// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Coilgun
A coilgun is a type of projectile launcher that uses a series of powerful magnetic coils, activated in sequence, to accelerate a metallic projectile to extremely high speeds. It functions like a cannon but uses electricity and magnetism instead of gunpowder.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A coilgun, or Gauss rifle, is an electromagnetic mass driver that accelerates a ferromagnetic or conductive projectile (armature) along a linear path using a series of sequentially energized solenoids (coils) that act as a stator. This multi-stage induction process propels the projectile via magnetic forces without direct electrical contact, distinguishing it from railguns which use a sliding armature and Lorentz force.
BACKGROUND
A coilgun is a type of mass driver consisting of one or more coils used as electromagnets in the configuration of a linear motor that accelerate a ferromagnetic or conducting projectile to high velocity. In almost all coilgun configurations, the coils and the gun barrel are arranged on a common axis. A coilgun is not a rifle as the barrel is smoothbore.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Gauss rifle
- magnetic accelerator
- solenoid gun
- linear motor accelerator
- electromagnetic mass driver
- magnetic cannon
USAGE NOTE
Coilgun technology is often researched for future naval artillery, missile defense, and even space launch systems, prized for its potential high muzzle velocity and adjustable power.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Coilgun.
A major US defense contractor that develops advanced electromagnetic systems, including railguns, pulsed power systems, and related launcher technologies for the Department of Defense. Their work on railguns directly overlaps with the core technologies required for coilguns.
A global defense and aerospace company heavily involved in developing electromagnetic railguns for the U.S. Navy. Their extensive research and development in high-energy pulsed power and projectile launch systems is fundamental to coilgun technology.
The corporate research laboratory for the United States Navy and Marine Corps. The NRL has been a pioneer in electromagnetic launch technology, leading key research initiatives and programs that explore both railgun and coilgun concepts for naval applications.
A private company that has successfully designed, built, and sold portable, handheld coilguns, such as the GR-1 ANVIL. While not a traditional defense prime, they are one of the few organizations to have fielded a functional coilgun product.
A binational research institute focused on defense and security. ISL has a long history of research into electromagnetic acceleration and has developed multiple coilgun demonstrators and testbeds to study their application for artillery systems.
A U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that manages the U.S. nuclear stockpile. Sandia has world-leading expertise in high-energy-density physics and pulsed power systems, which are the foundational enabling technologies for developing powerful coilguns and other electromagnetic launchers.
A French multinational company active in the aerospace, defense, and security markets. Thales has research programs in advanced weapon systems, including studies and technology development related to electromagnetic accelerators for future artillery applications.