Patent ID: 7730821

Claim:
An electromagnetic launcher comprising: a trunnion having an axis; a carriage supported on the trunnion; an electromagnetic launcher housing having a breech and a muzzle, the electromagnetic launcher housing being slidably supported in the carriage; first and second electrical contacts mounted in the carriage, the first and second contacts being electrically connectable to receive electrical power from an electrical power supply; first and second augmentation conductors electrically connected to the first and second electrical contacts and located between the breech and the first and second electrical contacts when the electromagnetic launcher housing slides within the carriage to a recoiled position; first and second main conductors between the breech and the muzzle; and a current cross-over connection, the current cross-over connection electrically connecting the first and second augmentation conductors with the first and second main conductors, respectively; wherein, during launching of a projectile, the first and second augmentation conductors apply a force to the projectile that is directed toward the muzzle in a region between the breech and the first and second electrical contacts.