Laser Ignition in Guns, Howitzers and Tanks: The LIGHT Program

Description

(Остин В. Барровс, Брэд Э. Форш, Ричард А. Байер, Артур Коэн, Джойс Е. Ньюбени. Лазерное воспламенение в артиллерийских орудиях, гаубицах и танковых пушках: программа LIGHT).Report. - Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD: U.S. Army Research Laboratory. 1993. – 33 р.Recent advances in large-caliber gun propulsion systems have exacerbated the problems associated with reproducible and reliable ignition. The use of liquid propellant in the Advanced Field Artillery System (AFAS) 155-mm howitzer, multicomponent Unicharge in 155-mm howitzers and two-piece ammunition in the Advanced Tank Cannon System (ATACS) 140-mm tank gun introduce new constraints on the ability of conventional primers and igniter materials to achieve reliable ignition. In response to these challenges a new program entitled Laser Ignition in Guns, Howitzers and Tanks (LIGHT) has been developed. The goals of the program are two-fold and address the concepts of indirect and direct ignition of propelling charges. The short-term goal (indirect laser-based ignition) involves replacement of mechanically autoloaded primers with laser-assisted ignition of igniter material within the propelling charge. The long-term goal (direct laser-based ignition) involves the elimination of all conventional primer and igniter materials from the ignition train and the use of laser radiation distributed through embedded optical fibers to simultaneously (isochronically) ignite the propelling charge. Anticipated benefits include decreased system vulnerability, a reduction in pressure waves for improved system safety and reliability and a potential improvement in performance through programmed and/or temperature compensating ignition.Contents: Introduction. Experimental. Discussion. Blackpowder ignition (unicharge). Blackpowder ignition (atacs) . Direct propellant ignition. LP ignition. Double-laser pulse ignition. Conclusions. References.