_-_1.jpg)
The US Office of Naval Research (ONR) has integrated two prototype electro-magnetic (EM) railgun weapons on the joint high-speed vessel (JHSV) USS Millinocket, at the Naval Base San Diego.
Until now, the prototypes had been tested and fired in a lab setting.
Scheduled for testing in a maritime environment in 2016, the prototypes, developed by BAE Systems and General Atomics, will undergo at-sea demonstrations, marking a significant step forward in naval combat for the US Navy.
Launched at high velocities to accomplish greater ranges than traditional guns, the projectiles sustain sufficient kinetic energy, while eliminating the requirement of a high explosive payload when they reach the target.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataEach projectile costs approximately $25,000, which is 100 times less than a traditional missile.
See Also:
EM weapons, which are capable of firing a projectile at seven times the speed of sound (5,000mph) at a range of up to 110nm, use an electromagnetic force called the Lorenz Force to rapidly accelerate and launch a projectile between two conductive rails.
Furthermore, they can deal with multiple threats, including enemy warships, small boats, aircraft, missiles and land-based targets.
Railguns, which complement the existing kinetic weapons, are activated only when an electrical pulse is sent across metal rails to create an electromagnetic force.
Image: USNS Spearhead (JHSV-1) during sea trials. Photo: courtesy of the US Navy.
