Electromagnetic launcher: A new weapon

There are several perceived advantages to using Electromagnetic (EM) launching for weapons applications. Higher muzzle velocities than can be achieved with conventional ordnance will minimize the projectile time-of-flight to the target; this is of particular interest for air-defense applications against maneuvering targets and for penetrator launching. The potential for precise current (hence acceleration) control promises lower peak accelerations that the projectile must withstand, and much more precise muzzle velocity control, permitting the use of smart projectiles and continuous zoning for artillery applications. The principles behind EM accelerators, particularly dc accelerators (railguns), the recent history of their development, their advantages for weapons applications, the general requirements, potential problem areas that must be faced by designers, and the work that has been done by researchers at Livermore and Los Alamos National Laboratories in accelerating 3-g projectiles to 10 km/s, and larger masses to lower velocities are discussed.