Electromagnetic launch science and technology in the United States enters a new era

Electromagnetic launch science and technology in the United States is on the threshold of a major new advance in its development. Significant developments in hypervelocity electromagnetic launch and in hypervelocity high-G guidance and control components have provided the impetus for exploring advanced electromagnetic weapon systems capable of providing revolutionary new capabilities. These systems include the electromagnetic launch of aircraft from Navy aircraft carriers, hypervelocity electromagnetic guns on ships to provide protection and to launch guided projectiles to extraordinary ranges, and lightweight ground combat vehicles propelled by hybrid electric power protected by electromagnetic armor and capable of defeating advanced armor targets with lightweight hypervelocity penetrators from electromagnetic railguns. This presentation will summarize many of the technical advances leading to the decision to implement these new engineering efforts.