Railgun technology is based on achieving mechanical motion with electrical energy. Unlike weapon systems that operate with traditional explosives like gunpowder, high-speed launching is achieved with electromagnetic forces. This technology has potential in scientific applications as well as in the defense industry.

Working Principle

A Railgun consists of two parallel conductive rails and a conductive projectile (armature) located between these rails. When electrical energy is applied to the system, a high current flows along the rails, and this current is completed through the conductor to which the projectile is attached. Thus, a magnetic field is formed in the system, and due to the interaction of this field with the flowing current, the Lorentz force emerges.

This force is defined by the following formula:

$F =L ⋅(I ×B)$

Here:

$F$: Force (Newton - N)

$L$: Length of the conductor (or a vector indicating its direction in meter)

$I$: Current passing through the conductor (Ampere - A)

$B$: Magnetic field (Tesla - T)

$\times$: Vector product (cross product)

This force accelerates the projectile forward along the rails.

Design Components

Rails

Rails are the main components that provide electrical energy transfer to the projectile and also generate electromagnetic force. Copper or copper alloys are generally used for high conductivity and erosion resistance. Rails erode with each shot and, therefore, have a limited lifespan.

Armature (Intermediate Part / Projectile)

The projectile is part of the electrical circuit completed by the system as it moves between the rails. There are two types of armatures: solid armature (metal part) and plasma armature (conductive gas mass). Plasma-type armatures can reduce wear on the rails but have higher energy loss.

Energy Source

Railgun systems are typically powered by high-energy storage systems such as capacitor banks.

Engineering and Physical Parameters

Electrical Parameters

Important electrical parameters for system efficiency are:

• Current density: The magnitude of the current flowing through the rails and armature.
• Inductance: Depends on the magnetic fields formed between circuit components.
• Resistance: Varies according to material properties and contact surfaces.

Low-resistance rail and armature materials should be preferred for high efficiency.

Geometric Factors

Rail length, armature size, and distance between rails are decisive for the projectile's acceleration time and final velocity. Longer rails can increase the projectile's speed by providing longer acceleration.

Thermal Management

With each shot, the rails and armature generate a large amount of heat. This heat can lead to melting, deformation, and micro-cracks on the rail surfaces. Cooling systems are critical in extending system life.

Application Examples: Aselsan Tufan

The Tufan electromagnetic gun system developed by Aselsan is one of the first systems developed on railgun technology in Türkiye. The prototype of this system offers high precision and silent firing capability with electromagnetic launch. Tufan is designed to be integrated into both land and naval platforms.

^{Tufan (Aselsan)}