulkhead Initiator (TBI) that can be used for initial system activation, signal transmission, signal transfer or changes in signal medium type. We design mechanical, hot gas pressure and detonation initiation with single or redundant features – either explosive loaded or inert. If your needs require it, an internal time delay element can be added for sequencing requirements. Our TBIs are nonelectric initiators which require a detonation input to transfer energy through an internal bulkhead.

The primary function of the TBI is to propagate sufficient energy through this integral bulkhead to then initiate a detonation or deflagration at the output end of the device. The initiator’s internal bulkhead is designed not to breach. Typical applications for these units are in rocket motor and gas generator ignition where it is critical to maintain a pressure tight seal after functioning.

Pressure Cartridge

Product Description

Pressure Cartridges have their greatest utility generating high rates of pressure force for a short period of time. Displacement devices such as pin pullers, normally open or closed valves, thruster and separation bolts utilize this device. In several ejection seats pressure cartridges are utilized as an initiator for propellant charges. Pressure cartridges are adaptable to the requirements of your system for different pressure output to accomplish specific events. Our 103377 series has over 400 variations utilized in a wide range of aerospace and defense platforms. Our 817444 series cartridge has become a standard within the ejection seat community to initiate other explosive devices because of its high reliability and robust design.

One Way Initiators

Product Description

One Way Initiators are Explosive Transfer Line (ETL) high energy end tip actuated devices that allows detonation transfer to proceed to another high energy transfer line in one direction only. The location of the one way allows detonation to proceed in one direction only. This component is analogous to a one way diode in an electrical circuit. The advantage provided is to control multiple canopy/hatch removal vs. an individual one.

Mechanical Pull Initiators

Product Description

Mechanical Pull Initiators are used to initiate a Canopy Fracture Systems (CFS) and Transparency Removal Systems (TRS). They rely on the upward movement of the ejection seat or pulling of an attached cable to pull a shaft(s) or have the seat strike a ‘trip’ lever on a firing pin mechanism to function (fire) the initiator. The initiators can be configured for single or dual firing pin mechanisms and single or dual output. Examples of the initiators we’ve designed are shown at right.

Lanyard Pull Initiator

Product Description

Used to start a pyrotechnic chain of events, a Lanyard Pull Initiator (LPI) incorporates a designated time delay period, once reached attached Explosive Transfer Lines (ETLs) or similar devices are initiated. Pull of the attached lanyard provides mechanical energy to initiate dual percussion primers which start a pyrotechnic chain of events.

Hot Gas Initiator

Product Description

A Hot Gas Initiator provides a method of converting one signal transmission method into another. Typical conversion types as part of an Emergency Escape System include:

Hot gas (i.e. from an Ejection Seat System) to a detonating signal (i.e.: to an attached Shielded Mild Detonating Cord (SMDC), Flexible Confined Detonating Cord (FCDC), Confined Detonating Cord (DCD) or Rapid Deflagrating Cord Transfer Line(RDCTL)
Detonating signal to hot gas
Hot gas to a deflagrating signal (i.e. HGI to attached RDCTL)

Electric Initiators

Product Description

Electric Initiators, also known as Hot Bridge Wires (HBW) are used to provide high reliable critical functions across many industries. An Electric Initiator (EI) converts electrical energy into chemical energy providing a gas or heat output. An electrical input is applied to the EI, heating a small wire, called a bridge wire, which is in contact with the pyrotechnic. The wire quickly heats to the auto-ignition temperature of the pyrotechnic or explosive material. The pyrotechnic material then reacts providing gas pressure and/or flame. The heat and flame can be used to ignite other explosives or propellants while the gas pressure can be used to perform work.

Frequently used names are: initiator, hot bridge wire, igniter, ignitor, detonator, squib, cartridge, or pressure cartridge.

Hot Wire Devices As Safe and Arm Device

A pyrotechnic system consisting of just a power source, and a simple switch or relay powering low voltage device. A hot wire device, squib, or a low voltage hot wire is a non-safe and arm device system. Today, this approach, coupled with a low voltage device, is often implemented for non -safety critical events and not implemented when any of the four critical areas of safety are present.

Hot wire devices are used during payload separation of launch vehicles, the firing of cable cutters, initiating fire suppression cartridges or any other event outside of the four main safety critical events. This type of implementation can be sensitive to environmental stimuli, such as stray voltage, EM, coupling to the pins or cook off fire as well as a variety of other stimuli, which is why they are not used in safety-critical events.

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Initiator 103377-3
Space Standard Initiator 103377-500

Fire Extinguisher Squib

Product Description

Fire Extinguisher Squibs are utilized to allow the flow of fire suppressant from a storage bottle. The engines, auxiliary power units and in some cases gear boxes on helicopters incorporate extensive measures for fire protection. The Fire Ex cartridge or squib is an integral part of commercial and military fire extinguisher systems. Cartridges/squibs come in a number of configurations and output depending upon the customer requirements. The configuration is driven by the manufacturers of the different fire suppression systems. In many cases, the same cartridge is utilized on several different aircraft because they use the same fire suppression storage bottle. This simplifies logistics and data tracking if done.

Space Standard Initiator

Product Description

Our Space Standard Initiator’s critical purpose is to translate electrical stimulus into a pyrotechnic action or train and it has been designed to meet or exceed the performance requirements of the original NASA Standard Initiator Specification drawing SEB 26100001. Like the NASA Standard Initiator (NSI), ours is also a two-pin electrically activated, hot wire+ electro-explosive designed to meet the requirements of all space missions, from lunar to Mars and beyond.

In mission-critical space and defense applications, our Space Standard Initiator provides a fast-acting, small-package energy source for converting electrical signals to a gas pressure output or high temperature flame and hot particles. Our initiator has an excellent safety record. Inadvertent activation is prevented by its 1-amp/1-watt 5 minute no-fire capability and high resistance to stray energy (transients, radio frequency, electromagnetic) as well as electrostatic discharges.

Our 103377-500 initiators are commercial and include a standard Certificate of Conformance*.

In addition we have our 103377-501, our European Standard Initiator (ESI)

The 103377-501 Initiator meets the pressure output performance of the European Space Agency (ESA) and meets the performance characteristics of the NASA Standard Initiator. The 103377-501 was developed and qualified for the Ariane 6 launch vehicle and used to ignite the turbo pump starter. With its high temperature and pressure capability, the 103377-501 is suitable for use on many additional applications.

Beginning in 1990, the 103377-501 pedigree originates with the Delta launch vehicle and continues to be used today on many other launch vehicles. This initiator also leverages the original 103377 Family of initiators qualified to MIL-I-23659C and updated MIL-DTL-23659F, as well as MIL-STD-1512.