• Operating Groups
• Advanced Technologies
• Electromagnetic Systems
• Railgun

Pulsed Power System for Naval
Electromagnetic Launch Development

A team led by General Atomics has started work on developing and testing a proof-of-concept (PoC) pulsed power system for Naval Electromagnetic (EM) Launch Systems. GA’s team members are Titan and the University of Texas Center for Electromechanics (UT-CEM).

The mission of the PoC Pulsed Power System demonstration is to provide a reliable, full-scale pulsed power platform on which to conduct launcher and projectile testing, pulsed power development testing, ship integration testing, and critical component development testing.

The team will fabricate approximately 8 MJ of capacitors of the design selected for the PoC Pulsed Power System; fabricate, assemble, and factory test the PoC prototype PFN assembly comprised of modules totaling approximately 8 MJ; and develop an EM launcher system model. The model will contain functional elements for major subsystems including the PPS, launcher, and projectile. It will be capable of simulating power flow, launcher electrical performance, and basic flight performance of the projectile. From this, a conceptual design and cost-estimate for the pulsed power system will be generated.

The use of electromagnetic energy to launch and kinetic energy to achieve lethality affords the opportunity to entirely remove both propellants and explosives from the weapon system, significantly increasing system and ship survivability. Because no propellants are required, the railgun projectile is significantly smaller and lighter leading to greatly increased magazine capacity for a given volume even while accounting for the EM launchers’ power system volume.

For more information, contact:
Tom Hurn, Program Director
Advanced Launcher Systems
Thomas.Hurn@gat.com