This paper assesses the suitability of the moving coil actuator for use as an ultra-fast, long stroke linear drive for HVDC breaker applications. With the help of FEA, a sensitivity analysis of the actuator is conducted in order to better understand how the different design parameters affect the actuator performance. Based on this assessment a high performance actuator design has been implemented using FEA software. Simulation results show the suitability of the moving coil design as an ultra-fast linear driver. Efficiency of the proposed moving-coil design has been calculated and shows a remarkable advantage over other high speed actuator designs.