Recordbreaking Prototype Rail Gun!

[Spidermew]

Quote from AOL News

The Navy's New Super Gun ExplainedDec 14, 2010 – 4:27 PM
Sharon Weinberger
(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.


Here's a primer on the rail gun.

What is a rail gun and how does it work?

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.

[Dead Phoenix]

when I think rail gun I think metal gear solid. You know what of metal gear stuff is starting to become real.
The electromagnetic rail gun, stealth camo, more exoskeletons being developed (big big like a giant robot imo) But they are trying to shrink the exoskeleton so it doesn't become a problem. Sensors that read micro chips on you and open doors. I saw something like that on the Military channle. Bipedal robots. Do you think a bipedal tank could be next? 

[Spidermew]

I think a quadraped tank would be more likely.

4 legs, one big rail gun, and some extra mechine guns and/or flame throwers.

With 4 legs, you could better stablize a massive railgun, and then angle it for differnt kinds of shots.

[Dead Phoenix]

I think a quadraped tank would be more likely.

4 legs, one big rail gun, and some extra mechine guns and/or flame throwers.

With 4 legs, you could better stablize a massive railgun, and then angle it for differnt kinds of shots.

 So something like Crying Wolf? Just unmanned. That would be interesting to see in real life. Scary, but cool.

[Spidermew]

Yeah, or a massive maned version, something along the size of a voltron lion.
That would be awsome.

[Tha Lando ( Le CROM )]

Yeah, or a massive maned version, something along the size of a voltron lion.
That would be awsome.

Man if i saw that in real, i would be both hyped and scared to death at the same time if it was voltron Lion size.
* imagininging all the carnage i would cause if i was in the cocpit ...... )