Uragan-2M Stellarator

The Uragan-2M Stellarator is an advanced magnetic plasma confinement experimental facility operated by the Institute of Plasma Physics at the National Science Center Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology (IPP NSC KIPT) in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Designed to advance the fundamental physics of toroidal confinement systems, Uragan-2M operates as a medium-sized torsatron with an additional toroidal magnetic field. The facility investigates radio-frequency (RF) plasma heating, transport phenomena, and magnetic surface configuration stability. These efforts build upon foundational toroidal research lineages established during early controlled fusion programs such as the Astron E-Layer Concept Proposed under Project Sherwood. Uragan-2M's experimental campaigns explore high-beta plasma equilibria, energy confinement scaling, and wall-plasma interactions under complex helical field geometries. The research contributes empirical validation data for complex magnetic topologies, intersecting with broader plasma dynamics observed across early high-altitude phenomena including Operation Hardtack I. By focusing on non-inductive RF plasma production and ICRF wave heating in multi-helical field systems, the facility provides critical insights into plasma behavior under non-axisymmetric magnetic confinement conditions.