// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Railgun
A railgun is a weapon system that uses powerful electromagnetic forces, rather than chemical propellants, to launch a projectile at extremely high velocities. It works by sending a large electric current through two parallel rails, creating a magnetic field that propels a conductive slug.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A railgun is an advanced electromagnetic projectile launcher utilizing Lorentz forces, generated by a high electric current passed through two parallel conductive rails and a sliding armature, to accelerate a non-explosive kinetic energy projectile to hypersonic velocities for military applications such as naval artillery and anti-missile defense.
BACKGROUND
A railgun or rail gun, sometimes referred to as a rail cannon, is a linear motor device, typically designed as a ranged weapon, that uses electromagnetic force to launch high-velocity projectiles. The projectile normally does not contain explosives, instead relying on the projectile's high kinetic energy to inflict damage. The railgun uses a pair of parallel rail-shaped conductors, along which a sliding projectile called an armature is accelerated by the electromagnetic effects of a current that flows down one rail, into the armature and then back along the other rail. It is based on principles similar to those of the homopolar motor.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Electromagnetic gun
- EM gun
- Linear motor gun
- Mass driver (electromagnetic type)
USAGE NOTE
Railguns are primarily in the research and development phase for military applications, particularly for naval vessels, offering potential advantages in projectile speed, range, and munition storage safety.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Railgun.
A leading developer of advanced electromagnetic technologies, including pulsed power systems and electromagnetic launch systems (EMALS), which are fundamental to railgun technology. They were a primary contractor for the US Navy's railgun program.
A global defense, aerospace, and security company that was involved in the development of the US Navy's electromagnetic railgun, contributing to the gun system and launcher technology.
A United States Navy research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) laboratory that has been a central hub for the development and testing of electromagnetic railgun technology for naval applications.
The science inside UK defence and security. DSTL explores future weapons technology, including electromagnetic launch systems, as part of the UK's defense research efforts.
A key research institution in China, reportedly at the forefront of the country's electromagnetic railgun development, with significant advancements and testing reported.
A major German defense contractor that has expressed interest and showcased concepts related to advanced artillery and electromagnetic gun technology.
Japan's agency responsible for research and development in defense technology. ATLA has conducted research and development into electromagnetic launch systems and related technologies for future defense applications.