Electromagnetic launchers

Author

Schaaf, James C. ; Audeh, N.F.

Author_Institution

BDM Corp., Huntsville, AL, USA

fYear

1989

fDate

26-28 Mar 1989

Firstpage

380

Lastpage

384

Abstract

Research programs are conducted for developing weapon systems based on electromagnetic launcher technology. An overview is given of this technology, which has the capability of imparting projectile velocities higher (in excess of 3 km/s) than those able to be obtained with conventional cannon systems. A comparison of coaxial and parallel railguns indicates that the coaxial system has some advantages and should be considered during trades for an orbiting space probe launcher. The high velocity obtainable from electromagnetic launcher systems and the technology associated with their miniature smart guided projectiles offer potential for supporting future scientific and commercial space programs. An electromagnetic launcher could be used for propelling small space probes

Keywords

electromagnetic launchers; projectiles; weapons; coaxial railguns; electromagnetic launcher technology; miniature smart guided projectiles; orbiting space probe launcher; parallel railguns; weapon systems; Acceleration; Coaxial components; Electromagnetic launching; Equations; Geometry; Probes; Railguns; Rails; Space technology; Weapons;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

System Theory, 1989. Proceedings., Twenty-First Southeastern Symposium on

Conference_Location

Tallahassee, FL

ISSN

0094-2898

Print_ISBN

0-8186-1933-3

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/SSST.1989.72496

Filename

72496