Nb3Sn in 1978: State of the art

Seventeen years after its discovery as the first practical high field superconductor and seven years since it was demonstrated in multifilamentary form, it seems appropriate to ask, "What is the current status of Nb3Sn"? This question is approached from a user's point of view with particular emphasis on the multifilamentary form of Nb3Sn. Data from national laboratories, universities, and conductor manufacturers have been compiled and assessed. The result is a comprehensive picture of past, present, and future conductor types and their properties. Applications of these conductors in magnets are reviewed including both those devices already completed and those which are being proposed and/or constructed at this time. Finally, a summary of ongoing research and development programs is included along with the author's assessment of their impact on future Nb3Sn magnets.