By Bill Christensen
In his 1955 novel Earthlight, science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke thought of an incredible superweapon that used giant electromagnets to shoot a stream of molten metal at lightning speed. Now, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) wants one for America's military.
They are calling it MAHEM, which stands for Magneto Hydrodynamic Explosive Munition. The intent is to create a device that creates a powerful enough electromagnetic field to propel streams of molten metal at enemy armor. If it works, the device will be a big improvement on a technology that got its start in World War II — the self-forging penetrator.
Self-forging penetrators, as they are currently used, result from a conventional chemical explosion directed against a specially-shaped metal liner. When the device is set off, the blast causes the metal liner to achieve a new shape, suitable for penetrating deep into even moderately armored vehicles, and driven forward at a high velocity. The technology dates back to WWII.MORE
DARPA Works to Perfect Self-Forging, High-Velocity 'Spears'
In his 1955 novel Earthlight, science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke thought of an incredible superweapon that used giant electromagnets to shoot a stream of molten metal at lightning speed. Now, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) wants one for America's military.
They are calling it MAHEM, which stands for Magneto Hydrodynamic Explosive Munition. The intent is to create a device that creates a powerful enough electromagnetic field to propel streams of molten metal at enemy armor. If it works, the device will be a big improvement on a technology that got its start in World War II — the self-forging penetrator.
Self-forging penetrators, as they are currently used, result from a conventional chemical explosion directed against a specially-shaped metal liner. When the device is set off, the blast causes the metal liner to achieve a new shape, suitable for penetrating deep into even moderately armored vehicles, and driven forward at a high velocity. The technology dates back to WWII.
This kind of weapon can be highly effective (it is currently being used against troops in Iraq). The drawbacks of this kind of weapon from the standpoint of US military planners is that they are one-time-use weapons, and cannot efficiently form multiple SFPs from a single charge.
If it is possible to use a powerful electromagnet to accelerate a molten jet of metal, it could overcome the drawbacks mentioned above, and even achieve higher velocities and better targeting. DARPA hopes that it could provide the following capabilities:
"This could provide the warfighter with a means to address stressing missions such as: lightweight active self-protection for vehicles (potential defeat mechanism for a kinetic energy round), counter armor (passive, reactive, and active), mine countermeasures, and anti-ship cruise missile final layer of defense."
https://www.space.com/5292-darpa-works-perfect-forging-high-velocity-spears.html
