Navy Railgun Unveils “Weapon of the Future”, Height of “Star Wars” Technology


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The U.S. Navy has unveiled what they call “the Weapon of the Future.” The electromagnetic railgun is the latest in weapon development.

The fires projectiles using electricity and magnetic fields framed by two rails. The new weapon can launch projectiles that travel at an astounding 4,500 miles per hour.

Using its extreme speed on impact, the kinetic energy warhead eliminates the hazards of high explosives in the ship and unexploded ordnance on the battlefield.”

The railgun is a true warfighter game changer. Wide-area coverage, exceptionally quick response and very deep magazines will extend the reach and lethality of ships armed with this technology.”

The Office of Naval Research and Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, has posted a video on the YouTube page of the Office of Naval Research that shows the railgun’s first shot on November 17, 2016. The cannon can be seen firing in various directions.

In discussing the project in 2014, former Rear Admiral Matt Klunder pondered how enemies will react to the introduction of the railgun. At the time, he was chief of Naval Research.

It will give our adversaries a huge moment of pause to go: ‘Do I even want to go engage a naval ship?’ Frankly, we think it might be the right time for them to know what we’ve been doing behind closed doors in a ‘Star Wars’ fashion. It’s now reality. It’s not science fiction. It’s real and you can look at it.”

Given the velocity of the projectile, even heavily armored targets can be destroyed at a range of up to 125 miles without having to carry a massive stockpile of gunpowder and ammunition aboard ship.

Source: Newsweek

 



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