A Technical Assessment of Electromagnetic Propulsion for Small Caliber Weapons Applications

Abstract

An assessment of the future potential of electromagnetic propulsion for small caliber weapons has been performed to consider possible benefits, systems configurations, research and development needs, and mission requirements. The assessment consists of a panel evaluation of an existing electromagnetic launcher EML program and comparisons of envisioned point designs for small caliber weapons systems. The general conclusions are that the present research effort is well-founded and that EM propulsion has a great deal of potential for a vehicle mounted, crew-served weapon. Although the potential improvements are significant, some risk in maturing the technology to a fielded weapon is accrued from the number and complexity of components in the EML system. Keywords: Rail guns; Electromagnetic guns; Electromagnetic launcher; Electromagnetic propulsion.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1990
Accession Number
ADA229233

Entities

People

  • Keith A. Jamison

Organizations

  • Ballistic Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Armored Personnel Carriers
  • Electric Guns
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Electromagnetic Guns
  • Electromagnetic Propulsion
  • Energy Storage
  • Engineering
  • Firing Rate
  • Grenade Launchers
  • Guns
  • Launchers
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Power Supplies
  • Projectiles
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Standards
  • Test And Evaluation

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • ballistics.