Electronic firing refers to the use of an electric current to fire acartridge instead of acenterfire primer orrimfire primer.[1]
In modernfirearm designs, afiring pin andprimer are used to ignite thepropellant in thecartridge which propels thebullet forward. The firing pin must travel a short distance, creating ashort delay between the user pulling thetrigger and the weapon firing, which generally decreases accuracy.
However, in an electronic-firearm, an electric current instead ofconventional mechanical action is used to ignite the propellant which fires the projectile.[2]
There are two approaches to electrically firing the cartridge. One method retains the primer, which functions analogously as a conventional primer. However, rather than being struck by a firing pin or by equivalent mechanical means, anelectric current serves to detonate the primer. After which, the provided action delivers the thermal impulse necessary to ignite the propellant, which thendeflagrates, producing pressure. The second approach is calledelectrothermal-chemical technology which utilizes a plasma cartridge. In this mechanism, an electric current is used to generateplasma that ignites the propellant in a controlled manner.
Electronic firing is also used in aircraft autocannons and ammunition as they are more resistant to jamming in high g environments.
