Preliminary design of a 200 MJ pulsed power system for a naval railgun proof of concept facility

The Navy's decision for implementation of an integrated power system into the next generation of surface combatants (DDX Warship) provides the opportunity for introduction of high powered electric weapons systems. An electromagnetic railgun is a candidate that provides enhanced capabilities for indirect fire support with increased ranges and velocities. Additionally, improvements of logistics for ammunition handling and storage make the railgun an attractive solution for the next generation naval electric warship armament. The notional naval railgun at full scale will fire a 20 kg launch package at a velocity of 2500 m/s providing 63 MJ of muzzle energy. It is estimated that a 200 MJ pulse forming energy storage system (PFN) will be required to achieve the desired muzzle velocity and energy. A land based proof-of-concept (PoC) facility can validate the notional railgun performance and pulsed power requirements. Components for the barrel, launch package, sabot and projectile designs will also be validated. Terminal effects can also be studied at the facility. This paper describes preliminary design assessments associated with the 200 MJ naval PoC Facility. Included are the facility requirements, PFN modeling and component technical assessment. Additionally the facility layout, capacitor bank modules and bussing requirements are illustrated.