U.K. electric gun national overview

This paper reviews the electric gun research carried out in the U.K. since the last Electromagnetic Launch Symposium in 2000. Both electromagnetic (EM) and electrothermal-chemical (ETC) guns are covered, ranging from fundamental small- and medium-scale studies through to evaluation of the technologies at full scale. EM gun research has continued at large caliber (90 mm) with a combination of base push and midride integrated sabot-armature designs. Data for use in launcher and launch package design has been sought through the development of in-bore instrumentation. Lightweight launcher concepts have been generated and analyzed using techniques including finite-element analysis. ETC gun research has continued to focus on assessing the viability of using the technology to improve the performance of 155-mm indirect fire gun systems. In parallel, work is underway to explore the use of the technology for direct fire systems. Significant progress has been made toward a better understanding of the fundamental science of capillary plasma generators, plasma ignition, the propagation of plasma into the combustion chamber, and its interaction with the propellant.