Electric energy gun technology: status of the French-German-Netherlands programme

Abstract

Since 1993, a joint research programme on electric energy gun technology is being pursued by France, Germany and the Netherlands. Research and technology development is being performed jointly in six subprograms. Next to operational aspects and system studies, railgun, coilgun and electrothermal gun launch is investigated. To power these future gun weapon systems, research on both energy storage, switching, pulse forming networks and hypervelocity projectiles is being performed, too. This trilateral programme is characterised by complementary research executed in the nations mentioned. Besides institutes and military services, both universities and industry contribute to the programme. Research and technology spans the development of the technology base of new physical concepts and the development of proof of principle demonstrators. An overview is presented concerning the status and results of the subprograms. It is focused on the merit of hypervelocity for different military missions, gun system integration aspects, experimental and theoretical study results of the three fundamental concepts of launching obtained with 3D-computer codes, with small and large (up to 30 MJ) launch facilities, with pulse forming networks, energy storage and solid state switching, and with hypervelocity projectiles of different design. Study of ignition control of gun propellants by a plasma-jet has been started, too, Finally, anticipated development of the way ahead of the trilateral programme is highlighted.