The Navy has tested one of two new prototype railguns, which can be seen in the video below, and the railgun is a 32 megajoule prototype weapon which has been made by BAE systems, and the device has been fired six times in the last week.
The rounds fired by the gun are only test shots, “non-aerodynamic slugs intended to slow down quickly,” said Tom Boucher, the Navy’s railgun test director at Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren, Va. “But eventually the program intends to fire a very low-drag, high-speed projectile.”
Understanding the Railgun Technology
The railgun represents a significant leap in military technology. Unlike traditional firearms that use chemical propellants to launch projectiles, railguns utilize electromagnetic forces. The 32 megajoule prototype developed by BAE Systems is capable of launching projectiles at speeds exceeding Mach 6, which is over six times the speed of sound. This incredible velocity allows the railgun to hit targets with unprecedented precision and force, making it a formidable weapon on the battlefield.
The railgun operates by generating a powerful electromagnetic field between two conductive rails. When a conductive projectile is placed between these rails, the electromagnetic field propels it forward at extreme speeds. This method of propulsion eliminates the need for explosive propellants, reducing the risk of onboard explosions and making ammunition storage safer.
Potential Applications and Future Developments
The Navy’s railgun has the potential to revolutionize naval warfare. One of the most promising applications is in missile defense. The high-speed projectiles fired by the railgun can intercept and destroy incoming missiles more effectively than traditional missile defense systems. Additionally, the railgun’s long range and high accuracy make it ideal for targeting enemy ships and land-based targets from a safe distance.
Another significant advantage of the railgun is its cost-effectiveness. Traditional missiles are expensive, often costing millions of dollars per unit. In contrast, the projectiles used by the railgun are relatively inexpensive, potentially saving the military billions of dollars in the long run.
The Navy’s current tests are focused on refining the technology and improving the performance of the railgun. Future developments may include increasing the firing rate, enhancing the durability of the rails, and developing more aerodynamic projectiles to maximize range and accuracy. The ultimate goal is to integrate the railgun into naval vessels, providing them with a powerful new weapon to enhance their combat capabilities.
You can find out more information about the Navy Railgun over at the .
Source Technabob
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