Electronic firing

Electronic firing refers to the use of an electric current to fire a cartridge, instead of a percussion cap.

In modern firearm designs, a firing pin and percussion cap 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 as soon as the trigger is pulled.

Electrically primed small arms cartridges retain 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.

See also

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