Wave Gun Implementation at the Eglin AFB Aeroballistic Range Facility

The Aeroballistic Range Facility (ARF) at Eglin Air Force Base needs to improve the operational and ballistic characteristics of launchers used in testing aerodynamic configurations in its instrumented range. A high piezometric efficiency is required to reduce acceleration loads exerted on fragile projectiles. It is also desirable to reduce or eliminate shocks in the light gas. A longer barrel also would be beneficial. The launchers are constrained to a total length of approximately 30 ft. The Wave Gun is an ideal candidate for this application in that its inherent characteristics match the ARF requirements. It provides several propulsion pulses to the projectile as it accelerates down the barrel, which significantly increases piezometric efficiency. It employs a short pump tube, allowing for a longer barrel in the confined space available at ARF. The consumables can be incorporated into cartridges, facilitating turnaround. Additional experience with single-shot Wave Gun can lead to improved understanding of its potential for weaponization. A Phase I SBIR program is proposed that will address the specific requirements of ARF, perform interior ballistic calculations with the AIBAL code which was developed and proven for Wave Gun performance analysis, and produce a design optimized for ARF. The potential utility of existing Wave Gun hardware will be evaluated as part of this effort.