Hypervelocity coil guns, rail guns and light gas guns

摘要

This paper provides an overview of U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) supported hypervelocity launcher research and development accomplishments. Specifically, DOD supported accomplishements and experimental capabilities in the area of rail gun technology are discussed along with a summary of previously conducted studies of the Earth-To-Orbit (ETO) launch application. In addition, an overview of key development activities sponsored by the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) in the areas of coil guns and light gas guns is presented, along with discussion of their relevance to the ETO application.