Abstract: Electromagnetic launcher apparatus which includes a set of projectile rails and a set of switch rails both lying along a common longitudinal axis. An armature assembly includes at one end thereof a switching armature for conduction of current between the switching rails, and at the other end thereof a projectile armature for conduction of current between the projectile rails. The rail system is supplied with operating current and when a predetermined current level is obtained, the armature assembly separates such that the armatures are propelled in opposite directions. The rearwardly projected switch armature may be intercepted by a stop mechanism while the forwardly projected armature propels a payload such as a projectile.

Abstract: A projectile for use in an electromagnetic projectile launcher is provided with a conductive open loop which is mechanically attached to the body of the projectile. Means are provided for electrically connecting the open loop between a pair of generally parallel projectile launching rails when the open loop is in a predetermined angular orientation with respect to the rails. Current flowing in the loop then interacts with magnetic flux produced by current flowing within the rails to place a torque on the loop which can be used to spin-stabilize the projectile or to prevent rotation of the projectile depending upon the particular application.

Abstract: A solenoidal homopolar dynamoelectric machine is provided with inner and outer field coils positioned on opposite sides of a current collecting zone of a rotor which is mounted for rotation with respect to a stator structure. An additional field shaping coil or a tilted brush box current collector is used to conduct current in a circumferential direction near the current collection zone of the rotor to reduce the radial components of magnetic flux in the current collection zone. This reduces circulating currents in the brush assembly.