High-G Magnetic Capture System

High-g testing through controlled deceleration has proven to be a key to the successful development of electronics that must survive gun launch. The need for this type of testing is expected to continue as the Army is driven to greater precision to reduce collateral damage, with several programs pursuing advanced Precision Guided Munitions (PGMs) and improved fuzing technology. The objective of this project is to develop Sierra Lobo"s magnetic capture technology to produce controlled deceleration events that meet the needs of the PGM test programs. Magnetic capture has the advantages of simplicity, low maintenance costs, high repetition rates, and predictable performance. This technology can improve the fidelity of testing and expand its applicability by enabling a deceleration profile to be conveniently programmed. In Phase I, modeling was used to verify applicability of the technology to the Army Research Laboratory"s (ARL"s) requirements, and a setup for developmental testing was designed and fabricated. During Phase II a magnetic capture system will be delivered to ARL. Extensive testing of the system before delivery will generate refined operating procedures that minimize both operating costs and the time that personnel must spend preparing for high-g simulations.