not necessary application_number US 84108286 A description the invention involves a means for self switching an electromagnetic launcher for rapid repetitive operation various constructions using such means are possible one of which is shown in fig1 side view in accordance with the invention one projectile 10 is accelerated toward the muzzle 12 and a stack of projectiles 14 separated by switches 16 are supplied at the breech end 26 the rails 18 are fed by a current source 20 with some inductance 22 in series with the source 20 and the rails 18 a voltage source with series impedance would work in the manner discussed by barber et al a voltage between the rails 18 is low such that the projectile being accelerated pba presents a low impedance path for current flowing in opposite directions in the two rails 18 as the pba 10 leaves the muzzle 12 an arc is formed and the rail to rail voltage increases because of the decreasing current in the inductive circuit l di dt or inductive 34 kick 34 when the breakdown voltage of the switch 16 or insulating layer between the rails 18 and the bottom projectile 14 at the breech end 26 is reached a current path is formed to that projectile 14 i e a circuit path is closed in the manne of a switch which is now accelerated the remainder of the projectiles 14 are stacked to be advanced toward the rails 18 by a spring force for example and the process repeats without any switching or other control being required in the external circuit for example the current in inductor 22 need not be depleted before a.