News

US Navy’s electromagnetic railgun ready for operational demonstrations

The Office of Naval Research has announced that the Navy’s electromagnetic railgun is ready for field demonstrations.

Initial rep-rate fires (repetition rate of fires) of multi-shot salvos already have been successfully conducted at low muzzle energy. The next test sequence requires safely increasing launch energy, firing rates and salvo size.

Instead of using traditional gunpowder or other chemical propellants, the revolutionary railgun relies on a massive electrical pulse to launch projectiles at distances over 100 nautical miles—and at speeds that exceed Mach 6, or six times the speed of sound. That velocity allows projectiles to rely on kinetic energy for maximum effect, and reduces the amount of high explosives needed on ships.

The demonstrations will be carried out at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division’s new railgun Rep-Rate Test Site at Terminal Range.

Dr. Thomas Beutner, Head of ONR’s Naval Air Warfare and Weapons Department, said: “Railguns and other directed-energy weapons are the future of maritime superiority. The U.S. Navy must be the first to field this leap-ahead technology and maintain the advantage over our adversaries.

“The railgun will be an effective deterrent against growing and increasingly complex threats,” said Beutner. “Its power level surpasses traditional gun technology, and it reduces explosive ship-board risks to Sailors and Marines at sea.” 

If you would like to join our community and read more articles like this then please click here

The post US Navy’s electromagnetic railgun ready for operational demonstrations appeared first on Defence Online.

 

Who are we?

From publishing the first national directory of public sector contracts, to being the first to market with our online Tracker solution, we have been the true pioneers of technology and innovation in the public sector marketplace. Throughout our 39 years, we have continued to evolve and chart new territory – placing our customers at the heart of everything we do. Take your business to the next level with Tracker now.

If you request a demo today!

Download your Free UK Defence Industry Report

Start Your Free Trial Today

Download your Free UK Defence Industry Report

Download your Free UK Defence Industry Report

When you sign up for a 3 day free trial or demo.

Limited time only

    BiP Solutions owns DCI and we look after your details carefully. We offer a range of products, services and events (some of which are free) that help buyers tender more efficiently and suppliers find, bid for and win public and private sector contracts. Only tick this box if you wish to receive information about these. We will never share your details with third parties and you will have the opportunity of opting out of communications every time we contact you. For further details, please see our Privacy Policy