Research and Development at ISS

We follow a tradition of pyrotechnic research and development that, beginning with Zbrojovka Vsetin, has been more than 60 years in the making. Our Research and Development (R&D) Centre comprises a group of young technicians motivated to continually develop new products and ideas.  Three individual people started working in this department in 2000; ten years later this number has grown to 20. Our team of technicians specialized in pyrotechnics, plastic, electronics, construction and engineering work closely with five operators from our Testing laboratory.

The R&D Centre, opened in Jasenice in 2005, is a very important base for our team of technicians. This specialized facility, equipped with a high-tech laboratory for testing energetic materials and for the qualification of products according to automotive specifications, has produced over 20 patents.

Projects completed:

- development and commencement of production of:

• green prime charges (2000-2004)
• green booster charges (2003-2006)
• green propellant for gas generants (2004-2008)

- development of new products (2000-2010), such as:

• plastic squib
• fusehead
• micro gas generator (pin type and lead-wire type)
• load limiter
• actuator (pin type and lead-wire type)

Main activities of the R&D Centre:

• applied research and development of new pyrotechnic charges, explosives, gas generants and propellant (energetic materials in general)
• electro-pyro-technic products
• suggestions, optimization and continuous improvement of production technologies
• applied research and development of new pyrotechnic products for automotive and other uses
• safety studies and application of new technologies
• prompt reaction to customers requirements provided by our  flexible teams
• cooperation with external organizations (Academy of Science, Universities, research institutes, etc.)

Testing Laboratory Equipment:

• Heating and cooling boxes (-70°C to 250°C)
• Mechanical testing (shocks, drops, acceleration, leak tests...)
• Effluent gas analysis
• Chemical and ballistic laboratory
• Bonfire and backpressure equipment
• High-speed video equipment available
• Laser equipment
• Energetic material sensitivity and stability testing
• X-Ray equipment
• Salt spray equipment
• Shaking machine
• Climate chambers, shock chambers
• Electrical parameters (ESD, insulation, Bruceton, monitor current...)
• Special testing