The science and technology of electric launch

In addition to its continued research focus on the fundamental physics and engineering challenges in developing electric launchers for specific military weapons and applications, the US is exploring the technology for a number of exciting military and civilian launch applications. These efforts include compact pulsed power sources, power conditioning, armatures, integrated launch packages (armature/sabot/projectile), electromagnetic and electrothermochemical launchers, advanced materials and diagnostics, technology and systems integration, and modeling and simulation. Important advances have been achieved in the understanding and technological applications of electric launchers. These are discussed in the context of specific applications to future ground combat vehicles, the launch of aircraft from carriers and the launch of spacecraft.