SpudFiles

I wanted to surprise everybody by keeping it a secret and building it myself but it's been more than 6 months since its inception and I still haven't found time for the build. So I'm releasing the idea, hoping that someone would find it interesting enough to give it a try.
Hopefully the animation and sketches are clear enough; fuel is provided by a butane spray because its valve fits well within the design, but it could be adapted for other fueling systems. The ignition system is not pictured, since anything from a BBQ ingiter to a stun gun could be used.

In case you're wondering, the name is related to a particular use I conceived for this launcher. I would break the rules by describing it in detail, but if you've played C&C Generals on China's side you'd know where I'm going with this. There is also a Firestorm Alpha, which is a handheld launcher that I've yet to develop.



PS: Updated animation: revision 1.

I think it's going to be a hell of a job to get the fuel meter working right, but I still like the idea. BTW nice flash animation .
G's from the Dutch, Tom

By the way, take a peek at the new AFD wesite, if you feel like seeing my other projects.
Yes, a good IBL never hurts.

awesome design man, looks like it would work well if it was built

Hmm, it COULD work, but I think its hard to build it. Especially the fuel meater (duh)
And I the animation is an error. When firering you can see that there is a cap at the front of the projectile. It wont get accelerated and gasses will blow out the barrel.
But ofcourse this is a thing that can be taken care of.
If it really was a problem you could also mount a rod in the chamber to push the projectile somewhat into the barrel.

Very nice work.. Looks plausible if you have the time, divotion, and money to build it but yeah, I would have to agree with psycix on the gasses being blown out of the barrel. But otherwise, its a very good design.

Nice job!

Keep in mind you'll still have some spent exhaust gasses in the barrel when you drag air in through it. It's not a big deal, it just means you'll need a couple strategically placed check-valves.

Come to think of it, it seems about time I joined the semi-auto combustion race. I have a design I've always wanted to try, but never had the facilities to do it until recently.

Getting the fuel to mix well enough would present a problem as well. Some one will come up with the fix, this idea is totaly doable!! Great thinking.

Great idea, you might want to re direct the exhaust in case some leaked gas ignites your face.

Nice concept! I think the gas evacuation could be accomplished with an accompanying compressed air system. I could see a 2 or 3 second blast of say 30 psi air to clear the chamber, load the projectile/ turn off the air, inject the fuel, ready to fire. You could have a fan that just ran all the time for mixing.

Either that or inject a metered amount of O2 with the fuel, not worrying about spent gases.

Now you'll need some solenoid driven valves and pressure sensors (variable setting prob best) and you could fashion a metering system.

I love a lot of the concept. Especially how it vents with each reload. So much of it works well in a cohesive design. I do agree it would be tough to build, but that is just naysaying. It would be possible with the right materiels.

FiveseveN wrote:I wanted to surprise everybody by keeping it a secret and building it myself but it's been more than 6 months since its inception and I still haven't found time for the build. So I'm releasing the idea, hoping that someone would find it interesting enough to give it a try.

I know how that goes.
Great animation and sketches. I really like the AMC on your personal webpage too. You could post it here too maybe if it's not already.

I've been thinking about a design very similar only, with the bolt moving forward by the pressure of the gas/oxidizer against it.

BTW I just realized I've been calling the "Metal Storm" concept the "Firestorm" for some reason.(Ooops)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqW5bG2M3x4&NR=1 andhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DRmuljq ... re=related 8) Thanks for sharing that FiveseveN and I hope to see more. 8)