EM Gun

The Army Research Laboratory (ARL) and Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control are developing an Electromagnetic (EM) Gun System. The objective of the EM Gun Program is to demonstrate the feasibility of an electromagnetic gun meeting the expectations for the Future Combat Systems (FCS) main armament and is primarily focused on technology demonstration. The Army EM gun applied research program is contracted through 2007 and is organized in two phases. During Phase I, 2000-2005, the program is centered on a medium caliber gun demonstration, demonstrating critical technologies that support the rotating power supply development, and demonstrating a single rotating power supply. During the Phase II, 2005-2007, Missiles and Fire Control will integrate the EM technologies into an armament test-bed for demonstration in 2007 utilizing a large bore gun integrated with a power supply system that is comprised of two counter-rotating power generation alternators with support elements.

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control is the prime contractor and system integrator. The University of Texas (Center for Electromechanics), Kaman Aerospace, BAE Systems � Controls, Science Applications International Corporation, GE Center for Research and Development and Silicon Power Corporation are developing the pulsed power supply. IAP Research, Titan Systems Corporation and Missiles and Fire Control are developing the launcher. ARL and Missiles and Fire Control are developing the Integrated Launch Package. The University of Texas (Institute for Advanced Technology) is providing basic research support to all aspects of the program.