Development and Experimental Results of a Three-Stage Induction Coilgun

In 2016, Hanwha Defense Systems Corporation commenced an electromagnetic launcher program to develop the next-generation “cold-launching” missile launcher system. This system is based on multistage induction coilguns with advantages such as controllability of energy transfer, reusability, and noncontact between the armature and the stators. The system requirement is to launch missiles to a height of 20 m with weight ranging from hundreds of kilograms to several tons. This paper presents the design, fabrication, and experiment results of a laboratory-scale electromagnetic launcher to demonstrate the feasibility of an electromagnetic launcher for heavy missiles. The effectiveness and performance of an electromagnetic launcher developed to launch heavy missiles have been demonstrated by accelerating a 21.68-kg projectile to 20 m/s.