Launch acceleration system

A system configured to accelerate a moving projectile, the system comprising:

• a passage including an entry region, a projectile acceleration pathway, and an exit region, wherein the passage is configured to accept a moving projectile therein at the entry region, allow travel of the moving projectile therethrough along the projectile acceleration pathway, and expel the moving projectile therefrom at the exit region, the moving projectile having at least one magnetically susceptible portion and an inner region configured to hold a payload therein;
• a plurality of magnetic components arranged around the projectile acceleration pathway such that the moving projectile travels through the plurality of magnetic components, wherein the inner region is magnetically shielded from the plurality of magnetic components;
• and
• a control system coupled to the plurality of magnetic components, wherein the control system is configured to actuate the plurality of magnetic components at one or more proper times in order to facilitate one or more applications of magnetic force from the plurality of magnetic components to the moving projectile as the moving projectile passes through the projectile acceleration pathway in a manner that accelerates the moving projectile.

A system configured to accelerate a moving projectile, the system comprising:

• a passage including an entry region, a projectile acceleration pathway, and an exit region, wherein the passage is configured to accept a moving projectile therein at the entry region, allow travel of the moving projectile therethrough along the projectile acceleration pathway, and expel the moving projectile therefrom at the exit region, the moving projectile having at least one magnetically susceptible portion;
• a plurality of magnetic components arranged around the projectile acceleration pathway such that the moving projectile travels through the plurality of magnetic components;
• and
• a control system coupled to the plurality of magnetic components, wherein the control system includes sensing components configured to detect the exact location and velocity of the moving projectile, and wherein the control system is configured to actuate the plurality of magnetic components at one or more proper times in order to facilitate one or more applications of magnetic force from the plurality of magnetic components to the moving projectile as the moving projectile passes through the projectile acceleration pathway in a manner that accelerates the moving projectile.

A method of accelerating a moving projectile, the method comprising:

• accepting the moving projectile into an entry region of a passage having a projectile acceleration pathway;
• facilitating travel of the moving projectile through the passage along the projectile acceleration pathway;
• detecting the location of the moving projectile while the moving projectile is within the passage;
• actuating a plurality of magnetic components arranged around the projectile acceleration pathway while the moving projectile travels along the projectile acceleration pathway;
• accelerating the moving projectile using the actuated magnetic components while the moving projectile travels along the projectile acceleration pathway;
• and
• centering the moving projectile within the passage using the actuated magnetic components.