Navy to test new rail gun prototype

[jblomenberg16]

Here's a partial explanation for the flame:

"The flames are from pieces of the projectile disintegrating; the 7-pound slug is jammed so firmly between the rails that when it's fired, pieces shear off and ignite in the air."
Navy Tests 32-Megajoule Railgun | Popular Science

http://youtu.be/i1q_rRicAwI

That makes sense. I would venture to say that as this gets closer to production that will be something they address.

 

[jblomenberg16]

Meh...think about starting an electric motor...it's just like that, but instead of spinning around an axis, it goes in a straight line....but very, very fast.

That is a good way to put it. Sort of like the propulsion system for mag-lev trains in a way.

 

[Scutter01]

That makes sense. I would venture to say that as this gets closer to production that will be something they address.

The story in my OP discusses the Navy having taken delivery of the first production prototype, to be tested in the next few weeks. I'm assuming they've got worked out enough to be usable at this point.

 

[easy]

I'm assuming they've got worked out enough to be usable at this point.

Of course they do! Haven't you seen Transformers Revenge of the Fallen?

 

[Scutter01]

Update:

Military Video Captures Destructive Power of Navy

http://youtu.be/-uV1SbEuzFU

 

[wild willy]

Think I found my Next Gun!

http://news.yahoo.com/navy-railgun-tests-leading-ship-superweapon-2020-201003095.html

 

[wild willy]

Discuss

 

[Bane_FTW]

Must be your new EDC ?

 

[INyooper]

Looks pretty impressive ...but can you conceal it???

 

[jgreiner]

http://news.yahoo.com/navy-railgun-tests-leading-ship-superweapon-2020-201003095.html

How many cows does it it take to make the holster for it?

 

[SideArmed]

More discussion and working video.

 

[jeremy]

I had to watch that twice...

 

[jblomenberg16]

Cool...

 

[printcraft]

Is that a sabot round that has yet to release its projectile or are they firing a truck axle?

 

[jblomenberg16]

Is that a sabot round that has yet to release its projectile or are they firing a truck axle?

The official name is "Improvised battle field projectile".

 

[jeremy]

Is that a sabot round that has yet to release its projectile or are they firing a truck axle?

I think it is just a big hunk of metal...







I may need a tissue....

 

[Scutter01]

Is that a sabot round that has yet to release its projectile or are they firing a truck axle?

According to the article, they're shooting flat-headed dummy rounds to prevent a stray shot from causing any incidents.

In fact, the Navy has been using non-aerodynamic rounds on purpose in tests so that a round doesn't go off-range and smash through a neighboring town or interstate.

 

[snapping turtle]

Tesla would be very proud

New Navy Railgun Tests Leading to Ship Superweapon by 2020 - Yahoo! News

Hit a target 100 miles away without gunpowder.

 

[gunluvr]

I think Fobus makes a holster for it.

 

[atvdave]

Navy RailGun

I want one...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uV1SbEuzFU&feature=player_embedded