Patent ID: 7703373

Claim:
An apparatus for launching a munition, wherein the apparatus comprises: a tube having an outer surface, wherein the tube encircles an armature; a first coil for conducting electric current, wherein the first coil is substantially immovable with respect to the tube, and wherein a portion of the first coil is physically-coupled to the outer surface of the tube; a second coil for conducting electric current, wherein the second coil is substantially immovable with respect to the tube, and wherein a portion of the second coil is physically-coupled to the outer surface of the tube; the armature; and a restraint having a first state and a second state, wherein the restraint couples the munition and the armature when the restraint is in the first state, and wherein the restraint decouples the munition and the armature when the restraint is in the second state; wherein the flow of electric current in at least one of the first coil and the second coil induces the armature to move with respect to the tube and throw the munition.