A repetitive switching array for laboratory electromagnetic launcher research

A switching array containing up to six switching cartridges has been designed for multiple firing of inductive powered electromagnetic launcher systems. Each cartridge contains both a closing and an opening contact and may be operated at peak current to 1.5 MA for current pulse durations between 1 ms and 300 ms. Contacts are operated by detonating small explosive charges. This paper describes development progress and test results for a 1/2 scale, three shot prototype, and incorporation of results into a full scale, six shot design.