THE FUTURISTIC WEAPONS OFTEN SEEN IN MOVIES ARE NO LONGER COMPLETE FICTION

Futuristic weapons can be divided into two broad categories:

The first category is a beam weapon, where a directed energy is transmitted as electromagnetic radiation, particle beams of ions, or other subatomic projectiles. Development of the high efficiency laser diode makes possible a practical Ray gun where a matrix of these diodes can produce a collimated efficient electromagnetic beam of energy. Laser diodes are more efficient than other lasing mechanisms. They are easy to drive, power output per volume and weight is extremely low and they are not that costly. Beam conditioning is accomplished by the use of optical algorithms. This page will not go into the laser type futuristic weapon as this is a separate subject requiring more extensive and dedicated coverage. The technology for microwave beam and EMP devices has all been developed, and is now being designed for actual warfare should the need be necessary.

The second category is a kinetic weapon, involving railguns, coil guns and other electromagnetic- and plasma-propelled devices. The theoretical advantage of this type of a futuristic weapon is that the velocity of the projectile is not limited by the burning rate of a chemical propellant used by traditional kinetic weapons (firearms). Chemical propellants are limited to under 5000 m/s whereas a well constructed electrically-propelled gun can achieve five times that velocity if not more. The problem with this technology is that it requires large bulky power supplies, energy storage systems, power conditioning, triggering systems and of course the weapon itself must be able to handle fantastic amounts of mechanical and electrical stress. These are all being addressed by major research facilities.

A lighter projectile can be fired at considerably higher velocity. Device uses stored electrical energy accumulated on a capacitor bank and switched into the accelerator coil (THOMPSON COIL) by a special three terminal triggered spark switch. The accelerator coil induces a very high amperage current in the projectile that now sets up its own magnetic field that opposes that in the coil causing a repulsive moment of accelerative force on the projectile.

The Mass Launcher uses a flat spiral coil arranged with a vertical flyway and wooden support base. The projectile used is on the heavy side weighing in at over 4 ounces. Its geometry is a flat aluminum washer that is of the same size as the coil. This geometry provides maximum coupling and optimizes electric to kinetic efficiency. Initial velocity is over 300 fps but quickly drops off due to the poor aero dynamics of the projectile shape. A piece of 2 foot long 2 x 1 inch pine board placed on the flyway tube unsecured will be easily split in half by projectile impact.

Projectile may be retained on a flyway for repeating display when used in museums, or free flying when used in the field.

Demonstrates Electro/Mag/Kinetic Reactions Lossless Charging/Triggered Spark Switch Demonstrates the LORENTZ Forces Easily Scaled Up for More Serious Research Accelerates a 4 oz. Object Using a Mag Pulse Basic System Includes 1250 or 2500 Joule Energy Source Excellent for "ACTION" Museum Displays

Click For Video of the MASS100 in Action: "Tossed Salad" "Wood" "Sheetrock"

For Museums, Attention Getting Displays, Action Science Projects and Serious Research. We will assist in installation and setup. Call for details.

MASS LAUNCHER SUBASSEMBLIES (all of these are included with complete mass launcher):

CHARGE10000V The charger.

TRIGATRON10 The trigger.

CAPBANK50 The capacitor bank.

MASS10 The module.

The PPRO1 Plasma Thermal Gun utilizes the electrothermal energy obtained from vaporizing a metallic material, creating a pressure wave of sufficient magnitude to cause a projectile to accelerate to ballistic velocities. The system shown on our data is a relatively low velocity device within the building capability of most hobbyists. The project may be scaled up for serious research with an obvious increase in high voltage handling and ballistic hazards. The project requires experience in the handling of high-voltage, high-energy devices. Operation requires a high-energy pulser such as our HEP50, which is shown using a 5Kv Capacitor Bank. These values may be altered within limits to allow the use of available capacitors that you may have on hand. An energy-storage capacitor is charged from a programmable, controlled current source to a selected high voltage. This capacitor is switched by a triggered spark gap, dumping all the stored energy into a small-volume explosion chamber and vaporizing a thin, aluminum wire placed inside the chamber. A pressure wave forces a projectile out of the barrel to a high velocity.

The Plasma Thermal Gun requires a power supply/charger and trigger, such as our HEP50 Pulser/Ignitor or similar (which includes our 5Kv Capacitor Bank to store the ignition energy).

HEP50

This project is suitable for a science class demonstration if properly supervised with qualified personnel.

Plasma Thermal Gun Assembly Parts are Fabricated by Builder from Readily Available Materials.

This system as sold will require proper enclosures and must be installed by qualified personnel if used for public demonstrations and displays.