Study of new materials for railgun launchers

The description of new materials which can be used in railgun launchers is presented. Mo-W compositions in the Cu matrix, binary composites with anisotropic conductivity, ceramics and ceramic covers have been studied as materials for rails, solid armature and insulator respectively. The tests have been conducted on a 1 m long railgun launcher with a section of the bore 10 mm/spl times/10 mm using a current with the amplitude 350-400 kA. Main test results are demonstrated.