Megampere Pulsed Alternators for Large EM Launchers

In recent years, the technology of electromagnetic launchers has progressed to the level where potential applications are being seriously explored. Examples include direct- and indirect-fire guns for military and even launch to space. Although large capacitor banks (up to 32 MJ) have traditionally been used to supply pulsed power for electromagnetic launcher research laboratory installations, it seems unlikely that these can be miniaturized for tactical field use. The US Army has therefore invested in the development of pulsed alternators capable of providing the required megampere, millisecond pulses. Under contract to the US Army, Curtiss-Wright is presently developing a pair of pulsed alternators for such an application. In this paper, an overview of this development is provided so that the technology can be considered by other pulsed power users in situations where a compact high-energy, high-current source is required.