Electronic firing

Electronic firing refers to the use of an electric current to fire a cartridge instead of a centerfire primer or rimfire primer.

In modern firearm designs, a firing pin and primer are used to ignite the propellant in the cartridge which propels the bullet forward. The firing pin must travel a short distance, creating a short delay (lock time) between the user pulling the trigger and the weapon firing, which generally decreases accuracy.

In an electronic-fired firearm, however, an electric current is used instead to ignite the propellant, which fires the cartridge.^[1]

There are two approaches to electrically fire the cartridge. One method used retains the primer which functions in the same way as a conventional primer. Rather than being struck by a firing pin or equivalent mechanical means, a small electric current serves to detonate the primer which provides the thermal impulse necessary to ignite the propellant which then deflagrates, producing pressure. The second approach, called (ETC technology) utilizes a plasma cartridge. It uses electric current to generate a plasma that ignites the propellant in a controlled manner.

Examples

• Heckler & Koch P11
• Remington Model 700 EtronX
• M61 Vulcan
• L118 light gun

See also

• Electrothermal-chemical technology
• Voere VEC-91
• Metal Storm Limited

References