Firestorm Omega - Repeating Combustion

[FiveseveN]

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.

[Tom]

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

[FiveseveN]

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.

[trollhameran]

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

[psycix]

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.

[STHORNE]

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!

[Fnord]

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.

[jrrdw]

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.

[From_Hamsterdam]

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

[starman]

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.

[jook13]

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.

[THUNDERLORD]

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)