Evolutionary development of the multi-function 'RAP' explosive operated switching cartridge

The rapidly actuating pyrotechnic (RAP) switch was conceived and developed as an explosive operated switching array utilizing replaceable cartridges to switch very high energy (tens of megajoules) inductive energy storage power supplies for railgun research. The first generation switch was designed to commutate 1.5 MA peak current into a 50 nH railgun breech. By the time the switch cartridge became operational, the state of the art in guns required a switch capable of commutating 2 MA into a 200 nH breech. Novel switch design requirements include the need for a cartridge array where each cartridge presents an almost identically low inductance between the switch and load, each cartridge to contain both closing and opening circuit functions with individual firing controls, explosive debris to be self-contained within the cartridge, and cartridges to be quickly reloaded into the array.< >