Refractory Metal Coating for Electromagnetic Launcher Rails

Electromagnetic launchers or rail guns are a key component of the Navy’s all-electric ship of the future, but they lack the durability required for repeated firings. TDA Research and the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) are developing a tough, durable and conductive refractory metal coating that will protect the copper alloy conductors (rails) from the extreme heat and wear conditions inside the barrel. Our thin, continuous coating will be cost effective to apply to large components and will greatly increase the effective lifetime of rail gun components, one of the key challenges that today prevent the shipboard deployment of rail gun systems.