Electromagnetic Railguns (RA Winter Lecture)

Published on March 12, 2025
Duration: 71:45

This lecture by retired RA gun engineer Derek Putley details the principles, history, and experimental work on electromagnetic railguns in the UK during the 1980s and 1990s. It covers the development of REM Gun 3 and the Hypervelocity Test Facility (HTF) railgun, discussing challenges in power supply, armature design, and achieving high velocities. The talk also touches upon the historical context and potential future applications of railgun technology.

Quick Summary

Electromagnetic railguns use electromagnetic forces, not chemical propellants, to launch projectiles. They feature two parallel conducting rails and a sliding armature. Early UK research focused on improving armor penetration, with key projects like REM Gun 3 and the HTF railgun exploring power supply and armature challenges.

Chapters

  1. 05:38Introduction to Royal Armouries
  2. 08:21Derek Putley's Introduction
  3. 10:32What is a Railgun?
  4. 16:29Types of Electric Guns
  5. 20:10Physics of Electric Currents
  6. 21:47Railgun Circuit Sketch
  7. 23:22Power Supply Requirements
  8. 24:54Railgun Barrel Construction
  9. 27:28Barrel Construction History
  10. 28:17Armature Design
  11. 30:23History of Railgun Invention
  12. 37:33UK Involvement in Railguns
  13. 38:52Powering REM Gun 3
  14. 41:02REM Gun 3 Operation
  15. 42:23Piggyback Rail Switch
  16. 45:57HTF Railgun Project
  17. 49:00Theory vs. Experiment
  18. 50:00Current vs. Time Analysis
  19. 52:30Challenges and Funding
  20. 52:38Conclusion: REM Gun 3 & HTF
  21. 56:02Q&A: Future Research
  22. 57:55Q&A: Armature Integration
  23. 59:04Q&A: Muzzle Flash Color
  24. 64:29Q&A: Barrel Life
  25. 66:26Q&A: Sci-Fi Depictions
  26. 67:56Q&A: Recent US Endeavors

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an electromagnetic railgun?

An electromagnetic railgun is a type of projectile launcher that uses electromagnetic forces, rather than chemical propellants like gunpowder, to accelerate a projectile. It typically consists of two parallel conducting rails and a sliding armature that completes the electrical circuit, generating forces to propel the projectile down the barrel.

What were the main challenges in developing early railguns?

Key challenges included developing suitable power supply technology capable of delivering immense, short-duration currents, designing robust armatures that could withstand high velocities and currents without failing, and achieving acceptable barrel life due to extreme forces and heat.

How does a railgun differ from a coilgun?

A railgun uses a continuous current flowing through rails to generate a magnetic field that accelerates a projectile along the entire length of the barrel, providing smooth acceleration. A coilgun uses a series of electromagnets (coils) to sequentially attract and repel a projectile, which can result in a more uneven, 'bumpy' ride.

Why was the UK interested in railgun technology in the 1980s?

The UK's interest in railguns during the 1980s was primarily driven by defense applications, specifically the pursuit of higher projectile velocities to improve armor penetration capabilities against potential Soviet tanks during the Cold War.

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