Abstract :
This paper reviews the tumultuous history of electromagnetic launchers. It also studies various aspects of electromagnetic launch (EML), including an intriguing use in tank armor. Most of all, the recent history of railgun research is a cautionary tale about military R&D. The U.S. Army and Navy envision EM guns as a key component for the next generation of all-electric vehicles.
Keywords :
electromagnetic launchers; history; military equipment; projectiles; railguns; electromagnetic launcher; history; military R&D; next generation electric vehicles; projectile; railgun research; tank armor; Coilguns; Coils; Electromagnetic launching; Guns; Magnetic fields; Magnetic levitation; Projectiles; Railguns; Rails; Switches;
