Abstract: A rapid fire electromagnetic launcher system (EML) employs a plurality of capacitor modules which are charged by an equal number of modules of lead acid batteries. The invention comprises the combination of standard automotive lead acid batteries for charging an electrolytic capacitor array which is switched into an Electromagnetic Launcher (EML) by means of silicon controlled rectifiers, and a control circuit for controlling the loading and launching of projectiles at a very rapid rate. The system includes a multishot preinjector and rapid fire controller for operating the system in a safe and reliable manner. The system includes a preaccelerator, magazine and barrel. The combination eliminates the low power density limitation of the batteries, the requirement to repetitively commutate energy out of an inductor, and allows for a modular system than can be expanded to provide higher energy to each projectile in the burst.

Abstract: A quad armature electromagnetic rail gun uses four conducting rails, in a quadri-pole configuration, with four sliding armatures to propel projectiles. Two of the four conducting rails are positive, and receive one-half of the operating current. The four sliding armatures are slidably disposed between the two positive conducting rails and the two negative conducting rails, and each sliding armature conducts one-quarter of the conducting current therebetween. The quadruple configuration produces a minimum of magnetic interference at the center of the rail gun so that projectiles with electronic components need a minimum of magnetic shielding.