Effective launch package integration for electromagnetic guns

Many engineering disciplines must be considered when designing launch packages for electromagnetic guns. These include electromechanics, plasma physics, fluid dynamics, structures, materials science, aerodynamics, thermodynamics, flight dynamics, and terminal effects. Often, the requirements of one discipline will be in direct conflict with the requirements of another. Each discipline can claim to be of overriding importance, but all aspects of launch package design must be considered if the gun system is to succeed in its mission. Choices must be made regarding launch package configuration. Base-pushing or mid-riding solutions are possible with solid, hybrid or plasma armatures. Fully optimized launch package designs must be used in comparisons to find the actual optimal design point. The most effective design for one gun system will not necessarily be the most effective for another. This paper discusses the interplay among the various engineering disciplines involved in launch package design. Successful testing of integrated projectile/armature/sabot configurations from 90 mm EM guns is reviewed.