THE IAT ELECTROMAGNETIC LAUNCH RESEARCH FACILITY

A new electromagnetic launcher research facility is being constructed at the Institute for Advanced Technology (IAT). IAT is federated with the Army Research Laboratory and The University of Texas at Austin. Th e mission and support for the IAT comes from the U.S. Army. A major ta sk assigned to the IAT is to support the Army's tactical programs in e lectric armaments by conducting long-term basic and applied research i n electrodynamics. The Launch Research Facility is a key element in th is long-term plan. It provides a flexible power system comprising thir teen 1- MJ capacitor banks, an assortment of electromagnetic launcher apparatus designed for research and an extensive set of diagnostic app aratus. The focus of the research activity will be on solid and hybrid armatures, rail-armature interactions, and materials required for ele ctromagnetic launchers.