This research will produce a means of increasing the muzzle velocity of Naval guns that has the lowest risk of any concepts currently known to the research community. In addition the concept will produce very nearly the greatest muzzle energy possible from a given propellant volume. This is all possible because of the integration of two, newly developed propulsion technologies along with new ideas for ignition control and travelling charges for very high velocity projectile launch requirements. Thanks to these multiple, embedded ignition sources within the propellant, the energy release can begin very gradually allowing nearly solid loading densities, assuring the maximum possible energy release from a bulk loaded charge. APTI believes that a very high burn rate (VHBR) propellant or regenerative liquid propellant based in-bore gas generator or "fumer" can provide a very practical, low risk alternative to the yet undemonstrated traveling charge. By supplying make-up gas at the base of the projectile, the projectile base pressure could be tailored for best performance. Ignition of this charge would be delayed until after peak pressure and gas generation rate controlled by means to be discussed. The delay would continue until the projectile had reached a speed that was signifigant relative to the sound speed of the combustion products. Commercial applications share many of the same potential benifits of smart charge technology but with perhaps a greater emphasis on safety. There are three safety features of smart distributed ignition that are currently not possible otherwise: 1)encoded firing signals to prevent unauthorized firing, 2)shunting of active electrical elements while not in use prevents accidental firing from E-M inputs, and 3) electrical mode shaping to produce duding upon request. Elaborate timing and selection sequences are possible for applications such as people-smart airbags that inflate to different levels according to passenger weight or different velocities according to impact speed. Fireworks displays could perhaps be made safer and much more elaborate if coded, more carefully timed igniters were used. Explosive charges made in large monolithic blocks with embedded igniters would be safer to transport and handle than bulk explosives and powdered propellants because of features like structural integrity, reduced exposed surface area, and protective covering.
