Military Weapons & Rare Earth Magnets Used In Defense Applications
The United States military considers rare earth magnets, namely samarium cobalt and neodymium magnets, to be a key resource for defense and attack applications. That means they’re willing to spend an exorbitant amount of money to stay “on top” in terms of military defense and performance in the eyes of the world.
Samarium Cobalt & Neodymium Magnets
As mentioned, the military is primarily working with two types of rare earth magnets: samarium cobalt and neodymium. Let’s start with samarium cobalt magnets. They have high coercivity, are resistant to demagnetization, and remain stable in extreme temperatures (ranging from -55°C to 300°C) and pressures. They are primarily used for guided missiles, satellite guided “smart bombs,” and aircrafts, including fighter jets. Other ways samarium cobalt magnets are used in the military:- Flow regulators
- Speed sensors
- Air compressors
- Gauges
- Radar and sonar systems
- Detecting fluid rates
- Satellite communications
- Making fuel pumps