Large calibre armature firings at Green Farm Electric Gun Test Facility

The DNA/Maxwell Laboratories SSG 30 mm Rail Gun has been used to fire a number of solid armature projectiles in conjunction with the United Kingdom, (UK) Defence Research Agency, (DRA). These projectiles have been fully tactical, discarding sabots rounds fired at short range into RHA steel targets. This paper gives details of those shots, the diagnostics used to capture the data and some of the design methodology behind the test. Visual recordings have been assisted in the analysis of the results, showing good sabot discard and flight characteristics. Velocities of over 2000 m/s have been achieved with fully discarding tactical packages and typical accelerating lengths. The tests have shown for a limited sample size, that EM projectiles can be launched as accurately as ones from a conventional powder gun, and that the differing launch conditions do not pose a major problem to the shot designers.