Avishai Filis, Nachman Pundak, Yoav Zur, Ramon Broyde, Moshe Barak

RICOR – Cryogenic & Vacuum Systems, En Harod Ihud 18960, Israel

ABSTRACT

 The growth in world demand for infrared missile warning systems (MWS) has impelled the development of new technologies, in particular, special cryogenic coolers. Since the cryocooler is a core component in MWS RICOR has met the challenge by developing new models able to withstand high ambient temperatures above 110°C as well as harsh vibration levels, both derived from airborne fighter applications.

The development focused on a cryocooler regenerator and cold finger optimization in order to achieve high cooling capacity and a thermodynamic efficiency of about 4.4% at 95°C ambient for one of the cooler models. In order to withstand harsh environmental vibration, the cold finger and outer Dewar structure have been significantly ruggedized; efficient heat sinking methods have been applied and also novel vibration isolation methods have been implemented.

The electronic design concept is based on an analog controller, the PCB of which has been designed with internal heat sinking paths and special components being able to withstand ambients temperatures up to 125°C. As a final stage of development, such cryocoolers were successfully qualified by RICOR and system manufacture in harsh environmental conditions and life demonstration tests were performed.

Keywords:  Cryocooler, Stirling, MWS, COP, Infra Red, IDDCA, RICOR.

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