Investigating UHF Telemetry for Electromagnetic Launchers
Abstract
This paper describes an experimental investigation of the feasibility of microwave telemetry for conveying diagnostic information collected during and after launch from an electromagnetic (EM) gun. The study focused on extending the Hardened Subminiature Telemetry Sensor Systems (HSTSS) technology for use in EM launch environments. While HSTSS technology has already been successfully demonstrated in high-g, high-pressure launch environments in conventional gun systems, it has not yet been tested in an EM gun environment, where the launch accelerations are generally higher and where the projectile can be exposed to high magnetic fields and EM transients. In this work, ultra high frequency (UHF) telemetry measurements were made at fixed locations in the magnetized bore of the Medium Caliber Launcher (MCL) at the IAT to assess the effect of the EM environment on telemetry and the HSTSS-like components. The data show that UHF FM signals can both propagate and be received in this non-optimal environment. Signals were received with minimal loss after propagating along the entire bore as well as through the containment wall. To examine the effect of high, transient magnetic fields on HSTSS-like components, the telemetry package was located both ahead of and behind a stationary armature, with the latter case simulating the higher fields in an EM launch with a muzzle shunt. The results showed that, in an EM launch without a muzzle shunt, the telemetry package could be positioned far enough ahead of the armature such that there would be no interference in the received telemetry signals. However, when a muzzle shunt was simulated, there were momentary disruptions in the transmitted signal coincident with fast rising, transient magnetic fields. The use of a thick metallic cylindrical shield surrounding the telemetry components reduced the induced voltages due to transient magnetic fields somewhat and slightly improved the observed telemetry signal.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 26, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADP012482
Entities
People
- J. Faust
- L. Burke
- M. Erengll
- S. Levinson
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory