EM gun firings at the Kirkcudbright 32 MJ facility

An outline description of the Kirkcudbright EML (electromagnetic launcher) facility is given, together with a brief summary of the objectives of the UK research programme into EML propulsion for hypervelocity launching of projectiles. Results obtained in firings carried out during 1994 are given, with some notable highlights and world firsts being achieved. Amongst these was the first free flight launch of an EM projectile (full size tactical package) in the western world, out beyond 1000 metres. To date, muzzle energies up to 5 MJ have been achieved, as well as velocities exceeding 2000 metres per second. Excellent results were recorded both visually and digitally, using a wide variety of instrumentation. The trials were backed up by extensive finite element modelling of the barrel, armature and projectile sub-systems, allowing the DRA team to move swiftly to their current levels of achievement