Abstract
The ERA scheme being studied at the University of Maryland with collaboration of NRL and NBS involves the formation of the electron ring in a static rather than pulsed magnetic field. The main technical features, present status of the project and future plans are reviewed. Preliminary experimental studies with a 2 MeV injector are being carried out at NBS. A 5-MeV injector will be built by NRL. Extensive theoretical investigations have been carried out and design work for the compressor and expansion-acceleration system is in progress.