Large Cutter

EBAD is the global leader in ordnance and pyrotechnic devices for the launch vehicle, missile, and spacecraft markets. Pyrotechnic Cutters are devices for the severance of rods, tubes, cables, bolts or other hold downs. Actuation of the device is by redundant electrical initiators (NSI, or Series 76-191), to a pressure cartridge, allowing rapid, reliable and effective actuation.

Principle of Operation

The device is initiated with dual initiators for redundancy and is designed to work with dual NSI or NSI equivalent initiators. The Large Cutter is designed to work with either one or both being initiated. A booster is required to provide reliable actuation of the cutter. Once initiated, the fully confined output produces enough gas pressure within the Large Cutter body to first break two shear pins, forcing the cutter blade down the shaft to impact on the target material, thus severing it. The shape of the cutter blade has been optimized for umbilical cable. The blade comes to rest on an anvil which has the added feature of being removable, thus allowing the Large Cutter to be installed over a previously installed or pre-tensioned substrate. This can allow for the ordnance device to be installed and connected late in the vehicle integration process. The actual time from current application to full severance of the material is less than 20 milliseconds.

The Large Cutter has been specifically designed and qualified for the extreme environments of space. Its wide operational temperature range and high level of demonstrated reliability make it an ideal choice for most satellite, spacecraft, and launch vehicle applications.

Construction

EBAD’s Large Cutter has an Aluminum housing that contains all the critical components. The design and construction allow for high pressure seal capability during and after actuation. The cutter is designed to prevent fragmentation or leakage of exploded gases externally or into the flow passages. The entire assembly is environmentally sealed. The Large Cutter has a stainless steel insert located in an Aluminum anvil where the blade comes to rest post actuation, and a Stainless Steel blade designed to cut through the umbilical cable.

Applications

Typical applications include:

• • Umbilical Cord Cutting
  • Rod Cutting
  • Tube Cutting

Key Features

• • Wide operating temperature range
  • High demonstrated reliability
  • Space rated materials
  • Hermetically Sealed Initiators and Body
  • Long storage life