Trends and prospects in the area of launching

The trend in the launching area is to strive for smaller and lighter weapon systems with retained or increased performance. A lower logistic burden for increased strategic mobility is also important. An increased flexibility with weapon systems capable of both long and short range launching with the same system is derired. It is also important that the projectile penetration ability is increased at the same rate as the protection ability of the armor. The goal for future launching devices is to reach muzzle velocities of around 3000 m/s and ranges of 100 km. Technical description of and developmental status for new launching techniques as electrothermal-chemical launching (ETC), rail guns and coil guns, are given in the report. ETC can be implemented in existing conventional guns and give up to 40% increase in muzzle energy depending on application. Rail and coil guns are expected to give very high muzzle velocities without risky handling of explosives and loud or light signatures but require much electric energy and development of more compact energy storage systems. Muzzle velocities of 2300 m/s and ranges of 100 km are expected for conventional guns by different technical improvements. These improvements can both be applied on material and construction of the launching device, projectile, propellant charge or propellant. Mainly possible improvements concerning the propellant or propellant charges giving interior ballistic, safety or logistical benefits are described in the report.