TITLE:
Comprehensive Review of Studies on Magnetic Launchers
AUTHORS:
Hakan Citak, Mustafa Coramik, Sabri Bicakci, Huseyin Gunes, Yavuz Ege
KEYWORDS:
Coilgun, Rail-Gun, Maglev
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Electromagnetic Analysis and Applications,
Vol.17 No.7,
July
31,
2025
ABSTRACT: Magnetic launchers provide safer, faster, and lower-friction alternatives to traditional chemical-fuel systems by using innovative principles such as superconducting magnetic levitation, linear motors, and pulsed electromagnetic fields in thrust generation and the control of moving parts. However, magnetic launchers still have not overcome current issues such as efficiency and energy demand, heat management and wear, and control and optimization. This review study aims to present the recent developments—such as magnetic-field optimization, energy-recovery circuits, and artificial-intelligence-based efficiency estimation or control—together with their technical details, by analyzing the current state of different types of magnetic launchers (Maglev Launchers, Coilguns, and Railguns) from 2019 to 2025. In line with this aim, each academic study conducted after 2019 has been compiled and analyzed in terms of launcher type, magnetic-launcher support system, technical characteristics, launch distance, energy consumption, obtained velocity, prominent findings, and additional notes.