Combustion light gas gun

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Conventional guns use relatively high molecular weight solid propellant. The propellant is ignited; burns, expands, and propels the projectile out of the barrel. A combustion light gas gun (CLGG) uses low molecular weight gas as propellant. The gases are ignited, burn, expand and propel the projectile out of the barrel with higher efficiency relative to solid propellant. The principal is similar to a light gas gun (LGG).

Further Information

CLGG’s use lower molecular weight gaseous propellants to increase the propellant's specific impulse. Therefore, hydrogen is typically the first choice; however, other propellants like methane can be used.

Utron currently has the only known weaponizable CLGG. Utron Inc. will have a system ready in the near term for long-range naval fire support, for emerging ships like the Zumwalt-class destroyer (DD(x) or DDG-1000). The U.S. Navy desires artillery with 100 mile plus ranges to replace their current 17-mile range artillery to better support the U.S. Marine Corps and other forces. The CLGG is easily capable of providing such ranges. Utron Inc. has built and tested a 45 mm CLGG and a 155 mm CLGG. Videos of the 155 mm CLGG can be seen at www.utroninc.com [1]. Army applications of the technology are also under consideration.

Paul Darst of the State Journal wrote the article “Cutting Edge, High Velocity” on Thursday, February 15, 2007 about the combustion light gas gun. [2]