A projectile-oriented, design study for a cannon-caliber electromagnetic launcher

The results for integrating a finned rod with a solid armature are summarized. An initial design is presented for a rod projectile launched from a 23-mm, round-bore augmented railgun. The projectile design is evaluated by considering launch, flight, and terminal effects. Four capacitor-based pulsed power supply systems are considered for the launcher. The host vehicle weight limit and largest number of projectiles stowed provide guidance in selecting the optimum configuration. The study utilizes a wide array of parameters for estimating system weight. Simple scaling for power components is provided to further appraise launcher feasibility. Projectile effectiveness is evaluated at the target using a weapons simulation code and a similar caliber conventionally launched projectile