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Electrokinetic, Coil, Rail and Plasma Guns


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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.


HEP50 - Electromagnetic Cannon/Mass Launcher/Coil Gun
The Mass Launcher fires a 4-ounce projectile to a velocity capable of splitting a 1 x 2" pine board on impact as shown in our video clips.

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:
coil gun
"Tossed Salad"
coil gun
"Wood"
coil gun
"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):

capacitor bank
CHARGE10000V
The charger.
triggered spark gap
TRIGATRON10
The trigger.
capacitor bank
CAPBANK50
The capacitor bank.
capacitor bank
MASS10
The module.

Complete Turnkey-Ready Systems
With other action functions

HEP50 - High Energy Pulser at 5kV 1250 Joules, includes the Controller/Charger, Triggered Spark Gap Switch, and single Capacitor Bank; also includes the 3 modules Can Crusher, Wire Exploder, and Mass Launcher ... $1995.00

> More Information On High Energy Pulse Generators <

HEP100 - Same as HEP50 but with a dual Capacitor Bank at 2500 Joules, for twice the power output ... $2495.00
Individually available components for this project:
MASS10 - individual Mass Launcher Module (note that this is included with the HEP50 & HEP100) ... $79.95

MASS10 - Magnetic Mortar / 2nd Generation Mass Launcher
This projectile firing module requires machining in order to be made

The magnetic mortar is an electrokinetic device using a conditioned pulse of magnetic energy to propel an object to a high velocity. This is an excellent advanced science project demonstrating several important electric and magnetic reactions.

This is the module only, requiring a high-energy pulser (not included), and built to withstand the pulse of the higher power HEP100 platform.

 

The actual mortar module is mounted on an adjustable trunnion-type mount that is secured to the top section with 4 dual springs to absorb the considerable impact.

The Magnetic Mortar uses a coil wound in a conical design to increase surface area and repulsion forces. The coil is wound within a tube that pivots on a trundle assembly to adjust elevation and give the looks of a mortar. The projectile is made with geometry to match the coil and allow maximum inductive coupling. Initial velocity is over 400 fps, and we have gotten ranges of over 1000 feet, even with less than optimal aero dynamics.

This is a very dangerous project and should only be attempted by experienced and responsible adults. Not only is it a severe lethal shock hazard, but also the projectile can maim or kill a person. The device must be treated as a real gun!

Click For Video of the MORTAR10 in Action:
coil gun
First Firing
coil gun
Slo-mo Sheetrock

 


EML30 - Hand Held Coil Gun Pistol
Completely self-contained where 8 AA alkaline cells will provide 100s shots at full power before requiring replacement. Other models soon to be available with more power and more professionally designed.
coil gun

Danger: will cause injury or break objects at close range.
Point in a safe direction and treat as a firearm!
Caution -- Adult Supervision Required!

Fascinating project propels aluminum rings to a considerable velocity. Demonstrates the LORENTZ force plus important properties of magnetic energy. Rings may be restrained to flyway for safety or classroom demonstration. Adult supervision usually not required for outside use. Operates from 8AA batteries that slide into hand grip. Can be easily modified to propel ball bearings but modification will create a more ballistic and dangerous projectile.

coil gun
Click on Picture
for Video
EML30 - Assembled & Ready to Use ... $225.95
EML3 - Paper Plans ... $10.00
EML3-D - Downloadable Plans ... $5.00

PPRO1 - Plasma Thermal Gun
Challenging project but rewards are positive ballistic velocities. This project is recommended for the experienced high voltage tech as operation exposes user to dangerous potentials.

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).

capacitor bank
HEP50

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

Plans Only for the Plasma Thermal Gun Module:
PPRO1 - Paper Plans ... $25.00
PPRO1-D - Downloadable Plans ... $15.00
High Energy Pulser to Drive the Plasma Thermal Module:
HEP50 - High Energy Pulser Assembled ... $1695.00

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.


EGUN1K - Single Stage Electric Gun
Advanced Project intended for those with experience in electro-kinetics. Contains data and parts to make a very powerful single stage device. Advance builders may add more stages using their own ingenuity.
electric gun

Uses only a single accelerator. Excellent advanced science project for college level. Easily modified for ballistic velocities.

Advanced Projects-
Join the Research!!
Experiment Now Before
Device Is Classified As A Firearm!!!
electric gun
Individual Parts and Subassemblies Available
EGUN1K - Kit and Plans, Assembly Required ... $349.95
EGUN1 - Paper Plans ... $20.00
EGUN1-D - Downloadable Plans ... $10.00