Overview of some recent EML efforts within Russia

The research program in the USSR and then in Russia included the study of the potentials of different types of electromagnetic launchers of solids: railguns, ET guns, ETC guns. In this survey, primary emphasis is placed on railguns. Pulsed power problems for EM guns will not be discussed in this paper. Traditionally, the potentials of electromagnetic launchers of solids have been studied in two aspects - basic research and applied (military) research. This paper presents the results of fundamental studies. Also, the plans of some research teams for the nearest years are briefly outlined.