This paper describes the culmination of a research
activity intended to demonstrate unequivocally that in a launcher,
electrostatic to kinetic energy conversion can be achieved with an
efficiency exceeding 50%. Two numerical models are presented, with the
first of these being a fast and simple method of establishing the optimum
launcher design. The second model is based on detailed filamentary
considerations, and for the first time highlights the various factors that
limit the global efficiency. Results from the detailed modelling are shown
to be in very good agreement with experimentally obtained data.