Electromagnetic (EM) weapon system integration into combat vehicles

Weapon system effectiveness analysis (WSEA) was conducted to create a map of the operational window for a cannon caliber type EM gun. For a 0.9 probability of hit, with a 0.5 mm round-to-round dispersion, the number of rounds per engagement is determined as a function of range for a variety of mission scenarios. This information was then used to generate functional maps for prime power and thermal management for the EM weapon system. A point design was selected to investigate integration issues into combat vehicles. Using the advanced amphibious assault vehicle (AAAV) as a baseline, more detailed analysis was performed to assess integration of EM weapon systems into combat vehicles. Both electrical and mechanical drive configurations were considered. The analysis considered thermal losses and determined incremental size increases to existing vehicle cooling systems, while staying within vehicle prime power constraints for land mobility. Viable engineering concepts have been created that show the feasibility of EM weapon system integration into combat vehicles.< >