Navy will install electromagnetic railgun, launch projectiles at 5,000 mph

In just about two years, the U.S. Navy will install a prototype electromagnetic (EM) railgun in a high-speed vessel. This will mark the first time an electromagnetic railgun will be tested at sea.

One of two Office of Naval Research Electromagnetic Railgun industry prototype launchers. (U.S. Navy photo by John F. Williams)

How does an electromagnetic railgun work?

EM railgun technology uses an electromagnetic force called the Lorenz Force to launch missiles and bullets between two conductive rails. Since the projectiles are launched at such high velocities, they can achieve greater ranges than regular guns.

Comprising a mount, power supply, and three otherlarge components, the railgun can maintain enough kinetic energy that it doesn’t need any high explosive payload when it does reach its target.

The new weapon is expected to be lethal against threats such as enemy warships, small boats, aircraft, missiles, and land-based targets.

“The electromagnetic railgun represents an incredible new offensive capability for the U.S. Navy. This capability will allow us to effectively counter a wide range of threats at a relatively low cost, while keeping our ships and sailors safer by removing the need to carry as many high-explosive weapons,” Rear Adm. Bryant Fuller, Navy Chief Engineer.

The weapons are less expensive than similar missile engagements. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, each projectile is about $25,000, 1/100th of the price of a conventional missile.

The tests will help the Navy determine how they need to improve their ships before they can fully integrate such technology. 

The final system will be able to launch guided multi-mission projectiles to a range of 11 nautical miles.

For the first time, this July the Navy will unveil the weapon to the public at the San Diego Naval Base aboard the Joint High Speed Vessel Millinocket (the ship the Navy will conduct the test on in 2016). The ship was chosen based on its broad flight deck that can house the weapon.

The science behind a railgun is explained in the video below.

For more information, visit the U.S. Navy’s website.