Hybrid Variable Velocity Electric Gun

Tanner Research will develop and demonstrate a prototype electric gun utilizing water as a working fluid. The baseline hybrid electric gun will be adapted from a compact high energy kinetic plasma generation technology available at Tanner, modified for the larger projectile velocity requirements of the solicitation. Specifically, the R & D work will focus on expanding the performance of the Phase I prototype from greater than 900 fps to accelerating a ~42gram projectile mass to greater than 3500fps. In Phase II, Tanner Research will demonstrate that the consistent and repeatable performance of Tanner"s proprietary technology can be scaled from its current state for use at higher stored energies. Performance of the prototype will be compared to the current state-of-the-art, where useful performance trends have already been developed. Design optimizations will be identified for the Phase III contract extension and development into a TRL 5 brass board prototype. Tanner will utilize COTS integration strategies to realize the needed size, weight, power, electrical energy storage and operational range requirements whenever possible.