Electromagnetic projectile launching system with a concentric rail geometry
AssigneeWestinghouse Electric Corp.
InventorsFrederick J. Young, William F. Hughes, Daniel W. Deis, Ian R. McNab
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Abstract
An electromagnetic projectile launching system utilizes two cylindrical rail configurations. In one configuration, multiple conductive armatures are electromagnetically accelerated along rails which are located on the inner surface of a cylindrical barrel. The second configuration utilizes armatures located between concentric cylindrical rails. Rifling provides for spin stabilization of the projectile.
Claims24
An electromagentic projectile launching system comprising:
- a cylindrical barrel;
- a plurality of conductive rails distributed azimuthally on the inner surface of said barrel;
- a plurality of conductive armatures disposed between said conductive rails;
- an insulating core to which said armatures are radially attached;
- a source of current;
- and
- commutating means for connecting said current to said rails, wherein current flowing longitudinally within said rails in the wake of said armatures, and through said armatures produces magnetic fields which propel said armatures along said rails.
An electromagnetic projectile launching system comprising:
- a pair of cylindrical coaxial conductive electrodes;
- an annular conductive armature disposed between said electrodes and in sliding electrical contact with said electrodes;
- a plurality of axial slots in the inner one of said pair of electrodes;
- a central plug slidably disposed within the inner one of said pair of electrodes;
- a plurality of insulating support arms which pass through said slots and rigidly attach said armature to said central plug;
- a plurality of insulating support rails running axially between said electrodes, which support the segments of the inner one of said electrodes created by said slots;
- a plurality of apertures in said armature through which said support rails pass;
- a source of current;
- and
- a commutating means for connecting said current to said electrodes, wherein current flowing longitudinally within said electrodes and through said armature produces magnetic fields which propel said armature along said electrodes.
An electromagnetic projectile launching system comprising:
- a pair of cylindrical coaxial electrodes;
- a conductive annular armature disposed between said electrodes and in sliding electrical contact with said electrodes;
- an insulating liquid disposed within said electrodes and between said armature and a projectile;
- a source of current;
- and
- commutating means for connecting said current to said electrodes, wherein current flowing longitudinally within said electrodes and through said armature produces magnetic fields which propel said armature along said electrodes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.