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 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.

There are two approaches to electrically fire the cartridge. One method uses 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

See also

• Electrothermal-chemical technology
• Firearms
• Cartridges
• Voere VEC-91
• Metal Storm Limited
• M61 Vulcan