Electromagnetic Energy Naval Rail Gun

(Dec. 14) -- The world's most powerful gun is one step closer to becoming the super-weapon of the future.

The Navy on Friday demonstrated a record-setting 33-megajoule shot from its developmental electromagnetic rail gun, a weapon that will be able to shoot farther than conventional guns. This weapon of the future could someday go on U.S. Navy ships, but for right now, it's a science and technology project.

Normally, a ship-based weapon would require gunpowder or a rocket boost to shoot projectiles, but the electromagnetic gun is powered by an electric pulse generated by the ship. Since the projectiles travel at speeds of more than seven times the speed of sound, they don't even require high explosives to pack a big punch: The kinetic energy of the projectile is more than enough to create a lethal effect.

Why does the Navy want it? Range and speed make the rail gun a particularly attractive weapon for the Navy, though other advantages include its accuracy and safety onboard a ship (because it doesn't require high explosives). "The 33-megajoule shot means the Navy can fire projectiles at least 110 nautical miles (126 miles), placing sailors and Marines at a safe standoff distance and out of harm's way, and the high velocities achievable are tactically relevant for air and missile defense," Rear Adm. Nevin Carr, chief of naval research, said in a release announcing the latest test.

How much does it cost? The Navy has budgeted about $250 million for the development of the prototype rail gun. It's impossible to say how much the final system would cost to buy. As with any new weapon system, the price tag is likely to be high, but advocates for the rail gun point out the projectiles would be cheaper than conventional missiles and ammunition.

When will the weapon be used on a ship? Not anytime soon. The Navy projects it won't be ready until sometime in the 2020 to 2025 time range, and that assumes the Navy pursues it beyond the prototype.
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