Self-switching electromagnetic launcher for repetitive operation
USH123H · kind H · statutory invention registration
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | — |
| Grant date | Sep 2, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | — |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC —)General
Abstract
The invention concerns an EM Launcher wherein each projectile has an insuor which, when subjected to a breakdown voltage, allows current conduction through the EM rails and the projectile for acceleration thereof. The insulator thus provides a disposable switch for a rapid fire EM launcher, negating the necessity of electrical (inductor circuit) charging or mechanical (breech) recycling. A key element in the invention is the replacing of a repetitively operated external switch with a plurality of single-shot, disposable switches. Better performance can be obtained from a single-shot switch (i.e., lower inductance, lower on-state voltage drop) because the compromises required of a repetitive switch to enable it to recover its voltage holdoff are not necessary.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.