Abstract
Abstract : The efficiency of an electromagnetic railgun is assessed. In addition to electrical and kinematic loss terms, the portion of useful mass launched downrange is considered. Both integrated and fixed integrated launch package design approaches are considered using a system assessment code. Various current profiles are used to assess the performance of the launcher and integrated launch-package performance for a 3.52-kg launch package at a muzzle velocity of 2.5 km/s in 6 m of travel. It is found that the majority of electrically efficient launchers do not provide the most useful payload. A few percent reduction in the most efficient launcher can provide up to 18% additional useful energy. Furthermore, the launcher designed in concert with the launch package was found to also increase the amount of useful energy by an additional 7%.
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