Rarefaction Wave Gun Tank Main Armament Demonstrator

Abstract : RArefaction waVe guN (RAVEN) propulsion is a widely acclaimed method to impart maximum energy into a projectile while imparting the least recoil momentum and thermal heating to the launcher. It was originally conceived in 1999 to meet the ambitious lethality and strategic deployability objectives of the future combat systems (FCS) to drive off a C130 transport ready for combat. RAVEN was removed from consideration to meet FCS lethality requirements due to the perceived immaturity of the technology in a risk avoidance program philosophy. This paper presents the experimental results of a brass-board tank main armament demonstration system based upon RAVEN propulsion. This technology profoundly alters the system integration options for guns.