A system overview of the technology development issues for fieldable EML barrels

It is noted that electromagnetic launcher (EML) technology is at a transition stage between laboratory technology development and advanced engineering development. EMLs are being considered for missions such as mobile antiarmor platforms. The authors lay the groundwork for system assessment by identifying the critical user requirements and discussing several key design issues resulting from these requirements. It is pointed out that the next generation tactical EML barrel must meet user expectations for performance, weight, life, reliability, maintainability, and cost if it is to be considered a viable technology for replacement of conventional large bore guns. It is noted that current laboratory barrel technology does a relatively poor job of meeting these expectations, and that it is difficult to see how current technology trends can be extrapolated to meet user requirements