Accuracy and Railguns

Abstract

Assessment of accuracy is dominated by a detailed experimental investigation of the launch and flight performance of a launcher and round. This assessment is commonly called a jump test. To evaluate the path of the round as it accelerates down the launcher, exits the barrel, and flies downrange to the target, single-shot firings are conducted. In the most recent test, integrated launch packages (ILPs) were launched at an exit velocity of 1,350 m/s. The test provides for the only set of accuracy data available in the world on EM gun-launched projectiles. The impact data show larger variability in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction. Results from the jump test indicate that effects of the deviation of the launcher centerline (i.e., straightness) contribute significantly to the target impact dispersion. Substantial linear and angular rates at the muzzle are evident in the vertical direction. The contribution attributable to sabot discard is minimal in either plane.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADA387176

Entities

People

  • Alexander E. Zielinski

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Aerodynamic Forces
  • Angular Motion
  • Computational Science
  • Cross Correlation
  • Dielectrics
  • Dispersions
  • Electromagnetic Guns
  • Errors
  • Flight
  • Free Flight
  • Gun Launched
  • Launchers
  • Military Research
  • Projectiles
  • Trajectories
  • X Rays

Readers

  • Approximation Theory.
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • ballistics.