Design Considerations Integrating ETC Gun Systems Aboard Naval Surface Combatants

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe naval surface combatant is an ideal platform for fielding emerging electric armament technologies such as Electro‐Thermal Chemical (ETC) Gun Systems. ETC Gun Systems are demonstrating the capability of meeting mission requirements in Naval Surface Fire Support, Ship Self Defense and possibly Theater Missile Defense areas. However, integration of ETC Gun Systems into a surface combatant requires coordination of many Hull, Mechanical and Electrical (HM&E) technologies in conjunction with the combat system development in order to provide a cost‐effective ship system.This paper addresses the design considerations for integrating a 5 inch ETC gun and two 60mm ETC guns aboard a naval surface combatant. The proposed architecture for the power system utilizes a power take‐off arrangement from the main propulsion drivetrain to provide the necessary prime power. The projected mission profiles of each gun system and the resultant prime power requirements are derived. The extraction of prime power from the ship's propulsion system, power conversion, conditioning and control techniques, power transmission throughout the ship, pulse forming and energy storage requirements, system grounding and safety, and thermal management issues are then discussed. Engineering research at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Annapolis continues to confirm the feasibility of integrating ETC guns aboard naval surface combatants.