AUTOMATIC LIGHT GAS GUN DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The basic feasibility of a hypervelocity weapon concept, evolved from the operating principles and techniques of the light gas gun, was experimentally investigated. Initial efforts were directed toward the preliminary design and experimental proof of the mechanisms essential to the implementation of the concept. Those phases of the operation which could be treated separately were tested first, to reveal and mitigate basic difficulties. Following these preliminary studies, a launcher was constructed which embodied all critical aspects of the weapon concept; and a series of single-round firings was made to discover, study, and appraise the fundamental problem areas. Subsequent efforts were concerned with the revision or modification of certain design features to improve the functioning and reliability of the single-shot operation. From the results of this work, it may be concluded that the basic feasibility of the concept is established. Several problem areas remain to be eliminated, however, and most of these must be resolved before a launcher capable of automatic repeated fire can be constructed.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1964
Accession Number
AD0350318

Entities

Organizations

  • General Electric

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Ammunition
  • Cartridge Cases
  • Fire Control Systems
  • Gas Guns
  • High Pressure
  • Hypervelocity Guns
  • Launch Tubes
  • Light Gas Guns
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Muzzle Velocity
  • Pressure Transducers
  • Projectiles
  • Propellants
  • Simulations
  • Strain Gages
  • Test And Evaluation

Readers

  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • ballistics.

Technology Areas

  • Hypersonics
  • Hypersonics - Hypersonic Flow