Armature for small caliber electromagnetic launch projectile

摘要

The invention concerns an electromagnetically launched projectile having an armature comprised of refractory metal washers, each of which being coated with a thin film of cathode emitter material. The low work function metal generated by the heat of arcing rises to the armature surface through the capillaries formed between the armature washers. The arc occuring between the rail of the electromagnetic launcher and the armature is lowered due to the formation of a low voltage metallic discharge. The reduced arc drop lowers the erosion rate on the rails which reduces the rail damage resulting in increased firing rate and longer rail life.