Abstract: A shock compression jet gun with associated explosive charge assembly. The shock compression jet gun features a breech for storage of the explosive charge assembly, a projectile tube, and an expansion nozzle disposed between the breech and projectile tube. The expansion nozzle includes converging and diverging passageways. The explosive charge assembly includes a shock absorbing outer casing, a detonator, a shaped charged positioned within the casing and a compressible medium retained within a recess formed in the shaped charge. The compressible medium is maintained within the recess by way of a membrane sealing one end of the casing. In a preferred embodiment the compressible medium is a liquid such as ammonia, water or a mixture of liquid ammonia and water which dissociate(s) into a mixture of light gases upon detonation of the shaped charge.

Abstract: A railgun apparatus for accelerating a projectile having a conductive region. The railgun comprises a power supply for providing a current impulse and at least two elongate generally parallel rails. The rails include a first layer comprising a highly conductive material and a second layer comprising a highly resistive layer. The second layer has a resistivity that varies along the length of the rails and is so sized and arranged as to contact the conductive region of the projectile. The power supply is switchably connected to the first layer of the rails. When the current impulse is applied to the rails with the projectile therebetween, the current impulse is spread over the conductive region of the projectile to reduce the velocity skin effect.

Abstract: An electromagnetic accelerator arrangement includes a stationary arrangement including at least one stationary primary coil, and a movable arrangement including at least one moveable secondary coil. The planes of the stationary and the moveable coils are parallel to a direction of movement of the moveable arrangement. The coils of the stationary and the movable arrangements have approximately the same coil width in the direction of movement of the moveable arrangement and transversely thereto, as well as the same coil separation in the direction of movement of the moveable arrangement. The at least one stationary primary coil includes at least two layers between which the at least one secondary coil of the movable component is movably disposed, the distance between the layers being kept small transversely to the direction of movement of the moveable arrangement.

Abstract: The method and apparatus disclosed herein relates to a precision generator and distributor device for plasma and plasma discharge arc as it particularly applies to electro-thermal chemical gun system operations. A self-adjusting filament erodably controls the formation, energy content, consistency and dimension of a plasma arc in a capillary. Specifically, in cooperation with radially and longitudinally formed perforations in the capillary wall, the filament enables the distribution of a predetermined amount of plasma and plasma-ignited chemical fluid into segments and regions of a combustible chemical in a contiguous chamber to thereby control combustion and increase piezometric and ballistic efficiency of the gun system. More specifically, the filament enables the creation of a plasma arc that is sustainable, definite and consistent and one which yields high pressure and temperature at a reduced ohmic resistance for a given power supply.

Abstract: A symmetrical railgun is described which consists of at least four rails of electrically conductive material, which extend at the same spacing from and parallel to a predetermined axis of symmetry.

Abstract: A single skirt projectile (20) having an insulating skirt (22) at its rear, or a dual trailing skirt projectile (30, 40, 50, 60) having an insulating skirt (32, 42, 52, 62) succeeded by an arc extinguishing skirt (34, 44, 54, 64), is accelerated by a railgun accelerator 10 having a pair of parallel conducting rails (1a, 1b) which are separated by insulating wall spacers (11). The insulating skirt (22, 32, 42, 52, 62) includes a plasma channel (38). The arc extinguishing skirt (34, 44, 54, 64) interrupts the conduction that occurs in the insulating skirt channel (38) by blocking the plasma arc (3) from conducting current from rail to rail (1a, 1b) at the rear of the projectile (30, 40, 50, 60). The arc extinguishing skirt may be comprised of two plates (36a, 36b) which form a horseshoe wherein the plates are parallel to the rails (1a, b); a chisel-shape design; cross-shaped, or it may be a cylindrical (64).

Abstract: A rail gun for accelerating a projectile therein includes a hollow insulating body forming a gun tube; and two rail assemblies supported in the gun tube and together defining an acceleration channel to accommodate a projectile for being propelled therein by a plasma armature generated by a high intensity current flowing through the rail assemblies and an electric arc connecting the rail assemblies. At least one of the rail assemblies includes a layer of an electrically conducting metal wool mass extending along and bounding the acceleration channel and an insulating substance held in the metal wool mass.

Abstract: The apparatus and method disclosed herein relates to a precision capillary discharge switch to deliver a predetermined power across a gap at the ends of electrodes enclosed in a containment envelop with a fluid media therein. A method of calibration is used to assign specific operating and arc triggering voltages based on a given gap dimension, ionization properties of the fluid or gas media and pressure within the containment envelope. The ends of the electrodes at the calibrated gap include tip geometry designed to reliably transfer power across the gap when the desired operating voltage range is reached.

Abstract: A velocity tailoring system for a defensive automatic gun having controllable muzzle velocity capability. The system includes velocity determination and control apparatus for determining the projectile discharge velocity necessary to achieve an effective target impact velocity that is less than a predetermined projectile shatter velocity. The projectile discharge velocity control signal is provided to the defensive automatic gun system.

Abstract: A non-transitioning armature/projectile for launching from a single or multi-turn rail gun including: a nose; a tail; and a current carrying section between the nose and the tail including current channeling means for reducing the current concentration in the tail end of the armature/projectile and distributing the current toward the nose for generally balancing the electrically induced driving force with the inertial force and substantially reducing internal stress in the section.

Abstract: A device for firing projectiles (9) through an electrically heated plasma including a combustion chamber (12) which is provided on the breech side and the muzzle side with an electrode each, between which an arc generating plasma burns. A cartridge (18), which contains a material that decomposes into a low-molecular-weight gas under the effect of the arc, can be introduced into the combustion chamber (12). A current conductor, which connects a breech-side electrode (10) to the muzzle-side electrode (7) extending annularly around the muzzle-side end of the cartridge (18), is arranged in the longitudinal axis of the cartridge (18). The current conductor (20) consists of a plurality of strands (21) which extend radially to the outside from the longitudinal axis toward the annular electrode (7) at least at the muzzle-size end of the cartridge (18).

Abstract: A hybrid gun for launching a projectile by a combined propulsion effect of a chemical propellant and electrothermal energy. The gun comprises a breech-associated electrothermal propulsion energy injector having a plasma beam generator and a tubular chamber holding a light working fluid that during the travel of the projectile in the barrel produces at the rear of the projectile a light gaseous buffer zone. Optionally the gun may have in addition one or more electrothermal propulsion energy injectors mounted on the barrel.There is also provided ammunition for use with a hybrid gun having a chemical propellant holding cartridge designed for ignition by working fluid injected by the breech associated electrothermal propulsion energy injector.

Abstract: A sliding breech block system and method for repetitive firing of electrothermal cartridges in an electrothermal gun are provided. The sliding breech block system comprises a high-power, low resistance, flexible coaxial cable which is routed through a sliding breech-block, a pulse-forming network, and two groups of bristles for conducting the pulses from the breech block to the electrothermal cartridge. The power cable comprises two layers of individually insulated, multi-strand wires both within a jacket of braided wire. The method for repetitively igniting an electrothermal gun comprises the steps of fixedly attaching tightly-packed, brass bristles to the electrothermal cartridge conductors, sliding the breech-block into position so that its surface contacts the brass bristles of the cartridge, and supplying an electrical current from the pulse-forming network to the cartridge by means of a flexible high-power cable.

Abstract: The apparatus disclosed herein relates to plasma injection and distribution systems which release high energy plasma into a combustible mass to promote efficient combustion and maximize the muzzle velocity of a projectile. The devices inject plasma streams into a combustible mass in a coherent and directed manner such that pressure peaks and the resultant thermal and dynamic stresses are eliminated. Particularly, strategically positioned outlet orifices and nozzles enable the invasion of a propellant mass by plasma jet streams to create controllable uniform ignition and combustion therein.

Abstract: The apparatus and method disclosed herein relates to the generation of primary and fuel-enriched plasma to provide ignition and delivery for large amounts of electrical and electrothermal power to a propellant mass. Particularly, the present invention enables the creation of zones of controlled combustion by initially incubating primary plasma in a capillary chamber and mixing the primary plasma with fuel in a fuel chamber thus creating a fuel-enriched plasma. The primary plasma and the fuel-enriched plasma are segregatively, collectively and substantially simultaneously injected into the propellant mass via outlet ports and nozzles. The capillary and fuel chambers, and the nozzles and outlet ports undergo staged disintegration at reaching predetermined pressures and temperatures and are thereby consumed in the combustion process.

Abstract: An accelerator is described which comprises an electrothermal accelerator and is preferably of two-stage design, with the first stage consisting of an electrothermal accelerator, in particular an electromagnetically amplified electrothermal accelerator, and with the second stage consisting of a light gas accelerator.

Abstract: The device employs Hybrid Pulsed Transformer principles employing a projectile with an internal pay load. The projectile carries a light weight shorted secondary coil or coils constructed of aluminum and the projectile acts as a moving secondary through a plurality of aligned spaced apart transformer primary coils. The moving secondary coil includes a plurality of surrounding channels containing a liquid, such as water, for cooling. The cooling ability of certain liquids, as for example water, associated with change of state between liquid and gas is employed to cool the coil or coils.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for discharging a group of projectiles for simultaneous impact at a target wherein the projectiles in the projectile group are sequentially fired at incrementally increasing velocities. More particularly, electrothermal gun technology may be employed and the energy imparted to each successively fired projectile may be increased so as to achieve the desired simultaneous target impact at a designated range.

Abstract: A projectile for a railgun that uses a hybrid armature and provides a seed block around part of the outer surface of the projectile to seed the hybrid plasma brush. In addition, the hybrid armature is continuously vaporized to replenish plasma in a plasma armature to provide a tandem armature and provides a unique ridge and groove to reduce plasama blowby.

Abstract: A propellent medium for a barreled weapon with electrically-supported liquid propulsion, especially for chemical-electrical hybrid drives with regenerative propellent medium injection. Organic compounds of a combination of carbon and hydrogen are contemplated in a ratio with one or more reactive groups which, with a good exothermic reaction of the propellent medium (hydrocarbon), will facilitate the dissociation of molecules or atoms of lower molecular mass. Hereby, a propellent medium component can be formed from charged hydrocarbon ring systems including reactive groups.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imparting a spin to a projectile fired from a railgun. A projectile which is rotatable within the barrel of the railgun, and which includes a conductive element, is caused to pass through a magnetic field, causing the projectile to rotate. Preferably, the magnetic field will be established by a solenoidal magnet which is coaxial with the path of the projectile.

Abstract: A device for accelerating a projectile to an extremely high velocity includes a launch tube having electrodes engageable with the projectile assembly for applying a large electrical voltage to it, the projectile assembly includes a pair of travelling electrodes fixed to the rear end of the projectile and engageable with the launch tube electrodes during the travel of the projectile assembly through the launch tube. The travelling electrodes define a spark gap which, under the high voltage applied from the launch tube electrodes, forms a high-temperature, high-pressure plasma arc travelling with the projectile and effective to increase its acceleration.

Abstract: An electromagnetic railgun having a layer of low conductivity material along the rails to interface with the armature as the armature is propelled along the rails. The low conductivity material has been found to permit rapid current penetration between the layer and armature, thereby inhibiting undersirable high current density formation along the trailing edge of the armature. Advantageously, inhibiting the high current density formation permits use of a solid armature at velocities exceeding on kilometer per second. Preferably, the layer is composed of graphite or a graphite/copper mixture. A layer of copper or other high conductivity material is preferably laminated to the low conductivity graphite layer to reduce the overall railgun circuit resistance. In the preferred embodiment, the layer of low conductivity material increases in thickness from the breech to the muzzle to decrease railgun circuit resistance.

Abstract: A pair of copper rails on which a projectile is mounted forms an electrometic rail gun. One end of the rails is connected across an electrical coil which resides between a pair of Helmholtz coils made of a high temperature superconducting material. The Helmholtz coils are normally held in a superconducting state and carry large currents without the need of a voltage source. A thermal quencher is provided which is capable of removing the superconducting state by heating the superconducting circuit. When the temperature of the superconducting circuit rises above its critical temperature, the resistance of the wires will increase, causing the current to collapse. This sharp collapse of the current will cause a correspondingly sharp collapse of the magnetic field of the Helmholtz coils, thereby inducing a sharp current pulse in the force coil which produces a high-energy electric power pulse on the rails to launch the projectile. A magnetic quencher may be used in place of the thermal quencher.

Abstract: A magnetic gun for the purpose of accelerating a metal clad projectile to high velocities which includes a long dipole magnet extending the length of the gun bore that encloses a plurality of short superconducting dipoles magnets along its length. The short dipoles are superconducting dipoles whose induced current and magnetic field oppose the current and magnetic field of the long dipole. The short dipoles while in a superconducting state prevent the long dipole field from entering the gun bore. When the short dipoles become normal conducting, the current in the short dipoles decay rapidly. When this occurs the field of each of the small dipoles collapse and magnetic flux from the long dipole enters the gun bore at the locaiton of the normal conducting small dipole. This entering flux repels the projectile down the barrel in the direction of least flux, so the projectile is moved to the next short dipole section.

Abstract: An electrothermal-chemical propulsion apparatus and method for propelling a projectile through a gun tube. The apparatus comprises a vaporizable energy coupling device between a projectile and at least one chemical propellant module. Vaporization of the coupling device creates a plasma which augments the gas expansion behind the accelerating projectile at a predetermined time after ignition of the chemical propellant. The coupling device is preferably a pair of concentric extensible sleeves telescopically folded and collapsed behind the projectile, each having one terminal end connected to the rear of the projectile and the other terminal emd connected through the propellant module to electrodes in the breech of the gun and in turn to an electrical power supply.

Abstract: A method for electromagnetic acceleration of an object involving interaction of magnetic forces between magnetic rings on the object to be accelerated and alternating magnetic fields in a ringing circuit formed in each of a series of linearly arranged doughnut shaped accelerator coils with the frequency of the ringing circuit generated in each coil being adjusted according to velocity of the body being accelerated by adjusting the capacitance in each ringing coil circuit; computation being necessary for each particular application to properly match components to achieve desired velocity.

Abstract: High-voltage, solid-state switches that are capable of interrupting current, offer relatively low on-state losses (low forward voltage drop) and provide for high current densities. Low-voltage transistors and silicon-controlled rectifiers are employed to achieve low power losses at high current densities. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a solid-state switch for controlling a source of direct current. The switch includes four switching elements. Each element has a first terminal, a second terminal and a control signal input terminal. The switching elements provide a high resistance to the flow of electrical current in response to a first control signal. A second control signal causes the switching elements to offer a low resistance to the flow of electrical current. The first and second switching elements are connected in series, as are the third and fourth switching elements.

Abstract: An electromagnetic railgun accelerator system, for accelerating projectiles (14, 15, 114, 214, 314, 414) by a plasma arc (3), introduces a breakdown inhibiting gas into the railgun chamber (26) behind the accelerating projectile (14). The breakdown inhibiting gas, which absorbs electrons, is a halide or a halide compound such as fluorine or SF.sub.6. The gas is introduced between the railgun rails (12) after the projectile (14) has passed through inlets (16) in the rails (12) or the projectile (114); by coating the rails (12) or the projectile (15) with a material (28) which releases the gas after the projectile (14) passes over it; by fabricating the rails (12) or the projectile (15) or insulators out of a material which releases the gas into the portions of the chamber (26) through which the projectile has travelled. The projectile (214, 314, 414) may have a cavity (232, 332, 432) at its rear to control the release of ablation products (4).

Abstract: An electromagnetic railgun accelerator system, for accelerating projectiles (14, 15, 114, 214, 314, 444) by a plasma arc (3), introduces a breakdown inhibiting gas into the railgun chamber (26) behind the accelerating projectile (14). The breakdown inhibiting gas, which absorbs electrons, is a halide or a halide compound such as fluorine or SF.sub.6. The gas is introduced between the railgun rails (12) after the projectile (14) has passed through inlets (16) in the rails (12) or the projectile (114); by coating the rails (12) or the projectile (15) with a material (28) which releases the gas after the projectile (14 ) passes over it; by fabricating the rails (12) or the projectile (15) or insulators out of a material which releases the gas into the portions of the chamber (26) through which the projectile has travelled. The projectile (214, 314, 414) may have a cavity (232, 332, 432) at its rear to control the release of ablation products (4).

Abstract: An electromagnetic projectile launcher or railgun capable of withstanding hundreds or thousands of shots. The railgun features a current management system having guard plates which act to reduce peak rail current densities while also maximizing projectile velocity. Guard plates can be used in either square or round bore designs and can be powered by either a single or separate power supply from that of the rails.

Abstract: An electromagnetic rail launcher adapted to accelerate a projectile by an electromagnetic force which comprises:a plurality of rail-like electrodes; andan armature being installed so as to shortcircuit the plurality of rail-like electrodes;at least one of said plurality of electrodes being consisted of a first conductive part which contacts with the armature and a second conductive part which is electrically insulated with the first conductive part;said first conductive part being segmented in a plurality of segmented first conductive parts which are insulated with each other, in an acceleration direction of the projectile;each of said plurality of the segmented first conductive parts having at least one hole through which the first conductive part and the second conductive part are bridged by an arc, when a current flows in the second conductive part.

Abstract: An electromagnetic rail accelerator in which a plurality of plasma arc cushions are generated between a plurality of pairs of rails in order to accelerate projectiles. To prevent currents of different intensities from flowing through the individual plasma armatures and, thus subjecting the rails to relatively great wear, the number of rail pairs is made equal to the number of zones in which plasma arc cushions are formed. Preferably, the rail accelerator is composed of a rail arrangement in multiples of three, with the rails being disposed in or on the inner surface of a cylindrical tube of insulating material and with the current flowing in opposite directions in adjacent rails.

Abstract: A linear accelerator mounted on a launcher that injects propellant into a launcher behind a projectile causing the projectile to achieve greater distances. The launcher has apertures along its longitudinal surface allowing propellant to enter the inner cavity of the launcher. When the projectile is fired, additional propellant is introduced behind the projectile giving it additional impetus.

Abstract: A distributed energy store electromagnetic railgun comprising a plurality of sections, each section having a connector portion and a barrel portion that includes a rail surface. The sections are arranged to form first and second rails. The sections forming each rail are positioned such that their rail surfaces form a substantially continuous barrel surface. The rails are positioned such that their barrel surfaces define a barrel having a longitudinal axis, a breech end, and a muzzle end. For each section, the connector portion is positioned closer than the rail surface to the breech end by greater than the length of an armature, in a direction along the longitudinal axis. Electrical current is provided to each section through its connector portion. Current does not flow through a section until the armature, or a plasma behind an insulating projectile, reaches the rail surface of the section.

Abstract: An electromagnetic cylindrical projectile mass launcher and a method of operation is provided which includes a cylindrical projectile having a conducting armature, a cylindrical barrel in which the armature is received, a plurality of electromagnetic drive coil stages, a plurality of pulse energy sources, and a pulsed power arrangement for generating magnetic pulses forming a pulsed magnetic wave along the length of the launcher barrel. The pulsed magnetic wave provides a propelling force on the projectile along the drive coil. The pulsed magnetic wave of the drive coil stages is advanced along the armature faster than the projectile to thereby generate an induced current wave in the armature. The pulsed generation of the magnetic wave minimizes electromagnetic heating of the projectile and provides for smooth acceleration of the projectile through the barrel of the launcher.

Abstract: A process for moving a magnetized object at a velocity in excess of 10 kilometers per second is provided. In this process, a symmetrical chamber which contains alternating portions of superconductive material and electromagnetic coils is provided. A magnetized object is disposed within the chamber and caused to levitate there because of the Meissner effect. The magnetized object is accelerated within the chamber by supplying asynchronous direct current pulses to the coils within the chamber.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for ram accelerating a projectile which comprises charging a tube, having an inlet end for accepting the projectile and a muzzle end from which the projectile may leave the tube, with a combustible gas mixture at an initial elevated pressure in the absence of combustion, so that the projectile may be accelerated by combustion of the mixture behind the projectile as it passes through the tube from the inlet end to the muzzle end; introducing the projectile into the inlet end; igniting the combustible gas mixture between the projectile and the inlet end; and creating the elevated pressure within the tube by means of a shock wave within the combustible gas mixture to obtain the elevated pressure before the projectile passes through the gas. Desirably, a static elevated gas pressure is created at least just prior to passage of the projectile through the gas.The invention further includes a ram accelerator for practicing the method of the invention.

Abstract: The invention is a projectile that is accelerated by electric or magnetic elds through the barrel of a gun. The projectile has an outer layer of composite material, the material having a ceramic constituent and an electrically conductive constituent. The projectile may also have a relatively soft or malleable discarding sabot which is electrically conductive.

Abstract: A collector cell having at least three interconnected prongs. The prongs can be triangular shaped tabs interconnected at the base by a lead. The cell can be utilized individually as a microwave energy collector and accelerator for forming an energy field or plasma. The cells can be formed in a connected, enclosed array to form a uniform energy field. The cells can be utilized individually or in an unconnected array as an accelerator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating a ram acceleration of a projectile that is at rest. A projectile (34) is positioned in a starting chamber (14) of a launch tube (12). Starting chamber (14) is either filled with a gas at a relatively low pressure or is substantially evacuated. A wave reflection disk (42/42') is positioned a short distance behind the projectile. Downstream of the starting chamber are a plurality of segments, including a first segment (16), which is filled with a combustible gas mixture at a substantially higher pressure than that in the starting chamber. The first segment is separated from the starting chamber by a pair of thin membranes (20a and 20b). These membranes have a characteristic burst pressure that is about midway between the differential pressure in the first segment and the starting chamber.

Abstract: A rail gun assembly (10) having rail electrodes (11, 12) which are of toothed cross-section configuration and an armature (15) which provides an electrical interconnection between the rail electrodes (11,12). The armature (15) is made up of three electrically conductive portions (24,25,26) which are separated by insulators (27,28). The electrically conductive armature portions (24,25,26) are so configured that varying amounts of electrical current pass through them as the armature is operationally accelerated along the gap between the rail electrodes (11,12). Localized overheating of the armature (15) is therefore substantially reduced.

Abstract: An arrangement for the accelerating of a projectile through the intermediary of a plasma, wherein the plasma is generated by means of an electrical discharging circuit within a metallic tube which has the bottom thereof closed. The one pole of the discharging circuit contacts a first electrode which is formed on the tube rearwardly of the projectile, and in the other pole of the discharging circuit is connected with the casing or jacket of the tube. The projectile, which constitutes the second electrode, forms a current collector which contacts in the casing or jacket of the tube and slides therein during the acceleration of the projectile. The current collector hereby acts in the manner of a sliding contact which, during the acceleration of the projectile, remains in electrical contact with the tube.

Abstract: A reusable and regenerative electromagnetic propulsion method and operating system is provided for propelling high mass payloads to orbital velocities which does not require a vacuum environment. The propulsion system comprises a self supporting superconducting dipole coil several kilometers in diamater that is accelerated by magnetic repulsive forces generated by a plurality of giant superconducting field coils mounted in the underground tunnels. The propulsion dipole is mounted inside a circular hypersonic wing-like structure equipped with movable aerodyanmic control surfaces for guidance. The propulsion system can accelerate a payload with any desired launch azimuth by accelerating along a line of magnetic induction generated by the field coils having the desired azimuth angle. The payload is attached to the propulsion system by a plurality of cables.

Abstract: An electrical switch for switching large currents in a low voltage circuit consists of two opposing terminals (32) connected to conducting rails (20) of an electromagnetic projectile launcher (10), each terminal having two conducting arms (32A, 32B) which enclose the breech chamber (114) of the launcher. Conducting contacts (66A, 66B) bridging across the opposing arms of the terminals are rapidly lifted to open the switch when the contacts are exposed to propellant gas pressure exerted on a projectile armature (22) slideable within the chamber. Electromagnetic forces of repulsion, which act upon whichever contact is the latter of the two to lift off the terminals, assist simultaneity of current pathway severance across both arms, thereby suppressing arcing at switch opening.

Abstract: An artillery piece which has a gun barrel made up of a parallel rail electromagnetic launcher bore. Current from a source is injected into the rails to propel a bridging armature and projectile. The velocity of the porjectile is measured as it traverses a certain position within the barrel and the measured velocity is compared with a predetermined desired velocity. The velocity of the projectile is modified (if required) toward the muzzle end of the rails as a result of the comparison.

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.

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 rail gun barrel has a pair of opposed spaced apart rails separated by a pair of opposed stepped insulator members, which cooperate to define an internal bore. Interior body members surround the bore-defining components and fill the space between those components and an outer surrounding containment tube of varying curvature. A pressure cavity is provided in the interior body members on at least one side of the bore to load the outer containment tube, which because of its varying curvature, translates a circumferentially variable prestress inversely proportional to its curvature and is selected to match the particular loading scenario.

Abstract: A projectile is accelerated through a gun barrel in response to high pressure gas applied to the rear of the projectile in response to a high pressure plasma discharge. Plasma from the discharge flows transversely of the discharge into a chamber through multiple openings in a passage wall that confines the discharge. The high pressure, high temperature plasma flowing into the chamber causes an exothermic reaction of water and metal particles in a slurry in the chamber to produce high pressure hydrogen gas that flows longitudinally of the discharge against the rear of the projectile. To maintain the pressure of hydrogen gas acting against the projectile relatively constant as the projectile is accelerated down the barrel, electric power applied to the discharge increases substantially linearly as a function of time.