Design of a Gasgun Accelerator for Dynamic Warhead Tests

摘要

A study has been performed concerning the feasibility and general design of a gasgun accelerator for dynamic warhead tests in the Laboratory for Ballistic Research (LBO) of TNO-PML. The warhead accelerator system under consideration comprises the gas gun proper, a rail system to guide the warhead to the target, equipment to detonate the warhead, and a substantial backstop. The study included model calculations, scale experiments, design exercises, and cost evaluations. The overall feasibility of the warhead accelerator system has been established and a number of design features formulated. Further design and construction of the system appear largely within the capability of the PML. Some questions remain, mainly related to the ability of anti-tank missile components to withstand acceleration. The attendant uncertainties may affect the present (December 1991) internal and external-cost estimates of 315 kf and 335 kf, respectively.