Example coil guns and methods of using coil guns are described herein. An example coil gun includes a first pancake module; a second pancake module, where the first pancake module and the second pancake module are each formed of a winding with an inner superconducting material layer and an outer ordinary conductor layer, where the first pancake module and the second pancake module are physically and/or inductively coupled to propagate a quench of a superconducting state of the first pancake module to the second pancake module.

Steady-field coilgun methods and devices based on a steady-field coil(s). The fundamental operational basis is to leave the current running in the solenoid/coil during the operation of the gun or other projectile launcher, where the field must be built up only once-initially, when turning the gun or launcher on. Then firing involves loading a bullet or other projectile in the barrel and releasing it to be accelerated by the established magnetic field. To fire again, the system loads the next bullet into the barrel and releases it again to be accelerated by the same steady magnetic field. To stop the firing, simply prevent the next bullet from loading, or load it but do not release it in the barrel. To turn off the system, simply disconnect the DC voltage driving the current in the solenoid(s)/coil(s).

Systems and methods for electromagnetically controlling the muzzle velocity of a conventional gun using a coil gun on a barrel extension. This method can also provide an electromagnetically induced increase to muzzle velocity beyond that capable by conventional explosives. With higher muzzle velocity, the weapons will have longer range, higher penetrating power and stand-off distances. A section of coil gun can also be used to center the projectile in the barrel to control the exit trajectory. Using a coil gun to control muzzle velocity and center the projectile can be a retrofit to existing weapons that would greatly increase their down-range accuracy.

Two exemplary approaches to the acceleration of projectiles are provided. Both approaches can utilize concepts associated with the Inductrack maglev system. Either of them provides an effective means of accelerating multi-kilogram projectiles to velocities of several kilometers per second, using launchers of order 10 meters in length, thus enabling the acceleration of projectiles to high velocities by electromagnetic forces.

An apparatus for correcting trajectories variations of projectiles launched from a firearm is disclosed. The apparatus includes a control circuit for determining an appropriate impulse to be imparted into a projectile based on the measured velocity of the projectile, at least one steering coil, and a pulsed-power supply for discharging an amount of energy commensurate with the determined impulse to the steering coil such that a set of magnetic fields is produced to impart an amount of corrective kinetic energy into the projectile as the projectile passes the steering coil.

Systems and methods for electromagnetically controlling the muzzle velocity of a conventional gun using a coil gun on a barrel extension. This method can also provide an electromagnetically induced increase to muzzle velocity beyond that capable by conventional explosives. With higher muzzle velocity, the weapons will have longer range, higher penetrating power and stand-off distances. A section of coil gun can also be used to center the projectile in the barrel to control the exit trajectory. Using a coil gun to control muzzle velocity and center the projectile can be a retrofit to existing weapons that would greatly increase their down-range accuracy.

An electromagnetic accelerator device which is configured to impart spin to projectiles fired from it. Various methods to accomplish this stabilization are proposed. The spin may be imparted physically using friction, inductively using an alternating magnetic field or inducing eddy currents in an armature, or by shaping the magnetic field or armature within the barrel of the device appropriately. The magnetic field(s) within such a device may be configured to impart a linear, as well as a rotational force, upon an armature which may be non-circular in cross-sectional profile, or non-axisymmetric in physical shape or material properties.

The Hyper-Magnetic Matter Accelerator comprises an apparatus and method of a plurality of basin-formed electromagnetic field generators as well as rotational electromagnetic field generators mounted in series to a conduit; energized in sequence for ferrous matter or projectile acceleration to, but not limited to or by high-hypersonic velocity and rotation for trajectory stabilization accuracy. Velocity control may be implemented through the use of various power levels as well as configuration by one skilled in the art based on said artisan's intended velocity objective.

Steady-field coilgun methods and devices based on a steady-field coil(s). The fundamental operational basis is to leave the current running in the solenoid/coil during the operation of the gun or other projectile launcher, where the field must be built up only onceinitially, when turning the gun or launcher on. Then firing involves loading a bullet or other projectile in the barrel and releasing it to be accelerated by the established magnetic field. To fire again, the system loads the next bullet into the barrel and releases it again to be accelerated by the same steady magnetic field. To stop the firing, simply prevent the next bullet from loading, or load it but do not release it in the barrel. To turn off the system, simply disconnect the DC voltage driving the current in the solenoid(s)/coil(s).

A launch acceleration system can include a passage, a plurality of magnetic components, and a control system. The passage can include an entry region, a projectile acceleration pathway, and an exit region for a moving projectile having a magnetically susceptible portion. The magnetic components can be arranged around the projectile acceleration pathway such that the moving projectile travels through the magnetic components. The control system can be coupled to the magnetic components and can be configured to actuate the \magnetic components at one or more proper times to facilitate one or more applications of magnetic force from the magnetic components to the moving projectile as the moving projectile passes through the projectile acceleration pathway in a manner that accelerates the moving projectile.