Development of 120-mm Electro-Thermal Chemical Launcher

The unique properties of the plasma utilized in ETC guns, such as the low viscosity, high momentum and high temperature, can lead to a more uniform ignition over the entire cartridge volume, even in large-caliber guns. Since 2002, the united research group leaded by Beijing Institute of Special Electromechanical Technology (BISET) has completed a lot of experiments with a novel surface discharge plasma igniter, which generates plasma from a cylindrical surface and distributes it through radial port. The results of these experiments have shown this igniter can present perfect ignition. This paper presents an overview of this ETC program including the igniter, pulsed power supply, 120 mm ETC launchers, and some experimental results. The further experimental studies are being continued.